Gateway Program

All SoWashCo elementary schools have cluster classrooms in grades 3-5. In a cluster classroom, advanced learners are placed with a group or cluster of other advanced learners within a mixed ability classroom.  Increased depth, complexity and pacing of the core curriculum is one of the lenses the cluster classroom teacher has within the mixed ability classroom. Because all of the students in a Gateway classroom are identified as advanced learners, the primary lens for instruction is adding increased depth, complexity and pacing to the core curriculum. Gateway immerses students in an intellectually challenging community that encourages even deeper academic risk-taking to develop students’ academic potential and supports their social and emotional needs as advanced learners as the primary goal. Instruction includes an emphasis on hands-on, collaborative and project-based learning.

Learn More About Cluster Classrooms

 In the 2022-23 school year, Gateway serves highly advanced learners in grades 3-5.  

The Gateway program is located at Valley Crossing Elementary School, 9900 Park Crossing Woodbury, MN 55125.

Yes. Students who are Twice Exceptional (identified for advanced academics and special education services) are welcome to submit an Interest form. Gateway students receive special education services per their Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Yes. All of the SoWashCo elementary schools provide advanced academics to students using the cluster classroom model. A cluster classroom is a regular classroom where a small group or cluster of advanced learners are place together in the same classroom with a teacher who has received additional training in teaching.

The emphasis is not on more work for Gateway students, but on varied types of assignments aligned with student learning needs and interests. Students will receive guidance in developing self-directed learning skills such as time management and planning for completion of long-term projects. Students encounter more challenging work, which may result in more work than previously experienced.

The number of students per class is comparable to other SoWashCo Schools classes at that grade level. District class size may vary between school and grade level.

No. As part of the public school system, there is no tuition cost to parents.

Yes. District-wide transportation exists for students who participate in the Gateway program at Valley Crossing Elementary who live more than one-mile from the school, per transportation guidelines.  Families living outside of the district must provide their own transportation.

The length of your child's bus ride will depend on your proximity to Valley Crossing Elementary. In some cases, the bus ride has been as long as an hour.

Siblings may attend Valley Crossing through an intra-district transfer when space is available in the receiving grade level. Valley Crossing has single grade Kindergarten and grade 1 as well as multiage classrooms (Grades K/1, Grades 2/3, Grades 4/5).

More information about the Multiage program can be found on the Multiage Magnet Program page.

For any questions regarding the intra-district transfer process or enrollment at Valley Crossing Elementary for siblings contact Student Information. 

If you have already enrolled a sibling in Kindergarten for 2022-23, contact the Student Information enrollment specialist at 651-425-6328. Students placed in the Gateway Program for the upcoming school year do not need to complete an intra-district transfer form.

Yes, but registration is required prior to the start of the school year. Kids Club is the School Age Child Care Program serving elementary students in the SoWashCo schools.

• Registration for Kids Club begins in April, please check the Community Education website for exact dates.

• Enrollment in Kids Club is based upon space availability and is not guaranteed.

If you have questions regarding care, please see the SoWashCo Community Education website.

No. Although changes in classes seldom occur after the start of the school year, Interest forms are kept on file and reevaluated should that happen.

Yes. A new Gateway Interest Form must be submitted for each school year. 

No. Once a student begins learning in the Gateway program they will continue on in the program for subsequent years. 

If you previously completed an interest form but your child was placed in a cluster classroom, a new interest form is required. 

Yes. If after attending the Gateway program, a family is thinking it is not a good fit for their child, the family should contact the Talent Development and Advanced Academics Coordinator, Eileen McElrath, to begin the exit process.

Gateway is a program-within-a-school that is integrated into the school community. Students share the same specialists (art, physical education, music, etc) and have the same principal. Students have recess and lunch with their grade level peers as well as participate in grade level events such as programs and field trips. The parents of Gateway students are encouraged to be part of the school PTA. This organization works to benefit all students in the building.

There are four middle schools in South Washington County Schools. Gateway program students will attend their boundary middle school where they will be placed together in a house with other students identified as advanced learners.  In each core content area class, they are scheduled with cohorts of other advanced learners. The teachers are trained to successfully work with high ability students.  In addition, each middle school has a talent development coach on staff.

Families will be notified of their child's placement for the following school year in early spring.

Gateway Interest Forms are generally available in mid-February for the following school year.