Community Service

Preparing Students to Serve Christ, His World, and His Church

At Gateway Christian Academy, we believe education extends far beyond the classroom. Our mission is to train young people spiritually, academically, socially, and physically—preparing them not only for success in life but also for a life of service.

Community service is woven into the very fabric of student life here. From the earliest grades through high school, our students are given opportunities to serve, lead, and bless others. These experiences not only shape their character but also remind them that greatness in God’s eyes comes through humility and service.

Operation Blessing – Stuffing Bags for the Homeless

Gateway students regularly partner with Operation Blessing to stuff care bags for the homeless. Each bag is thoughtfully packed with essential items to meet immediate needs, while also offering hope and encouragement to those who receive them. In addition, our students have volunteered at soup kitchens and other ministries that feed the hungry, deepening their awareness of the struggles people face and cultivating compassion in their hearts.

CHKD Christmas Drive for Toys

Every Christmas season, Gateway students—working side by side with Gateway Church—collect and donate toys for the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. This outreach effort gives our students a chance to show love and generosity to children who are experiencing difficult medical journeys. The joy on the faces of these young patients, as well as the relief it brings to their families, makes this project a highlight of our year.

Easter Egg Hunt on Campus

At Easter, our beautiful campus becomes a place of celebration and outreach as we host a large community Easter Egg Hunt. Families from across Hampton Roads gather on our grounds, and our students serve by helping organize, set up, and run activities. In addition to creating lasting memories for children, this event reminds our community of the hope and life found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Beyond the spiritual growth, the retreat fosters unity within the high school community. Shared experiences, recreational opportunities, and time spent together strengthen bonds among classmates and staff. As part of the school’s curriculum, the retreat is already included in tuition, ensuring every student can benefit from this meaningful and transformative tradition.

Student-Led Car Washes

Gateway’s student-led car washes are more than fundraisers—they are opportunities for teamwork, leadership, and generosity. Throughout the year, students come together to wash cars in order to raise donations for ministries, school projects, and especially their senior trip. The experience teaches the value of hard work, unity, and giving back, while also helping students invest in meaningful experiences that mark their final year of high school.

One Holy Night

Each December, Gateway Church hosts One Holy Night, an event that transforms our campus into the ancient village of Bethlehem. Thousands of visitors walk through the streets, experience live reenactments, and encounter the story of Christ’s birth in a powerful and unforgettable way. The evening is made even more breathtaking by the presence of the largest Christmas tree in Hampton Roads, a symbol of light and joy that shines brightly across the community. Gateway Christian Academy comes alongside to serve—our students act, greet, guide, and support in countless ways—making this event one of the most impactful and meaningful ministries of the year.

Operation Christmas Child – Regional Collection Hub

Our campus serves as the Hampton Roads collection point for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry that sends shoeboxes filled with gifts and the message of Christ’s love to children around the world. Gateway students help organize, process, and prepare these boxes for shipment, connecting our local community to a global mission. This service opportunity shows students that their efforts, even something as small as packing a toy or pair of shoes, can make an eternal difference for a child across the world.

Trunk or Treat – One of the Largest in the Area

Every October, Gateway Christian Academy hosts one of Hampton Roads’ largest Trunk or Treat events. Our parking lot is transformed into a festive, family-friendly space where hundreds of families come together for candy, games, and fellowship. Students eagerly volunteer to decorate cars, welcome guests, and lead activities, creating a safe and memorable evening for the entire community. This outreach demonstrates that joy and fun can be powerful bridges for connection and ministry.

Foundations

Foundations in a school setting refer to the essential core principles, values, beliefs, and practices that guide how the school operates, teaches, and nurtures its students. Foundations shape the school’s mission, vision, educational approach, spiritual focus, and community culture. They are the starting point for curriculum development, classroom expectations, teacher behavior, and student growth—providing a consistent framework that supports every part of the learning experience.