Gateway is Unlike Most Other Boarding Schools

You are most likely checking out Gateway because you have a boy in crisis. Gateway is designed specifically for that kind of boy. Boys with out-of-control behaviors pose a frightening dilemma for parents. Most parents who contact us have tried counseling and homeschooling, but the behaviors continue (and continue to get more dangerous). Such boys are headed for great difficulty in their life or a very short life.

Gateway works with the most difficult and defiant boys, ages 11-17, bringing about a transformation of their character.  The boys learn respect, integrity and honor in a military-like environment of decorum, responsibility, and a strict regimen.  Academics are a key element of the program, which also focuses on athletics and vocational training. Unlike military schools, the program does not have drill sergeants nor does it force the boys to do drills, but much of the other aspects of military schools are found here that are known to eliminate negative thinking and keep the boys highly-focused on personal goals and their future.

Parents with an out-of-control boy are afraid to do nothing, yet they are frustrated at their lack of options. They live in fear of where their son’s choices may take him, and they watch with dismay the lack of interest in school and too much interest in inappropriate friends. They live on pins and needles, wondering what will happen next. The challenge at hand is to turn their son back to making responsible choices and restoring a healthy, trusting relationship with the family, one that is filled with honesty and communication.

This dilemma is what Gateway was designed to solve. Boys in crisis need an extended break away from their peers and other influences in their life. They need to learn discipline. They need godly mentors in their life and to experience challenges they can conquer that aren’t self-destructive. They need to build their muscles, their mind, and their spirit.

Should you allow us, we accept the challenge to help your son get back on track in life in our Christian boarding school. We also accept the challenge to mentor and coach you, the parent, and help bring healing to your home and your relationship with your son. Our program is designed to bring about change.

“My husband and I just attended our first parent visit weekend at the Gateway Military Academy, and I could not be more impressed. I loved the grounds, the staff, the other parents, and most of the activities. It was extremely well organized.

If you are reading this, you, like me, might have spent months looking for a place to send your troubled teen boy to. Gateway is about as warm and fuzzy as a military-style school can get. If you are looking for a faith-based (Christian) school to send your son to, you really cannot do better than Gateway.

They are all about healing the entire family and expect a lot of family involvement, so if you are looking for a place to dump your son off at and forget about him, this is not the place. If you are looking for a school that will partner with you to help heal your son and your family, look no further; Gateway is it!.” — Lisa (parent of a student)

We’re not new at this. We know what works, and we see lives changed every day. We’re not making robots out of these kids. Instead, we’re building up young men with confidence, who thoughtfully consider their options, having learned that making bad choices leads to bad outcomes. We’re developing leaders of integrity and men of strength from foolish boys who were weak and headed for disaster.

Our disciplined structure focuses on teaching accountability and self-discipline. At home, parents generally want their sons to do their homework and keep their rooms clean. Mastery of the basics provides the first steps up on the ladder of success.

With patience, understanding, and a little tough love, most young men discover more to life than struggling, or sometimes fighting, with those who care about them. This success can be trained. It is not magic.

Most students are surprised to learn that the Gateway is not what they expected. The initial fear of the unknown can be great with new residents, but every student has been there. The anxiety of a different type of school culture plus the adventure of being away from home can be overwhelming at first. This is a shared feeling. But, those students also know that the feeling passes once the system is learned.

We build achievement within each young man at Gateway. Beyond learning discipline, responsibility, and respect, a wide range of opportunities are available at Gateway for young men to discover.

Seldom is there an opportunity for a young man to lead five, ten, twenty, or more peers while in high school. Yet, young men at Gateway can reach positions of responsibility and learn leadership skills, which often transfer to college and the world beyond.

Engaging academics in a structured environment is often easier for most, and it helps young men see a brighter future in terms of applying to college. Challenging a young man while his thoughts are big and his future is open is a wonderful part of what we do at Gateway.

Participation in athletics is strongly encouraged at Gateway. Sports teach teamwork and camaraderie. These are invaluable interpersonal skills for a world absorbed by computers and gadgets. Knowing how to work with others is a critical skill taught by our military school.

Teaching Discipline

Gateway is not a simple path. For faculty, staff, and students, a disciplined school environment is hard work. In the classroom, on the exercise field, and the ranch, the Gateway family strives for the betterment of each student and the restoration of the family.

Over 1,000 boys from every state in America, and some international students, have attended Gateway. Household and farm chores are part of each student’s daily routine. Earning their rank advancements through weekly evaluations and academic hours completed, students move up the level system. They are eligible to travel with ministry teams and sports events away from the campus.

Every Friday afternoon, all students receive applause for advancements in academics as well as their level.

Please take a minute right now to fill in our online inquiry form or call us. We look forward to talking to you. Our boarding school has open enrollment year-round. Should your son be a good fit for our program, he can get started right away. Our academic program is designed to be flexible and allows your son to get caught up, get ahead in school, or prepare for college.