A message from the Chair

GATE Academy is an exciting school for kids who love to learn.  Inquiry-based education works and ignites kids of all ages. A recent graduate told me, "content is everywhere, but it's what you can do with it that counts, and that's what inquiry teaches kids. The students at GATE are so lucky—I learned so much by going there."  

Inquiry applies to life, across the board. Strong artists are inquirers. Notable writers are inquirers. Insightful scientists are inquirers. Inquiry is the stuff of life-long learning and doing.  GATE teaches kids how to ask and listen, investigate, explore, analyze, and communicate, rather than encouraging a rush to memorization or hasty answers and judgments.

GATE Academy's inquiry program is evidence based. Learning to ask one's own questions leads to curiosity and problem-solving. Learning by doing and experimentation—hands on or minds on—leads to stronger comprehension, better retention, and the ability to make deeper cross connections. Learning to communicate and to present well requires constant writing, lots of reading, structured discussion and debate, all accompanied by peer and teacher support. We do these things at GATE.

GATE remains at the forefront of best practices in education. I love the regular health press emphasizing that exercise is the most powerful health prescription known to humankind. GATE has physical education every day of the week. Our kids reap the benefits.  And GATE has been teaching mindfulness to kids for years.  We start every day with a mindful moment.  Learning to be present "here, now" is a powerful tool for life. I am glad that more schools and businesses are embracing mindfulness techniques. Deeply important, GATE is a place where it is safe to explore all different kinds of ideas and facts -- no human problem can be solved without the willingness to understand and question first, foregoing the facile road of quick judgmentalism.

This school is amazing. Motivated kids thrive here. I am honored to serve as GATE's Executive Chair. I treasure our kids, faculty and families who join hands daily to make it all work. 
 
Victoria Talkington
Executive Chair