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Welcome to the new GC website!

The new district and school websites, powered by ParentSquare’s Smart Sites, feature improved navigation, a streamlined layout consistent across all sites, and a user-friendly design to better serve our entire community. They also seamlessly integrate with ParentSquare, the district’s communication platform.

Although the new website has a redesigned look, most of the website components and menus are the same!

2 days ago

Gates Chili High School

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  3. Curriculum and instruction

Curriculum and instruction

High school curriculum

Gates Chili High School offers a rigorous and diverse curriculum that prepares students for college, careers, and beyond. Students have access to a variety of courses in core subjects such as English Language Arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies, as well as opportunities to explore electives in art, business, career and technical education (CTE), health, music, physical education, technology, and world languages.

With a range of Advanced Placement (AP), dual-credit, and elective courses available, students can personalize their learning experience and prepare for future success. For a complete list of course offerings and graduation requirements, view the High School Program of Studies.

  • Art at Gates Chili offers students opportunities to deepen their artistic skills and knowledge through courses in drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, digital design, and advanced studio art. Students explore art history and contemporary practices, fostering creativity and self-expression. At Gates Chili, students also have the opportunity to earn dual-enrollment credits in art. Students can also earn the Individual Arts Assessment Pathway (IAAP), a diploma designation.

  • High school business courses introduce students to principles of finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, and management. Students gain practical skills in accounting, business law, and personal finance, preparing them for college, careers, and leadership roles in the global economy. At Gates Chili, students also have the opportunity to earn dual-enrollment credits in this content area. In addition, Gates Chili requires all students to complete Career Exploration and Financial Literacy+ in order to graduate.

  • High school ELA focuses on advanced literacy skills, including critical analysis of diverse and complex texts, academic writing, and effective communication. Students study literature, non-fiction, and multimedia, developing their abilities to construct arguments, engage in literary analysis, and conduct research. At Gates Chili, students have the opportunity to earn Advanced Placement (AP) and/or dual-enrollment credits in this content area.

  • In high school, FACS courses build on practical life skills, emphasizing culinary skills, career preparation, parenting, nutrition, and wellness. Students engage in projects that enhance problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making, preparing them for success in college, careers, and personal life. At Gates Chili, students have the opportunity to earn dual-enrollment credits in this content area. Click here to see the high school’s newly renovated FACS classrooms.

  • High school health education reinforces the importance of maintaining physical, mental, and social well-being. Topics include mental health awareness, substance abuse prevention, nutrition, human development, and disease prevention. Students learn to make informed decisions and advocate for healthy lifestyles. At Gates Chili, students will also complete the Teen Safety Matters program, which focuses on information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, abuse, and digital dangers. In addition, students have the opportunity to earn dual-enrollment credits in this content area.

  • High school mathematics includes Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus, with some students exploring Statistics or Applied Math courses. These courses emphasize abstract reasoning, problem-solving, and real-world application, laying a foundation for college and career readiness. At Gates Chili, students have the opportunity to earn Advanced Placement (AP) and/or dual-enrollment credits in this content area.

  • High school music programs offer advanced opportunities in performance and music theory. Students can participate in ensembles like band and/or chorus or explore specialized courses in music composition or appreciation. These programs foster creativity, discipline, and collaborative skills.

  • High school PE encourages students to develop lifelong fitness habits through a variety of activities based on student choice, such as individual sports, team sports, and strength training. Students learn about health-related fitness and the connection between physical activity and overall well-being.

  • High school science courses expand on foundational knowledge through classes like Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science and Physics, which some students exploring conceptual or elective courses. Students engage in laboratory experiments, explore scientific theories, and apply the scientific method to complex problems, preparing them for advanced study and careers in STEM fields. At Gates Chili, students have the opportunity to earn Advanced Placement (AP) and/or dual-enrollment credits in this content area.

  • High school social studies explore global history, U.S. history, economics, and government. Students analyze historical events, evaluate current issues, and understand civic responsibilities, developing critical thinking and a deeper awareness of the world around them. At Gates Chili, students have the opportunity to earn Advanced Placement (AP) and/or dual-enrollment credits in this content area. Students can also earn the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness, a diploma designation.

  • High school world language courses build proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students deepen their understanding of grammar and vocabulary while exploring cultural practices, preparing them for global citizenship and advanced language study. At Gates Chili, students can choose from Spanish, French, Italian or Latin. They have the opportunity to earn dual-enrollment credits in this content area and/or earn the NYS Seal of Biliteracy, a diploma designation.

District and NYS assessments

Gates Chili Central School District uses a comprehensive assessment system to support high-quality instruction and ensure all students are progressing toward learning goals. This system includes a variety of assessments—such as formative, summative, diagnostic and progress monitoring tools—administered throughout the year. Together, these assessments provide a well-rounded picture of each student’s growth and achievement.

By collecting and analyzing data on student learning, educators can adjust instruction, provide targeted support, and make informed decisions that help every student succeed. Assessments are not only a tool for measuring progress but also a framework for continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

In addition to district-based assessments, students also participate in state-required testing:

  • High School (Grades 9-12): Students take New York State Regents Examinations to demonstrate mastery of core subject areas. These exams are a key part of graduation requirements and are typically offered in January, June and August in subjects such as ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies.

Together, these assessments help ensure that all students have the support and opportunities they need to thrive—both in school and beyond.

  • Classroom Formative

    What: Confirms that specific learning has taken place and provides data to inform instruction that follows

    Who: All students or small groups

    When: Ongoing throughout the school year

  • Universal Screening

    What: Identifies students in need of additional assistance in order to meet learning goals

    Who: All students

    When: 3-5 times per school year

  • Diagnostic Screening

    What: Pinpoints specific skill areas of need for individual students

    Who: Students/groups flagged by screening

    When: 2-3 times per school year

  • Progress Monitoring

    What: Evaluates progress toward learning targets per the rates of improvement for the specific skill being targeted by intervention

    Who: Students receiving Tier 2-3 interventions

    When: 1-4 times per month

  • Benchmark/Common Formative

    What: Measures students’ standards proficiency and identify needed instruction

    Who: All students

    When: 2-3 times per school year

  • Summative

    What: Evaluates, certifies, and/or grades learning at the end of a specific period of instruction

    Who: All students

    When: End of year, end of term or end of course

Student progress reports and conferences

Gates Chili progress reports are aligned to New York State Learning Standards. Achievement and effort scales reflect student progress toward state standards.

At the secondary level, progress reports are shared at the five-week mark of each quarter to help keep families informed of academic standing. Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter and are shared via ParentSquare. Families can also view current grades, assignments, and attendance at any time through the SchoolTool Parent Portal.

To stay connected with instruction and classroom expectations, families are encouraged to regularly check Schoology, where teachers post assignments, assessments, due dates and other instructional updates.

While formal parent/guardian-teacher conferences are not scheduled schoolwide, families are welcome to request a conference with individual teachers at any time to discuss academic progress, concerns or ways to support student success.