Program areas at MSA
Instruction - Mill Springs Academy is a school for approximately 300 primary and secondary level students with various learning disabilities and difficulties. Mill Springs Academy holds dual accreditation with the southern association of independent schools (sais) and advancedaccreditation commission. The 2022 graduating class had 34 seniors who were accepted at 66 different colleges and universities.mill Springs Academy bases learning strategies on comprehensive plans developed for each student by a multidisciplinary staff. Learning strategies are generated from psycho-educational evaluations, previous school records, diagnostic skills assessment, observations, communication with other professionals involved with the student, and continued experiences with the student. Mill Springs Academy is committed to a comprehensive, holistic program design that is multifaceted to meet the needs of the "total child. "Mill Springs Academy provides a carefully structured environment within a warm, supportive atmosphere. Our structural approach is an environment that involves our community structure, daily values groups, individualized contracts and life space interview techniques.conferences with parents are scheduled throughout the term and others are based on the immediate needs of the student as defined by the student, family or school.the community structure is a school wide, reality-based structure that clearly defines the responsibilities and privileges associated with each level of responsibility. The system allows the student to make fully informed choices resulting in privileges or consequences. It allows staff members to function as facilitators. Community meetings are led by the principal of each school component and involve both staff and peer feedback.the community monitors the interactions of its members and enforces the community structure while academic expectations and interventions are individualized. Interactive expectations are the same for all students - to respect oneself and all others of the community. When students accomplish this major goal with the help of the msa community, they will have acquired sound social problem-solving skills, as well as, joy and self-satisfaction in their interactions with others.the laptops for learning program encompasses grades 4 through 12. This program emphasizes the computer's use as a tool for learning and as an individualized intervention for learning. Because it is an intervention tool, students use their computers at home and at school. The faculty also uses laptops in the same manner, including lower school faculty. Students in 1st through 3rd grades begin with desktops. Microsoft outlook is used to handle e-mail, inside and outside of school. Microsoft word, excel, access and powerpoint are used for organizing,writing, editing and turning in assignments. The use of the computer for research on the internet is integrated into the curriculum. This program is used for completing, maintaining and presenting challenging academic work. In addition, there is an organizational website to help families and students organize their activities.
Student activities - afternoon (pm) program - Mill Springs Academy offers a recreational program for students 6 to 12 years old. The pm program provides these students with a supervised, structured environment, designed to develop and enhance self esteem, socializationskills, motor skills and appreciation of activities that require the rules of good sportsmanship. Each student is placed for activities within a small peer group. Appropriate group interactions are encouraged and directed by the staff.athletic programs - Mill Springs Academy's goal is to assist students in establishing a healthy life style and develop an interest in at least one activity that will provide life-long positive experiences. 140 athletes competed on 28 sports teams, coached by 28 coaches and supported by 17 booster club members. Some of the team sport offerings for 7th-12th graders include cross country; girls volleyball; soccer; middle, jv, varsity girls and boys basketball; wrestling; varsitybaseball; track; golf; lacrosse; tennis; and swimming. The school also offered non-competitive sports. The sports program at Mill Springs Academy is a vital part of student life. There are experienced and dedicated coaches who work hard to promote a positive team environment for the athletes. Mill Springs Academy participates in the atlanta athletic conference as well as gisa with some of the sports teams. During the 2019-2020 school year, Mill Springs athletic programs won 5 championships in soccer, boys and girls cross country, baseball, wrestling, boys and girls track and field, girls tennis, and swimming.