Gateway to Learning will provide services for developmentally disabled persons to reach their full potential.
This realization will be achieved by educating and training developmentally disabled persons for economic productivity, a place in the program and larger community, and for the highest degree of self-sufficiency and self-worth possible.
The philosophy of Gateway to Learning is for the positive characteristics of developmentally disabled persons to be recognized and met with appropriate individualized goals and programs.
Our Mission
About Gateway
Gateway to Learning Special Education and Training Center opened in 1974 to provide appropriate academic and pre-vocational education to mentally challenged children from age 3 to 21 with behavior disorders and/or emotional disturbances.
Success led to an expansion in 1979 to include pre-vocational programs for mentally challenged adults 21 and over. These specialized programs provide adults with a place to develop and use their skills to enrich their lives and contribute to the surrounding community.
Gateway to Learning moved to the Lincoln Square neighborhood of northwest Chicago in 1986 into a building designed and built specifically for Gateway's programs and needs.
Gateway is open 12 months a year to maintain consistency of skills and behaviors for students and adults who might have no other opportunity for peer relationships and who have difficulty sustaining learned skills.
Today, Gateway to Learning serves over 60 children and adults. Our students and adults represent every race and ethnic origin. Through active involvement of 30 faculty and staff, our students and adults receive the education to which they are entitled and which is designed specifically for them. The provision of individualized programs which meet the unique needs of each student or adult is the hallmark of this very special school and training center.
Gateway to Learning serves all of Chicago and nearby suburbs. Student transportation is provided by the local public school districts.
