. . . they saw firsthand how economic deficiencies impacted students’ lives and their futures.
In 2015, Clarence and Donna Carter left retirement to found GateWay Boarding Academy (GBA). Troubled by the growing need to correct academic deficiencies of middle and high school male students, the Carters determined to do something to address the problem. As educators—he a principal; she a superintendent of schools—they had for years witnessed firsthand how the problem impacted students’ lives and futures. “We saw the need.”
At the time, 60 percent of high school dropouts were male, so the Carters chose to build a learning program which focused on the male student. They identified deficiencies and provided services, establishing an extra layer of support for public schools while filling the academic gaps—without a financial burden to students’ families.
The Carters adopted an evidence-based, student-centered program with a blended learning approach, combining in-person, small group instruction with reinforcement and continuous assessment. Teachers were hired and trained and began working to move students to grade level proficiency in math and reading. They sponsored and enabled their young boy students to attend youth leadership institutes, several on college campuses, to envision the realm of possibilities ahead for them.
Today, motivation to learn soars at GBA. Teachers, mentors, coaches and volunteers enable students to experience the real-world relevance and importance of academics, especially math and reading, and so much more.