Our Statement of Educational Goals

Mountain Laurel Academy’s approach to education focuses on three foundational principles. We strongly believe the combination of these provides the proper setting and motivation for student success. Our entire school concept is built around these ideas and we strive to incorporate them into every facet of our teaching.

1. First, and foremost, provide a safe environment

• We want students to be safe and comfortable while in our charge.

• Bullying, ostracizing, shaming, negative language, or intrusive social media, are not allowed or tolerated.

• While we have high expectations and emphasize hard work, dedication, accountability, and always doing your best, we do so in an atmosphere free from pressure and incrimination. We are looking for students to stretch themselves, become independent thinkers, question, and try new things, all without fear of failure.

• There is no stress from “standardized testing.”

• Teachers, mentors and advisors are all readily accessible and willing to talk, provide help, comfort, and support for any student.

• A “family-like” environment is the goal.

2. Ensure a rigorous academic standard      

• All curriculum is developed by certified teachers and created to meet the learning style(s) and interests of the students.

• We do not “teach to the test”, use “Common Core” standards or texts, or any “boxed curriculum.” All curriculum is focused on students delving as deeply into the material as they can, at their own pace.

• Teachers look for opportunities to enrich the content and move beyond the text material. This includes cross-curriculum projects, field trip and visiting speaker tie-ins, as well as semester-long projects such a writing articles for the local newspaper on historically significant buildings and sites.

• Students are pushed to do their best, take pride in their work, and take ownership of their own education. This requires developing maturity, discipline, accountability, organization and independence: all skills which will translate into success in college and life.

• The goal is to create independent learners who can read, discern what they have read, write concise, complete summarizations, pull out details, understand nuance, develop their vocabulary, write coherent papers, and become critical, independent thinkers. All academics are focused toward these goals.

• Graduate every student and ensure they are fully prepared for what comes next.

3. Develop in students a love of learning

• While we can guarantee the first two goals, this is one we strive to reach

• MLA wants to create an atmosphere which draws students in; a place they look forward to coming to each day.

• While we expect them to learn, we want them to ENJOY LEARNING! Our goal is to develop a “love of learning” ethos.

• Teachers focus on “brain-based” learning and teaching techniques. Students are introduced to brain processes and skills which help with memory, focus and spatial understanding.

• Classrooms are set up to be comfortable. They are also arranged for discussions, and for the free exchange of ideas and information. We encourage participation.

• Hands-on learning is emphasized and encouraged. Leadership, teamwork, socialization, problem solving, and challenges are a daily part of the learning environment.

• An emphasis on exposing students to new ideas, academic arenas, and experiences. Field trips, speakers, rock climbing, aviation ground school and instructor led flights, Broadway plays in Atlanta, Environmental Studies off-site on Jekyll Island, visits to “old growth” forests, field stream monitoring for GA Adopt a Stream, learning British Literature through reading Harry Potter to discover how the author brings her knowledge of British and classical literature into her stories. These are just a few examples of how MLA works to make learning an enjoyable “pastime”. The students are also exposed to their community, what it has to offer, its history, its leadership and more through community activities and service projects.

• Not every child learns in the same way. Additionally, many do not thrive in a larger-school environment. Our goal is to reach every student and teach them how to learn. We attempt to do this in a “family-like” atmosphere, where they feel safe, are challenged, and progress toward becoming mature, independent thinkers and learners. Ultimately, we look to graduate every student, and ensure that they are fully prepared for the next stage in their life.

School Founders