Spread over eight classrooms and offering a progressive curriculum tailored to its growing enrollment, Auburn’s newest private school is as mobile as it is versatile.

Such a challenge keeps the school’s founder and facilitator moving ahead, one firm but quick step at a time.

“And the cool thing is it’s always evolving,” said Emily Gomes, her eyes lighting up. “How can we make it better, more interesting?”

For students at Auburn Gateway School and Child Care, each day is an adventure. The independent, nondenominational Christian-values school offers hands-on, experimental learning for kids who excel at their own pace.

Gomes’ cutting-edge school – located on the remodeled Messiah Lutheran Church campus – embraces the Montessori method of student self-directed learning, but with a few twists.

“We work at our own pace. Sometimes its breakneck, other times it is not. And that’s OK, too,” said Gomes, the school’s director of administration. “No child falls through the cracks. … To me, it’s all about (achieving) success in every child.”

Kids are on the go, moving from one curriculum classroom to another, taking on assorted tasks. Situated in learning pods, students seldom sit at a desk all day; instead they follow teachers to the next classroom of activity.

One classroom in particular is called the “immersion room” where students conduct and exchange ever-changing project work. Boys and girls currently are studying the ocean in general and sharks in particular.

They are exposed to leadership skills, problem solving, creativity and technologically current learning.

“Basically in a program like this, the kids become family,” said Lisa Monto, the school’s director of education.

Gomes added: “We meet every child where they are at. … We develop most of our curriculum. … And we’re really proud of our sense of community – the parents, the students and the staff.”

Enrollment is 70 strong, from pre-school to the fourth grade. Gomes said the school likely will grow to about 100 students with the addition of fifth grade next year.

Gateway supports a staff of 16.

Gomes, a mother of three children, with a background in social work, wanted to develop a school designed to meet each student’s needs. One of her children had trouble learning in a private school setting. Looking for other options, she decided to establish a school with a comfortable, family atmosphere in mind.

“Born out of necessity, it became a passion as I worked to make this happen,” Gomes said.

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Class now in session

• Venue: Auburn Gateway School and Child Care

• Class: Meets on two campuses – Messiah Lutheran Church, 410 H St. NE, and Les Gove, 911 12 St. SE

• Services: Part- and full-day programs for boys and girls, pre-kindergarten to the fourth grade

• Information: 253-735-2242, www.auburngateway.com

Contact Auburn Reporter Editor Mark Klaas at mklaas@auburn-reporter.com or 253-833-0218, ext. 5050.

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