ANNUAL FUND
In private, independent schools, the Annual Fund is a routine source of funding to close the gap between tuition and operating costs. While tuition provides everything a Gateway student needs to receive a meaningful education, the Annual Fund provides enrichments above and beyond what tuition covers.
We ask all of our community members for a meaningful contribution to the Gateway Annual Fund because these gifts provide stability and flexibility in program spending for the current school year. Every student benefits from Annual Fund gifts.
Letter from Head of School:
I am profoundly grateful for our caring community, which has been the foundation of our success. Because of you, Gateway Academy stands proudly as one of Houston’s pioneering schools, fostering independence, exploration, and excellence. In 2006, we embarked on a journey to redefine education for neurodiverse students and young adults. As we enter our 18th year, our commitment to empowering neurodiverse students is stronger than ever.
Neurodiverse high school students often face challenges in accessing tailored employment training and support that aligns with their unique strengths and needs. While these students possess remarkable talents and distinct perspectives, they frequently encounter difficulties in securing the necessary resources and opportunities for a successful transition into the workforce.
Studies have compared neurodiverse and neurotypical adults on social cognition, which involves the ability to understand and navigate the intricate web of cues, interactions, and expectations governing social encounters. The results of the studies have been consistent: no matter the industry, businesses have their own distinctive social and communication norms making it challenging for neurodiverse individuals to grasp implied meanings and unspoken expectations.
To address this, Gateway offers daily social communication classes for all students, along with practical experiences such as weekly community volunteering in 6th-9th grades, group internships focused on culinary skills in 10th-11th grades, and individual internships and paid employment opportunities during their senior year.
Gateway alumna Josie Bergeron summed up our programs perfectly, “Social Communication class and internship taught me how to present myself and make my own goals happen. Three years after graduation, I have completed my degree at HCC and have a job in my field of study!” 95% of our graduates from 2017-2022 went on to pursue higher education and meaningful careers, 100% of our most recent graduating class started careers or continued their education. We take pride in defying conventional norms, fostering our learners’ self-discovery of their unique talents, and empowering them to shape their own futures. For our students, families and the community; we are changing the story.
Your incredible generosity is the driving force behind our ability to offer these life-changing opportunities and programs to our students. With your support, we don’t just provide education; we ignite transformation. We invite you to stand with us once again, as we embark on the 2023-2024 Gateway Annual Fund Campaign—a journey filled with hope, growth, and the promise of brighter futures.
Your support, generosity, and partnership mean the world to us. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey.
With gratitude,
Michele Joseph, EdD
