Over the past few months there has been a lot of talk about the newest neighborhood school-Gateway Science Academy of St. Louis. I have heard many items discussed that are true as well as many discussions based on false information. Last Thursday I went to the town hall meeting to hear about the school and what they offer. I was excited to learn more about the school and what it can do for our neighborhood. Here are some of the frequently asked questions that I heard at the meeting.

1. Does the Gateway Science Academy (GSA) charge tuition?

This school runs much like a public school and it free to all students.

1. Does GSA provide transportation to the students?

No, parents are required to organize rides for their children to and from school.

1. Who can apply to GSA?

The goal of GSA is to be a neighborhood school. Their first priority will go to students that live in the following zip codes: 63139, 63109, part of 63110 and part of 63143. Parents are encouraged to apply even if they are not in these zip codes because if the school is not full they will accept students from other zip codes.

1. Are there any other activities that the school offers?

GSA will offer a variety of interest clubs after school. These include drama club, cooking club, dance club, choir, guitar, art, green team, student council, yearbook, and a variety of sports. The school would be happy to accept any other ideas. These clubs all run different times from a few weeks to the full school year. All of these clubs will end by 5pm.

1. Will the students be required to wear uniforms or have a dress code?

The students will be required to wear a uniform. They will be purchased through the school.

1. What grades will the school service?

The first school year, 2010-2011, will have grades K-7. After the first year, GSA’s goal is to continue to add older grades and end up with a school that houses K-12.

1. Is GSA accredited?

For the 2010-2011 school year, the school is not accredited however the goal of the school is to be accredited by year 2.

1. The school is named Gateway Science Academy, does that mean the main focus is on Science?

The school will focus on all core areas of academics, not just science. However, the school will be an environment for an intensive technology, math and science learning.

1. Where is this school located?

The address of the school is 6576 Smiley, St Louis, MO 63139. The phone number is 314-498-7454.  It is housed in Epiphany of our Lord that closed at the end of the 2009-2010 school year.

At the meeting last Thursday all of the teachers and staff attended and introduced themselves. They were all very enthusiastic and happy to be a part of this new program.  There were 900 people that applied for these positions so GSA is excited to have the cream of the crop. Call the school with any questions or come by anytime between 9am and 3pm, Monday thru Friday for a tour of the school. This is a great resource for the community and will increase our property values and keep more families in the city that can’t afford private schools. For more information on properties in the area call Laura Breitenstein at 314-608-2299.

Laura Breitenstein, Broker-Salesperson, M.B.A, Power Agent

Hermann London Group

P:314-608-2299

Email: laura@hermannlondon.com