1964
Gateway Founders
In 1964, a prominent advocate for a child’s right to an education, Martha Bernard, introduced an educator at Columbia University Teachers College to a mother who could not find a school that would accept her son. Building on principles elucidated from her study and her widely acclaimed demonstration classes at Teachers College, Elizabeth Freidus joined forces with Claire Flom to establish The Gateway School of New York. Their mission and vision were to teach bright children who had trouble learning how to learn, to educate their families and the professional community about the nature of learning disabilities, and to develop and disseminate effective instructional approaches and programs for students with special needs.
1965
Gateway's Original Benefactor
In 1965, Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church became Gateway’s original benefactor, agreeing to a minimal rent for generous space in which the school thrived for 36 years.
2003
In 2003, Gateway was the second independent special education school in New York City to be accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools.
2008
In 2008, Gateway opened a Middle School to serve students through 8th grade and moved to its current home at 211 West 61st Street.
2019
Arts Center
February 2019, Gateway undertook the renovation of its facility to create an Arts Center and to accommodate its growing enrollment.
Looking to the Future
The Gateway Difference
February 2021, the Gateway community engaged in a strategic planning process to chart the direction for the school and its community for the next five years. October 2022, Gateway faculty, staff, trustees, and parents, worked in collaboration to map out the next five years in the school’s trajectory as part of their Strategic Plan.