TRANSITION PROGRAM

TRANSITION & TRANSITION FAIR

At Gateway Academy, we orient our programs around the belief that every Gateway student, regardless of their differences, has the opportunity to lead a self-sufficient life.

Beyond being an innovative school, we take pride in sharing transition-focused, educational programming and relentlessly connecting the abundance of resources in our community to ensure all families are receiving the very best support for their child now and in the future.

Whether a student is a 6th grader or a young adult, our program begins by acknowledging that we are educating a future adult. Gateway’s core value of self-determination and the skill of self-advocacy are taught and emphasized across the curriculum. Throughout their years at Gateway, students learn which strategies and accommodations are most helpful as they grow academic and social skills. Parents are equipped for this process of growth and transition beginning in middle school where they receive educational programming and resource information. Parents foster greater autonomy in their children, helping them to generalize skills.

Transition Workshop Days
Gateway’s culture of collaboration with parents is even more evident in 10th-11th grade. Transition Workshop Days help students and their parents prepare for the transition to adulthood. Beginning in 10th grade, parents meet annually with the Head of School and members of the Transition Team to discuss their student’s individual transition planning and goals. During Junior year, parents participate in a Gateway program that takes students to visit colleges, adult independent living programs, and vocational programs. Ongoing communication and an open-door policy ensure that parents are adequately heard and supported in the transition planning process.

Gateway Community Transition Fair
Since 2016, Gateway Academy’s one-of-a-kind Transition Fair features programs across Texas and the United States that specifically serve young adults with learning and social differences. Each year, our Transition Fair is attended by approximately 300 participants from our community and features over 40 programs that host booths and network with one another to enhance support to families and young adults.

Programs that host booths cater to students for whom college, adult independent living, and vocational careers are attainable with the proper structure and support. These programs offer young adults, families, educators, and professionals a wealth of information and support students with challenges such as ADHD, autism, mental health challenges, and learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

SAVE THE DATE

January 31, 2025

United Way of Greater Houston
Community Resource Center
50 Waugh Dr.
Houston, TX 77007