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Because GATE students are heterogeneously grouped at Alvarado, all teachers are trained as GATE teachers. Consequently, GATE students receive differentiated curriculum and instruction throughout the school day. Students participate in a program of challenging activities, explorations, and projects, and many are enrolled in the schoolʼs advanced study courses: high-school level algebra, geometry, and Spanish I. The Alvarado emphasis on active learning provides experiences that extend beyond the scope of the curriculum, and stress unusual depth and complexity within the regular classroom. Cooperative/collaborative learning opportunities allow students to exercise leadership; moreover, GATE students are often clustered together for class assignments in order to challenge each other. Elective courses such as Advanced Band, Spanish, Chinese I & II, Leadership and Yearbook provide excellent opportunities to work in depth in a particular area. Extra and co-curricular activities such as academic competitions, community service projects, Drill Team, Drum Line, and leadership opportunities such as Student Council also give students the opportunity to demonstrate and be recognized for special skills, talents, knowledge, and effort. Students who demonstrate creativity and special ability are referred to testing by third grade for admission to the District's Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program. At the intermediate level, GATE students choose from a wide array of honors and high school level courses. Learn more about our GATE program by downloading the document below.