Gateway friend Jim Bick joins students for an assembly at the school.

Chesterfield, MO, January 30, 2007. Some 14 years ago, Jim Bick was presented with the opportunity to join the Gateway Academy Board of Directors.  In spite of the fact that all nine of Bick’s children were grown, he chose to accept the position to help guide the education and formation of the school’s 56 students. 

Several years later, through the keen business acumen and personal financial support of Bick and his fellow board members, the land for the school’s present campus was purchased and construction of the first building, known as the Boys School, began in Chesterfield, MO.  A gym and two cafeterias, as well as additional classrooms were added in 1999.  In 2003, the Girls School building was added.  Along the way, Gateway Academy has grown to a current enrollment of 440 students.             

Through the years, countless challenges have been placed in the path of Gateway Academy’s board of directors and administrators, but all who work with Bick echo the same sentiment: his staunch refusal to accept problems as anything other than opportunities, coupled with an over-riding and unwavering commitment to the salvation of souls. The school regards him as a constant source of strength and clarity of vision. 

Bick, an active member of Regnum Christi, has always stressed the importance of helping parents guide their children through adolescence in a healthy, positive way that reflects and embraces the Catholic faith.  Through his efforts, Family Honor is the program that met the need and was successfully implemented at Gateway Academy three years ago.   The effectiveness of the nationally known Family Honor program has been recognized and currently three St. Louis parishes are also offering the program to their families.

Bick’s faithfulness is an example not only for the students of Gateway Academy but also the families, teachers, administrators, and staff who wake every morning with the opportunity to carry the torch and follow in his footsteps. 

Gateway Academy (watch video) is located in Chesterfield, Missouri, and is celebrating 15 years of educational leadership. Gateway Academy was founded by a lay board of directors and implements the educational philosophy of the Legionaries of Christ.