School Profile
Who We Are
- Established in 2013, serving students with at least 11 high school credits (not older than 21).
- Students can graduate with a high school diploma and simultaneously earn an AA, AS, BAS, BS degree, or workforce certificate at no cost.
- Received an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education for 2024–2025.
- Fully accredited by SACS/AdvancED (2020).
- Operates on a 4×4 block semester schedule.
- 50% of students are on an all-college schedule.
- 50% qualify for free/reduced lunch.
Highlights & Achievements
- 136 graduates.
- 68 AA degrees awarded.
- 2 students earned BAS degrees along with their HS diplomas.
- Youngest graduate earned an AA and diploma at age 15.
- Students completed 15,000+ hours of community service.
- Earned $1.3 million in scholarships.
- 75% of graduates continue at 4-year colleges/universities.
- Average Scores: SAT – 986, ACT – 18, CLT – 55.
Why Gateway?
- Early graduation opportunities.
- Flexible scheduling.
- College degree or workforce certificate.
- Free PSAT, SAT, ACT, CLT, and college tours.
- Personalized transition plans (college, career, military).
- Weekly mentoring and personalized support.
- Access to mental health resources.
- Small class sizes (average 20:1).
- Student-athletes can continue sports at home high schools.
- Both face-to-face and online course options.
Student Academic Benefits
- Minimum of 11 HS credits required for admission.
- Graduate with at least 9 college credits.
- Courses graded on 4.0 GPA scale.
- Honors = +0.5 quality point.
- College = +1.0 quality point.
- Weighted GPA determines class rank.
Clubs & Organizations
- National Honor Society
- Student Government Association
- GLOW
- Gateway Gents
- Ambassadors
- Key Club
- Yearbook Staff
- eSports Team
Key Contacts
- Dr. Meesha Downing-Townsend, Principal – mdowning-townsend@polk.edu
- Mrs. Tania Chandler, Assistant Principal – tchandler@polk.edu
- Dr. Renee Portfilio, School Counselor – rportfilio@polk.edu
- Ms. Millicent Whitehead, Success Coach – mwhitehead@polk.edu
- Mrs. MaryBeth Rutledge, Success Coach – mrutledge@polk.edu
- Mr. Brennen Yates, TRST (Technology) – byates@polk.edu