Gateway

Welcome to Thomas Heyward Academy's Gateway to THA! 

Early Childhood Learning Center | Ages 12 Months – 3 Years

Welcome to Gateway at Thomas Heyward Academy — where learning begins through play, exploration, and discovery.

Gateway is THA’s early childhood learning center serving children ages 12 months through three years old, located right on the campus of Thomas Heyward Academy. Our program provides a nurturing, structured environment designed to support each child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development during these important early years.

Learning Through Play

At Gateway, we believe young children learn best through meaningful play and hands-on experiences. Our early childhood educators create thematic, developmentally appropriate lesson plans that encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.

Each child participates in active, engaged learning experiences that help them:

• Build early language and communication skills

• Develop independence and confidence

• Practice making wise choices

• Strengthen social skills and friendships

• Explore their world through guided discovery

Daily routines provide consistency and security while allowing flexibility for exploration and growth.

A Campus Experience

Gateway students enjoy the unique benefit of being part of the THA campus community. Teachers incorporate regular walks and field experiences around campus, giving children opportunities to explore:

• The vegetable garden

• The school library

• Outdoor playground spaces

• Athletic fields and facilities

Quality playtime happens both indoors and outdoors, ensuring a balanced day filled with movement, creativity, and discovery.

Program Schedule

Gateway operates year-round from August through the following July, with closures for select Federal Holidays and a brief closing at the end of July for campus cleaning and Teacher Prep Week.

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Enrollment & Waiting List Information

Gateway classes traditionally fill quickly, and most age groups maintain an active waiting list. Because enrollment is limited, we strongly encourage families to join the waiting list as early as possible.

Please note:

• Placement in the Gateway program is limited.

• Being added to the waiting list does not reserve a spot.

• When enrollment officially opens, families must create a FACTS account and complete the online FACTS application to be considered for placement.

The link to create a FACTS account is located on the Admissions page of the Thomas Heyward Academy website.

We invite interested families to complete the Gateway Waiting List Form below to begin the process.

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If you would like to learn more about the admissions process, please visit our Admissions page.

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