Reimagining Gateway School

Santa Cruz CA

Gateway school had organically grown over the years and found themselves needing a new place to call home. The past campus of Pacific Collegiate School which had been sitting empty for 3 years was the perfect solution. Needing a big makeover on a city school budget, we were excited to do as much as we could with as little as possible to ensure each student felt special and nurtured. We interviewed teachers and students alike with a listening ear and an open heart. Making sure the needs of the teachers were fulfilled and the new location felt like home was important to us. Listening to the way they taught and entwined all of their curriculum to strengthen student learning was inspiring and we wanted to make sure there was ample accommodations for collaboration, performance, and display. With the K-8 and 9-12 wings joined by an epicenter, we used color as way-finding tool that would carry through the grades while simultaneously bringing bounds of energy and joy through the spaces. Using large scale decal numbers for the younger grades and subject names for the older ones, we constantly considered the state of mind of the many ages as they progressed through their years. We made sure the school remained by and large a template that would be enriched and adorned by its many students who are the true stars of the show. Stripe is very proud to help foster the learning and growth of the beautiful young minds that comprise Gateway School.