About Gates

Gates Elementary School is located in the city of Lake Forest, educating students from kindergarten through 6th grade. The school opened its doors in 1965. Gates is a snapshot of California’s population. They serve students of diverse, cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Gates strives for high academic standards and expectations for students. Self-esteem is a critical facet in the education of the whole child. Through an environment of mutual respect, positive reinforcement, and opportunities to build good character, our students develop a positive self-concept. This positive self-esteem is the vehicle through which all students become responsible citizens and learn the skills necessary to adapt to a constantly changing society.

Gates Elementary School is home to the SVUSD award winning Two Way Immersion (TWI) Program. Our program is designed to provide English speaking and Spanish speaking students an exciting, enriching, and challenging educational opportunity for 21^st century learning. Students learn to collaborate, communicate, and think critically in all academic content areas both in Spanish and English. The TWI Program continues on to Los Alisos and Laguna Hills High School. By the end of twelfth grade, students will have obtained the bilingual skills and multi-cultural competencies to succeed in our global society and economy. Our SVUSD program is a member of the International Spanish Academies, which is part of the Ministry of Education and Science of Spain.