Admission & Tuition

Admissions

The admission process includes a visit to the school and an interview with the student, parents, and faculty to discuss the unique learning process and student, and family, responsibilities. This includes discussing curriculum options, student needs, family and school expectations and to assess grade, and class, placement. Specific class selections, schedule, and curriculum choices will be determined on an individual basis according to student’s educational background, prior testing, graduation requirements/needs, student interests, and input from student, family, and faculty. Final determination will be based on the best interests of the student as agreed upon by the family.

Requirements

We proudly serve a diverse range of learners, including those who are on-level, advanced, and students with mild challenges who can thrive in regular education classrooms. While we accommodate specific needs like ADHD, dyslexia, high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (Level 1), and anxiety, we are not equipped to offer specialized services such as behavioral therapy, speech or occupational therapy, or support for severe or occupational therapy, or support for severe medical issues. Our small class sizes and supportive environment allow us to provide limited accommodations like extended time, preferential seating, and modified assignments.

However, some challenges exceed the resources of our small school. We are unable to admit students with moderate to severe behavioral or learning challenges, including but not limited to Oppositional Defiant Disorder, severe ADHD, academic performance more than one grade level below expectations, or any history of significant behavioral incidents such as, but not limited to; bullying, violence, drug and tobacco use, and/or repeated suspensions. Ensuring a positive learning environment for all students requires us to carefully evaluate academic and behavioral records before enrollment to determine if our school is the right fit.

Advanced students are supported through honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment opportunities for older learners, while younger students benefit from flexible curriculum adjustments to meet their needs. Parents must disclose any academic or behavioral challenges and submit relevant documentation, including Individual Educational Plan (IEP) if applicable. We rely on professional assessments to ensure we can meet the child’s needs.

Our mission is to provide a nurturing environment where all students can achieve their highest potential.

Admissions Checklist

1. Submit a completed application and application fee.

2. Submit Official School Transcripts (with a “B” average or higher).

3. Provide standardized test results (e.g., ITBS, CAT5) confirming grade-level proficiency in core subjects. Milestones are not a valid or reliable test.

4. Share any Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or school-mandated intervention accommodations the student is receiving.

5. Present official school attendance and behavioral records.

6. Attend an interview/tour with parents, applying student, and MLA administrators.

7. Complete a short MLA-administered math, reading, and writing assessment during the visit.

8. Participate in a half to full-day of “shadow visit” classes at MLA.

9. Once accepted - complete enrollment packet and submit $500 deposit.

Reasons for Non-Admission

Applications may be declined for the following reasons:

1. Grades below the required minimum.

2. Standardized test results below grade level.

3. Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or intervention needs beyond MLA’s capacity.

4. Poor attendance records.

5. Behavioral issues such as fighting, bullying, substance abuse, harassment, or disrespect.

6. Academic samples indicate the need for intervention beyond MLA’s scope.

7. Inappropriate behavior during the interview or “shadow visit”, including difficulty adapting to MLA’s rigorous environment.

Student Expectations

Students are expected to value their education, demonstrate responsibility and maturity, work toward independence in schoolwork, maintain positive relationships with peers, and exhibit appropriate behavior both on and off campus.

Parent Expectations

Parents are expected to foster a supportive learning environment at home, monitor their child’s academic progress, communicate effectively with MLA, adhere to school policies, and fully support MLA’s mission to provide quality education, and educational choice in our community.

Attendance

Students are required to attend the school 3 days per week during the hours scheduled for their grade level. (15 hrs MS, 16.5 hr HS are minimum requirement by GA law, although MLA requires 17 for MS and 19 for HS).

Textbooks

The school issues required textbooks. No “Common Core” texts will be used and all efforts will be made to use older editions to minimize cost. It is recommended that, whenever possible, a second set of text books is purchased. This will prevent the students from having to carry all their books every day and prevent them from missing books needed for independent study days.

Commitment Agreements

MLA is a non-profit enterprise, which operates on a narrow budget, planned around the number of students we are contracted to serve. All families sign a commitment agreement agreeing to cover their share of tuition for 1 year. The agreement outlines withdrawal conditions.

Graduation Requirements

Our graduation requirements match the state requirements at a minimum. In working with colleges we have added requirements we have found to be necessary for acceptance into many 4 year schools.

English 4 units
Mathematics 4 units
Science 4 units
Social Studies 4 units
Foreign Language, Latin, Technology or Fine Arts 3 units (3 in language preferred)
Personal Fitness & Health 1 unit (PE can be satisfied outside of classes for an elective credit)
Electives 4 units

Total required for graduation: 24

Tuition & Fees (per student)

Tuition (2025-2026 school year)
$8000 per year ($800/month, paid over 10 months) or ($667/month, paid over 12 months)
Fees
Application Fee $50
Supply Fee $300 per student per semester
Activity/Transportation Fee $750 (paid with tuition over 10 months at $75 per month)

Optional Five Day Program for Middle School students $200/month or $1500 per year.

*Special Trip Fee Additional fees my be charged for overnight excursions or events (ie. Trips to 4-H camps)

*Prepayment discount available.

*Multiple child discounts: A 5% discount is available for the second child and 10% for each child thereafter. The oldest student will be listed as the first student enrolled. Families will be given the larger discount offered, but we cannot combine multiple discounts.

NOTE: You may now use your 529 Plan to pay K12 tuition in addition to higher education expenses.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-offers-guidance-on-recent-529-education-savings-plan-changes

Financial Aid & Scholarships

A scholarship fund has been established to assist families with financial aid based on their financial need. Assistance is available as determined by our scholarship fund reserve and our partnership with FACTS Management. This will require an application and some financial information to initiate the process. Final determination is made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. More information can be found by clicking the “Apply Now” button at the top of the page.

Students receiving scholarship assistance will be required to meet certain attendance and achievement minimums. Failure to meet these minimum requirements may result in revocation of the scholarship. Prior to any revocation, the parents will be notified, and the student given ample opportunity to remedy any deficits.