The Upper School experience at Mill Springs Academy is designed to prepare students for life after graduation by combining strong academics with meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, students participate in traditional core academic courses, including English, mathematics, science, social studies, and world languages. These classes provide the rigorous academic foundation students need for college, careers, and lifelong learning while continuing to strengthen executive functioning, communication, and critical thinking skills.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students immerse themselves in Connections—our innovative elective program that blends academic rigor with student interests. Connections are much more than electives. Each course is intentionally designed to teach and reinforce essential academic skills through engaging, hands-on experiences that allow students to apply what they are learning in authentic ways. Whether students are designing, building, creating, performing, researching, or solving complex problems, they are developing the same high-level thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills expected in traditional academic settings.

Project-Based Learning remains at the heart of the Upper School experience. Rather than simply memorizing information, students investigate real-world questions, collaborate with peers, and create meaningful products that demonstrate their understanding. This approach makes learning more engaging, more relevant, and more memorable while preparing students to transfer their knowledge beyond the classroom.

Throughout their high school years, students continue to deepen their understanding of how they learn best, build confidence in their strengths, and develop the academic, executive functioning, social, and self-advocacy skills they need to become Real World Ready—whether their next step is college, a career, or another path uniquely their own.

Our son seems is thriving at Mill Springs Academy. This is the first time he has ever gotten involved in sports in high school. He seems to enjoy track, although he hasn't done it before. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming and supportive for him.
- Upper School Parent