Guidance Department
About Our Guidance Department
The Guidance Department at Gateway Online Academy of Ohio offers a comprehensive school counseling program designed to meet the individual needs of every student. Our counselors provide a range of services to support each student’s academic, social, and emotional growth. Each Gateway student has a dedicated guidance counselor and coach. As students approach graduation, they will also work with one of our two Graduation Counselors to ensure they are on track to meet credit and testing requirements.
Counselors are available by phone or email during regular school hours. We encourage students to contact our Guidance Department with questions or concerns or to check in throughout the year.
Contact Your Counselor
Students in Grades 9 – 12
- Michael Bishop, Guidance Counselor (student last names A – B)
email: mbishop@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 216-859-5248 | book an appointment - Casey Brown, Guidance Counselor (student last names C – E)
email: cbrown@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 216-373-6820 | book an appointment - Mary Ford, Guidance Counselor (student last names F – H)
email: mford@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 216-851-8898 | book an appointment - Victoria Davis, Guidance Counselor (student last names I– L)
email: vdavis@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 216-393-8789 | book an appointment - Trena Falencki, Guidance Counselor (student last names M – O)
email: tfalencki@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 380-223-3139 | book an appointment - Abigial Walters, Guidance Counselor (student last names P – R)
email: awalters@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 216-270-3668 | book an appointment - Kayleigh Taylor, Guidance Counselor (student last names S – U)
email: ktaylor@gatewayoh.org| call or text: 216-412-4380 | book an appointment - Sarah Demeter, Guidance Counselor (student last names V – Z)
email: sdemeter@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 440-368-1732 | book an appointment
Each student will meet with their counselor at the beginning of each school year or upon enrollment to discuss graduation requirements and schedules.
Gateway students have opportunities to personalize their learning and prepare for success beyond graduation. Students are encouraged to talk to their guidance counselors and explore their options.
Resources: Credit Flex Info & Application, College Credit Plus Info, College Credit Plus form, STNA Program Info
The academic year at Gateway Online Academy is structured into six terms. Students will be enrolled in an average of two courses per term. Students may complete coursework at their own pace. They may be enrolled in additional courses if they complete scheduled courses during a term. Counselors consider students’ needs and Graduation Plans when determining course pacing.
Students who entered 9th grade on or after July 1, 2019 must meet the following requirements to graduate:
- Beginning with students who enter 9th grade after July 1, 2022, students will need ½ credit of financial literacy.
- Course completion – Earn a minimum of 20 credits
- Competency – Demonstrate competency through test scores, CCP coursework, career-focused activities, or military enlistment
- Readiness – Demonstrate knowledge and skills by earning two diploma seals
Resources: OH Course Requirements, Competency Requirements, Grad Seals, Unlock Your Future
Our objective at Gateway is not to get a student to graduation but to prepare that student for success after graduation. Our counselors provide resources and direction as students navigate the many opportunities their Gateway diplomas will open.
Resources: FAFSA, OH State Grants & Scholarships, OhioMeansJobs, OH Career & College Planning
At Gateway Online Academy, we are focused on our students’ social and emotional well-being. Our guidance counselors are available to offer support and resources when students face social-emotional challenges.
Resources: Elizabth Schneps – eschneps@gatewayoh.org or 216-373-3733
OhioMHAS, YouthMoveOH, Mental Health First Aid, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (or call 988 for immediate assistance)
Gateway students take the following state-mandated tests:
- End of Course (EOC) tests: These assessments are administered at the end of each semester. Students will be scheduled for EOC tests for classes they have completed or nearly completed.
- STAR: This adaptive assessment measures academic growth. It is administered at the beginning of the year or upon enrollment, and at the end of the year.
- ACT: This assessment is used by colleges and universities in admissions decisions. Gateway offers the ACT one time at no cost to students in 11th grade.
All state testing must be completed in person. Students who miss standardized tests for two consecutive years may be prohibited by the state from continuing to attend a virtual school.
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