An inquiry-based school.
Inquiry-based learning means each student plays a substantial role in determining what they study — learning to ask questions and seek understanding.
Learning how to learn — anything.
At GATE, Inquiry is a core class keyed to a five-year cycle covering prehistory to the present day. Each year is divided into six units of inquiry — three devoted to science and three to social science and humanities — ensuring students get exposure to a broad range of content within a historical framework.
Inquiry is similar to project-based learning, but each student pursues a different project. If the class focuses on life cycles, one student might study monarch butterflies, another five-spotted hawk moths, and a third mission blue butterflies. Our faculty teaches the core concepts and essential skills, then mentors each student’s exploration, analysis, synthesis, and communication.
A set of skills for any discipline.
Frame
Targeted questions that can be explored.
Investigate
Using a variety of sources, tools, and techniques.
Create
A product that analyzes, synthesizes, and communicates the exploration clearly.
Present
Findings shared with the entire school.
Through practicing inquiry, GATE students learn to wonder, question, analyze, critique, synthesize, communicate, and present — on just about anything.