Gateway Preschool and Technology Center
Gateway Preschool and Technology Center was founded in 2013 by Terrie Hollingsworth and her husband, Mark Hollingsworth. Terrie graduated from LSU with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught various grades in the Ascension Parish Public School System for several years, including a transitional K-1 class. Her inspiration behind opening a preschool started with technology.
“While teaching 8th grade at Dutchtown Middle School, I encountered several students who wanted to earn an A+ on their tests and projects while other students just wanted to earn a passing grade,” Terrie says. “Some students were overachievers striving to get the best possible grade while others just wanted to get by with the least amount of effort to receive a passing grade.” She wondered what she could do to help motivate the children who did not have any drive to succeed. One day, Terrie attended a training on incorporating technology in the classroom, and a light bulb went off in her mind. She realized most children are intrigued with technology and do not even realize they are learning while interacting with it.
She thought if she could foster young children’s love for school while incorporating technology, they, too, may strive for that A+. Gateway Preschool and Technology Center opened in August of 2013 with two buildings. Today, their campus contains 5 buildings with Smart technology in most classrooms, a Technology Lab, and plenty of recreation areas. It is a Christian-based preschool with a vision to provide a safe environment that is stimulating, developmentally appropriate, and enhanced with technology. “We attribute our success to God and to our hard-working staff,” says Hollingsworth. “Our phenomenal teachers, staff, and administration work together as a team and are constantly striving to raise the bar by incorporating new ideas and experiences for our students to encounter.”
