Mill Springs Academy

13660 New Providence Road

Alpharetta, GA 30004

60 Reviews

School District
Grade

1-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 06, 2025

With 20+ years of personal experience as an employee and a parent in public, charter, & private school settings, I can confirm that exactly zero perfect schools exist. However, our time at MSA has been, the most ideal environment for our child with their specific learning challenges. While we consider ourselves some of the lucky ones to have had fairly positive experiences overall in previous schools, we are so grateful we had the ability to move our child to MSA when we did. We believe in the school’s mission & in the positive trajectory of the current administration. In general, I am also a big believer in the idea that you get out what you put in. That idea far exceeds my child’s responsibility of showing up, doing the work, getting grades, and eventually graduating. It means that, as parents, we are working with teachers, coaches, and administrators to create a positive, encouraging community that supports our kids in the way they each deserve to be supported. MSA has provided my child with confidence in the classroom and beyond, and he has thrived here - academically, athletically, and socially.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2025

As an educator with 25 years of experience in private school teaching and administration—and as a parent of a student at Mill Springs Academy—I’ve witnessed firsthand how challenging and unwelcoming traditional school environments can be for neurodivergent learners. The negative impact when students dread going to school cannot be overstated. That’s why I consider it a profound blessing that my son attends MSA. He genuinely loves going to school each day and considers the Mill Springs campus one of his favorite places. This speaks volumes about the caring, dedicated faculty and the lengths they go to create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and valued.While there have been times when I felt that some of the coursework lacked meaningful engagement and leaned more toward busy work, I’m genuinely encouraged by the administration’s recent shift toward project-based learning. This change reflects the new Head of School’s thoughtful understanding of non-traditional learners’ needs. Although transitions like this can come with inevitable growing pains, I am optimistic that this evolution will foster deeper student engagement and lead to more enriching, holistic educational outcomes
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2025

Mill Springs Academy has been life-changing for our children. The school not only provided them with the tools to overcome Dyslexia but also nurtured their confidence, independence, and academic growth. Now a senior and a junior, our children have flourished. Our senior has been accepted to over 10 colleges, including Penn State and Michigan—a testament to the incredible preparation Mill Springs provides.Beyond academics, the school focuses on developing the whole child, equipping students with the skills to advocate for themselves and succeed in all areas of life. We are forever grateful for the support, dedication, and guidance that have helped shape our children into the amazing individuals they are today!
Submitted by other on January 30, 2025

I used to go here. The classes aren't challenging, the punishments are either letting off people too easily or extreme, the budget is low, and a bunch of teachers are either quitting or getting fired. It's not worth it.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2025

This school has really gone downhill. While there are a few great teachers who really care and live up to the values the school once stood for, there is also rampant favoritism, bullying, and manipulation by students. The “Levels System” is a popularity contest. If the Aministrator wants her daughter or a teacher wants a specific student to be Level R (a requirement to participate in some activities) then they get it, regardless if the child demonstrate the required behavior. The same teachers will shush students who have legitimate objections to get their favorites in the program. Meanwhile, other kids are left to fend for themselves. I have met with school officials several times over the years, only to be gaslit and told the situation did not happen. On two such occasions, the bullying student was ultimately expelled or forced to leave the school within weeks of me being told “nothing happened.” Unfortunately my child’s learning disabilities would have made public school impossible so we had to stay. Again, there are also a few great teachers who make a difference. This is why I rate mostly 3s as the teachers are either a 1 or 5. At least one specific administrator is horrible however and allows for nepotism and blatant unfairness. Can’t wait to have our child graduate and never look back. I strongly recommend trying a different school before Mill Springs.
Submitted by other on December 10, 2024

A quote from the founder that you see posted throughout Mill Springs is, "If a student can't learn the way we teach...we should teach the way a student can learn." This is why we sent our child with multiple diagnoses here and why I chose to be a part-time teacher. What our child experienced and what I witnessed first hand was quite the opposite. Mrs. Moore would be rolling over in her grave if she could see how this school has dismantled practically all it once stood for. My child excels in math and science and has achieved honors level recommendations in ELA when paired with a teacher who "teaches the way a student can learn." Yet the past 3 years (in Upper School) we've had teachers who taught and gave assignments reminiscent of a college class; i.e. here's the assignment, here's the rubric, it's due in 3 weeks. Even the private preparatory school I attended in my youth provided more scaffolding than this. I was taught HOW to learn and to love doing so in addition to the course content. I had expected this and more at Mill Springs yet sadly this wasn't the case.Even more disappointing, teachers aren't required to be certified, have any sort of Special Education degree/endorsement, and are frequently asked to handle student challenges that they're neither equipped nor trained to handle. I've witnessed teachers publicly belittle and dismiss students who were exhibiting classic symptoms of their diagnosis. I've also witnessed students made to stand before a large group of their peers and perform a public apology as a response to a previous gathering where students in the group were required to "give feedback;" i.e. state their thoughts about that individual's behavior. This student had to sit mute, listen to each person, and wasn't allowed to respond in any way nor take a break if exhibiting signs of distress. Mill Springs calls this practice "Levels/Community Meetings and Feedback" but what it boils down to is the public humiliation of children. Psychology Today states, "Few experiences are as damaging to the human psyche as public humiliation." Why hasn't Mill Springs recognized this form of behavior shaping as archaic, dysfunctional, and a threat to their students' mental health? Overall, I can say my child's first year here was good (2021-2022) yet each following year our experience became worse, and worse, and worse. It's been a shameful, depressing, and expensive journey. Our family feels robbed and will not be returning next semester.
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2024

The main punishment in the Lower School is taking away recess, even though that goes against all of the research regarding neurodivergent kids. Students miss up to 15 minutes of recess if they have insufficient time to finish morning classwork. Even if the entire class isn't given enough time to finish, the entire class misses 15 minutes of recess and must work on their classwork during recess. Teachers don't consider it a problem with their instruction but rather the fault of their ADHD students that the work isn't completed. Teachers don't tell parents when their kids miss recess to do classwork & we didn't learn about it for months because our kid was ashamed. Kids also lose recess if they don't "earn" 22 out of 25 points. Points are discretionary & vary by teacher. Kids miss 5 minutes of recess the 1st day they don't earn 22 points & sit on a bench. They lose 10 minutes the 2nd day, 15 minutes or all of recess the 3rd day & get in-school suspension called "chaperone card." Weekly notes are sent home informing parents of the days their kids missed recess, but the notes provide no explanation of why points weren't awarded. Teachers walk around marking kids' point sheets all day, which severely stresses kids out, but point sheets aren't shared with parents even when requested. There is little supervision at recess or PE & multiple kids suffered broken bones this past school year. Bullying during recess & PE is common, & it's largely unchecked by teachers, who sit on a bench out of line of sight of administration & most of the playground & talk. Despite repeated incidents of certain kids viciously bullying other kids & multiple sets of parents meeting with the principal to complain, the behavior of those kids wasn't checked because their families gave tremendous amounts of money and volunteer time to MSA. Parents were told the bullying wasn't happening & that their kids were making it up, despite multiple kids describing the bullying incidents in the same way by the same kids & parents seeing it themselves by watching the playground from a nearby parking lot. MSA charges $33,000 & claims to remediate dyslexia. Our kid is 2 years behind in reading & writing concepts according to an OG certified assessment. MSA is in shambles with so many teachers resigning & an additional 8 teachers and staff fired because enrollment is down. It was such a negative experience, our kid now hates the color orange because that is one of the teacher's favorite colors.
Submitted by student on May 18, 2024

Just graduated today, this school is so great I can’t even find the words to describe it besides supportive and one to remember!
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2024

We moved across the country for our daughter to attend the school when she was entering 7th grade. Now at the end of her 11th grade year we are more than happy and would never have changed a thing! This is the most special school that students with learning differences would have the privilege to attend. The faculty are so committed to the whole person and teaching children confidence and self-advocacy. The student body is supportive and welcoming, and students grow and thrive in this supportive environment while they learn how to prepare for college. The teachers here are all about working with you to understand your child and their needs and make things happen that would never be possible at other schools. For those parents not as able to invest in discovering their child’s needs and working hand in hand with faculty, I would say that I don’t believe any school will fully meet their needs. But here at MSA you have what I would describe as partners in the journey. Our daughter is about to apply to competitive colleges, and we have full confidence that she will thrive because of her experience and success at MSA.
Submitted by student on May 17, 2024

My whole life, I had felt alone. I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. When we moved to a whole new state, I was terrified. I hadn’t wanted to move. I Didn’t want to leave the only home I’d ever known. But when I entered through the doors of Mill Springs in seventh grade, everything changed. I used to struggle majorly with anger towards my peers and teachers. As soon as I met Mr. Matt, that stopped. I had never before experienced such a level of compassion and commitment in anyone but my parents. Now, as an eleventh grader at Mill Springs, I do indeed see him as a father figure. I started connecting with people. Making friends used to be something I never thought would happen, but now I’m the one that people come to for help. My whole life has been turned around because of the school and the people in it the teachers take everything into account. Everyone has their voice heard and nobody is alone. Bullying is not tolerated, and if something does happen the teachers find out why, and help the student instead of punishing them. I have a friend who was expelled from many schools and this was his last option. Now, he is a graduate of Mill Springs Academy and one of the best students to come out of this school. His whole life has changed for the better and so has mine. As for the teachers, they will drop everything if you come to them with a problem and they will help you fix it that same day. The school accepts everyone. From people with Asperger syndrome and physical disorders to people with something as simple as ADD. I love this school and would not trade what happened for anything.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2024

Mill Springs Academy is the learning environment that is missing from the rest of Greater Atlanta. The teachers understand the kids so well. Activities during, and outside, of the school are conducted in a way that is inclusive of all types of learners, social skills, and abilities. Additionally, the school sets students up to be independent and successful later in life—providing peer feedback with courteous and controlled structure, as well as training them how to appropriately resolve conflict when needed.They encourage independence, and meet kids where they are so that they can receive the personalized academic help they need. Can't say enough wonderful things about our school!Very happy kids.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2024

FANTASTIC SCHOOL EXPERIENCE WITH WONDERFUL TEACHERS! My son has attended MSA for 5 years so we feel as though we have a solid basis to give an informed opinion and review. FIRST, the “stand out” for me is the faculty and the personal investment these teachers make in each one of their students. You can really tell that these teachers love their students and truly want the best for them. The faculty's dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to student success creates an environment where intellectual growth thrives! SECOND, the curriculum has been challenging, rigorous and focused on appropriate subjects to help the students prepare for higher education. In my opinion, the ability to help develop thinking minds and not just mindless recitation makes MSA an excellent educational institution. The curriculum challenges students, encouraging critical thinking and fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. THIRD, the small class size is a real game changer which ensures that no student gets overlooked and creates wonderful bonds between student and teacher. FOURTH, in addition solid academics, MSA really does a fantastic job in helping students with social-emotional help, particularly those who may not have great social skills. MSA really has first rate and comprehensive counseling and emotional support programs which enrich the overall educational experience. By focusing not only on academics but also on the well-being of each student, the school definitely helps prepares these students for the challenges they'll face in life. IN CONCLUSION, THIS IS A SCHOOL WHERE YOUNG MINDS FLOURISH WHILE ADHERING TO A HIGH STANDARDS AS TO WHAT K-12 EDUCATION SHOULD BE…. MSA ABSOLUTELY HAS MY STEADFAST SUPPORT AND HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2024

My son came to Mill Springs Academy after a very difficult experience in another private school. I expected a transition period due to the change but he was at home immediately. He is thriving both academically and socially. He comes home happy and confident. There is a strong sense of community and acceptance, where students feel valued for who they are. This nurturing environment fosters confidence and self-esteem in students who likely struggled in traditional school settings. The teachers are caring and in our experience, go above and beyond to communicate with parents. They share the wins and funny stories in the classroom and look for the opportunities to highlight students' accomplishments, while still challenging their capabilities.We are very happy at Mill Springs Academy and continue to see growth in our son.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2024

Re-enrollment is being requested without notifying parents that school start times will be changed, class schedules will be changed, some teachers may not have their contracts renewed, course offerings will be limited, upper school students will be offered GA Virtual and dual enrollment to mitigate teacher loss as students will be placed in front of a computer to take the classes. Students with a learning disability will not be properly served in that environment. Paying over $31K with another 5% tuition increase (after 10% last year) is unfathomable for the lack of education these students will and have received. Many of you have shared that your child has not had an updated academic plan, some in several years. While we are all dismayed at this behavior towards our disabled students, we will get through this together. It is appalling that the Board is leaving in place a leadership team, especially in the upper school, that is participating in the gross negligence of willfully destroying the futures of such a fragile student population. The curriculum is nonexistent and that is why we are moving our student to public school and hired an education consultant again. We have complained about it for over a year and it has fallen on deaf ears with all admin. It all starts and ends with leadership. Our student has had pretty good teachers, but it’s obvious no one is being held accountable including the Board.
Submitted by other on February 20, 2024

I recently graduated from Mill Springs. This school helped me to be more confident and feel like I belonged. Most of teachers were helpful and caring. The teaching was not as challenging as it could have been, but I learned I guess. Some of the teachers who left needed to leave, I’ll leave it at that. It’s a good non traditional school.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2024

My son is in the high school at Mill Springs and has been there for over 5 years. Before MSA, he was in public elementary school and was extremely unhappy and struggling. My son has severe ADHD as well as slow processing speed and some social/emotional quirks that make it very difficult for him to socialize with a lot of his peers. From day 1 at Mill Springs, he turned into a different kid, and it's been very positively life changing for him.Mill Springs is not perfect and there is a lot of hard work remaining to fix the lingering effects of years of mismanagement coupled with a lack of succession planning by the founder, who passed away suddenly in 2019. The overall experience has gotten more difficult for my son and me and my wife as he has entered adolescence with all of its challenges. We have realistic expectations, and a lot of times those aren't met, but there isn't a better alternative for our son.If your kid has challenges with learning differences and social/emotional issues, then no, Mill Springs is not going to get them into Harvard. But it is a loving and caring community that will make them feel at home and give them the confidence to be themselves.
Submitted by other on February 05, 2024

I was a former student here. The learning here was pretty average in most cases, but I felt lot of my peers didn't care enough about their studies, often doing the bare minimum while the teacher didn't know what to do, feeling that grading a student poorly would belittle them or come off as rude. I feel that some teachers were well-trained and had good intentions, while others were too laid-back and had clear biases towards certain students. Due to the amount of conflicts and leadership changes, a lot of teachers decided to change schools during the years I was there. For the students, I felt a lot of them were kind and had good intentions, but there was a lot of cliques and struggles for popularity or influence, especially with the levels system and the bias it sometimes entailed. I don't believe that students should go up and read a letter about their wrongdoings in front of their peers and be ostracized; I think punishments should be decided by teachers and worked out in a small setting. I also felt that some people in the schools' system, whether faculty, parents, or students, purposely tried to stir drama and further their viewpoints on whatever they found distasteful. A lot of the problems and conflicts I had weren't handled tastefully, and instead lead to more drama and harassment for the people involved, especially if the student wasn't favored at the moment or was 'less popular'.I also found the separation and isolation between Comm-Arts and Upper students to be quite alarming, as it was always a battle rather than unifying students that didn't fit in a public school setting. All students have different levels of support, but I wish the faculty could've found a solution that was less ostracizing for both groups of students. I believe that the social structures implemented in schools should be on equal grounds for everyone, instead of a structured hierarchy. I feel like families do have some engagement in the process, but can be overlooked when the students aren't in favor of the decision, but I don't have many complaints about most teachers and parents. I do take fault in the dynamics present between students and how their conflicts and emotions are handled. I really hope for the best for the future of this school, because I feel that having a safe space for those who may not fit in a public setting is important. However, I feel the current state of this school needs some improvements on how certain situations are handled.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2024

We attended Mill Springs academy for 2 years. What the school sold us on is completely different than what we actually received. Our child got even farther behind in his education, executive functioning, and social skills. Kids with learning needs require tools and strategies to learn. They are not getting this here. We made the switch to public school and it's been a huge positive change for our child and family. They keep you completely in the dark of how your child is progressing. I understand that it may be a good fit for some children, but unfortunately after spending so much money we found that this was quite the opposite for us. If you are considering sending your child here I would urge you to read the reviews. I have read everyone and they are all spot on.
Submitted by teacher on January 22, 2024

I became aware today of negative reviews online for our school, so I felt I must give my review.Nobody asked me to,but I have been a teacher at MSA 15 yrs…MSA has my heart & so it hurt to read our school so misrepresented.I teach here b/c I believe in the mission of reaching ea student in the way that works best for them.I drive 1 hr 45 min. to work,ea. way, b/c there is nowhere I’d rather be.I have my Masters in SpEd,& I have a daughter w/special needs,so I always tell my friends how blessed I am to have found work that so beautifully applies all I believe in by encouraging students’ strengths & meeting their unique needs.We love our students.Our school allows students to explore everything they are interested in…they are not forced to choose between sports,fine arts etc.I am in the Fine Arts Dept & the Director of FA supports me & my co-workers infinitely.As you read reviews,remember that only disgruntled people tend to write reviews.I teach K-12,so I have the unique privilege of meeting many parents.They are grateful to have a place to see their child shine & they’re not shy in telling me so.But happy people tend not to write reviews.I’ve sat through 14 yrs of graduations. ALL the students-not just the valedictorian-are encouraged to share speeches.I never leave grad. w/o crying tears of joy.So many of our students had a hard time in their previous schools academically & socially & then they come here & thrive.We DO prepare our kids for life.One of my students is thriving in NYC job as an event organizer for Broadway celebs & occasionally calls just to say hi.A few yrs ago, I had the privilege to attend a former student’s wedding… She went into education after being inspired by teachers at MSA.I just met up with a recent grad for lunch & she is excelling at The U. of AL & couldn’t wait to tell me all about her sorority.Once I had a student that was so anxious when she came to MSA that she literally passed out when called on in class; by yr 2 she starred in our musical! She is now in law school.These are just a few over the yrs whose lives were changed by MSA. And it has not changed. I loved our original Headmaster, Robert, & my heart broke when he passed away.I was grateful for the new levels of safety & support staff & rigor that Debbie brought. And,I am grateful for the leadership Cindy is bringing in helping our school come together. We are a strong school & w/the combined talents of many over the years,together we are even stronger & more diverse.
Submitted by other on January 09, 2024

We sent our daughter here for help with her dyslexia. While the school has helped with her learning ability, her self esteem is plummeting. The school has an archaic discipline system in which the student is publicly humiliated in front of the entire school for infractions. This borders on child abuse and is very destructive to a child’s confidence and self worth. Blatant favoritism is shown to particular students. The new middle school principal holds bogus investigations in which the parent is not informed or allowed to participate. There is constant bullying and harassment by other students and the administration turns a blind eye. The students who attend this school all have some sort of educational, emotional or mental problem and the teachers, principal and staff are ill equipped to handle them. All teachers and principals at this school should have a degree in special education. Like many other parents and teachers who have left this toxic environment, we are looking for a school that respects their students and mill spring academy definitely does not. Children with learning disabilities, autism, emotional problems etc deserve a safe environment that understands and is able to cope with each child’s uniqueness and individual problems as well as addressing their educational needs. There is never a reason to publicly humiliate a student. Like many things in life on the surface this school looks great. Once you dig into its philosophy, culture, and lack of qualified educators, you find the decay.