Enrollment+Information

//__ UPDATE - August 14, 2010 __//
== Enrollment is now __closed__ for the upcoming 2010-11 school year. We have enrolled almost 80 student representing at least 9 different elementary schools. We're excited to begin this inaugural school year with such a diverse community of learners. == ==Only families with students currently enrolled at Park Avenue Elementary or the Walnut Street School will have enrollment guaranteed for the 2011-12 school year. All other families must apply for open enrollment admission to the school.==

Please contact Eleanor Shirley, Enrollment Specialist at 242-7707 for necessary paperwork.
==

Enrollment Information for the 2010-11 School Year== The Gateway Secondary School exists primarily to serve the students and families of the IB Primary Years Programmes at __Park Avenue__ and __Walnut Street Schools__. The school will always be small in size compared to other district middle schools. When space is available, the priority for enrollment will go to student and familes enrolled //**in other south region elementary and middle schools**.// The next level of priority would extend to students and families from other parts of the district. Students and families currently enrolled in Northwest and Northeast region schools should contact the principals at either Merrill or Goodrell Middle Schools for information about enrollment in the Middle Years Programmes at those schools first before pursuing enrollment at the Gateway School.

Some things to think about before applying for enrollment:
Gateway Secondary School is a //comprehensive// school. This means that the students will receive instruction in all subject areas at this school. The Gateway student does not have a "home" middle school and then travel to Central by bus. All classes will be held at Central Campus. Students will be involved in the selection of //and delivery of// extra-curriculars and club-type activities.

The Gateway Secondary School will grow by a grade level each year, ultimately serving students through 10th grade.

As a school of choice, no district transportation will be provided for the 2010-11 school year. The school will follow the traditional school year calendar followed by most other district schools and will observe a school day of 8:15 - 3:00 pm.

The Gateway Secondary School will work to become an IB MYP school. Consistent with MYP standards and practices, all students will experience all 8 subject areas of MYP //together as a community of learners//. This means that students in the Gateway School will not attend classes as part of Central Academy's 8th grade program, nor will they be accelerated by "grade levels" in any subjects. Extension in the area of mathematics is the only exception to this, but that extension still takes place as an MYP mathematics course or section. The MYP, as a holistic, adolescent-development model can meet the needs of learners of all abilities and particularly challenge students who may have been identified as gifted and talented due to the depth of study that is encouraged and supported.

The Gateway Secondary School and MYP in general is for //all// students. Students who receive special education services, ELL support, G/T support or other accommodations for their learning are encouraged to become part of the community of learners at Gateway. Proper staffing will be in place to support your learner.

There is no wait-list for the Gateway School. It is predicted that the class composition will be made up of more and more Park Avenue and Walnut Street students each year and that fewer spots will be available for open enrollment.

7th graders for the 2010-11 school year:
There are a small number (10) of enrollment spots available for students who will be 7th graders in the 2010-11 school year. Priorities will be granted to students who currently attend the following schools - Weeks, McCombs, Brody. Students attending other district middle schools may also apply for open enrollment, but will only be admitted if space is available.

6th graders for the 2010-11 school year:
There are a small number (15) of enrollment spots available for students who will be 6th graders in the 2010-11 school year. Priorities will be granted to students who currently attend south region elementary schools. Students attending other district elementary schools may also apply for open enrollment, but will only be admitted if space is available.

Please download the within-district Open Enrollment form here and complete and return to:

Open Enrollment, Student Services

901 Walnut Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

Or Fax Form To: (515) 242-7907  begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (515) 242-7907  end_of_the_skype_highlighting Open Enrollment applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.