Gatewood Schools
Gatewood Schools in Eatonton, Georgia, offers families a warm, thriving environment where Christian education and academic excellence come together. Serving students from PK-12 private school levels, Gatewood guides learners across Lake Country and central Georgia toward success, faith, and character.
A Legacy Rooted in Purpose
Since its founding in 1970, Gatewood Schools has grown to become a distinguished private Christian school in Georgia, committed to its mission of shaping well-rounded students. The campus, nestled on thirty-six scenic acres in downtown Eatonton, features dedicated facilities for preschool, lower, middle, and high school divisions.
Gatewood is fully accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), and the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC). It is also a proud member of the Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA).
Vision, Mission & Values
Gatewood believes education is more than tests and textbooks. Its mission is to educate students in a nurturing Christian environment while instilling lifelong traits of faith, excellence, truth, honor, loyalty, and pride. Gatewood provides opportunities so that every student can develop intellectually, physically, socially, and spiritually.
The school emphasizes whole child development, where critical thinking and creativity are celebrated. Mutual respect and responsibility are not just encouraged - they are expected.
Academic Strength & College Preparation
At Gatewood, academic rigor and innovation work hand in hand. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the challenges of higher education and real life. As a college preparatory school, Gatewood’s graduates consistently earn acceptance to esteemed colleges.
Niche reports a 100 % graduation rate, with 93 % of students attending a 4-year college. The school also earns strong marks academically, with solid SAT / ACT performance and a favorable Niche “Academics” grade.
Because of its low student-teacher ratio (around 9:1), Gatewood is able to offer individualized attention and support.
Athletics, Fine Arts & Student Life
Gatewood’s commitment to athletics and fine arts programs ensures students have numerous ways to explore their talents. Sports offerings include football, basketball, volleyball, golf, swimming, tennis, track and field, and more—14 interscholastic sports in all.
Beyond athletics, students enjoy clubs, fine arts, community service, and leadership opportunities. Reviews and feedback highlight the strength of those offerings and the sense of community they promote.
Many alumni praise Gatewood’s small class size and tight-knit community, calling the school a second home where teachers check in personally, not just academically.
One reviewer on Niche wrote:
“Gatewood also allowed me to enroll in college courses while in high school … I felt well prepared.”
That sentiment resonates across many reviews: Gatewood makes it possible to grow, take risks, and prepare for a bright future.
Who Gatewood Serves & Community Reach
Gatewood Schools welcomes families from Putnam, Greene, Morgan, Jasper, Baldwin, Jones, and Hancock counties. It serves PK-12 private school students in central Georgia, especially for those seeking a Christian education and college readiness in a close community setting.
Because of its location in the heart of Georgia’s Lake Country, Gatewood offers a unique combination of serene surroundings and strong educational resources. The school is especially attractive to families who seek the best in private Christian education without leaving the region.
Why Gatewood Stands Out
Personalized attention through small classes and a low ratio
Strong academic track record and college placement
Vibrant student life including sports, arts, clubs, and leadership
Faith-centered environment where character and faith are built alongside intellect
Commitment to whole child development — academic, physical, social, spiritual
Gatewood Schools doesn’t aim to be for everyone. It is for families who believe education is a calling and who want more than merely test scores. It is for those who desire a private Christian education in a place where community, faith, excellence, and care intertwine.
