What is Multisensory Learning Academy?

The Multisensory Learning Academy (MLA) is a dream and a vision that a school can exist to serve the needs of students who seek to excel in both academics and life.

At MLA, students will receive instruction that is designed to offer experiences in all academic areas with a focus on reaching their particular learning style.  Not all people learn in the same way or on the same day.  We value and recognize these differences and strive to be aware of learning opportunities that are Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic.

What that means to us and your child is that they will have opportunities to touch, see, hear, say, sing, act out, partner with others and participate in movement and hands on projects throughout their school experience.  We recognize individual needs and styles within a whole group setting.  Students are encouraged to find what works for them while learning to work and grow in a classroom of other unique learners.

It is important to us that students feel safe and respected from every member of our community.  We ask all of our children to demonstrate respect for others while learning to advocate for their own needs.  Creating safe and productive learning environments is a large part of the MLA structure.  Teachers guide students to explore and exceed while maintaining a community atmosphere that recognizes different needs and learning styles.

Instruction is comprehensive and includes both direct instruction in skill building and exploratory and independent work.  Every school day includes 60-90 minute blocks of writing, reading and math.  Science and Social Studies are taught daily or are taught in units that alternate for deep understanding.  Weekly our students enjoy Music twice; P.E. twice; Art, Drama and Library once each.

We have an active and involved parent population.  The happy and joyful spirit that is felt on our campus is part of what makes us special.  With the help of parents, PTO and extended families we are able to accomplish more each year that allows us to provide increased opportunities for our students.  Our dreams and visions continue to become reality.

What Is A Public Charter School?

Charter schools are innovative public schools, offering choices for families and providing greater accountability for results.  Charter schools are widely diverse in philosophy, mission, and style of instruction.  Every charter school reflects the vision of its founders:  the arts, technology, basic skills or exploratory learning, for example.

Charter schools are intensely independent.  They are sponsored by districts but operate free from many of the regulations that are inherent in district schools.  The charter is a performance contract with a school district.  Each contract spells out the mission and goals of the school and its areas of accountability to the district. Instead of being accountable for compliance with rules and regulations, they are accountable for academic results and for upholding the terms of their charter. A charter may run for at little as one year or as long as five years before it must be extended or renewed.

Public charter schools are funded by Oregon tax dollars, although at a lower level than district schools. They do not charge tuition. They do not discriminate in either admissions or programs. They participate in statewide testing at appropriate grade levels.They are accountable annually to their sponsoring school boards for student growth and for fiscal responsibility.

The most important commonality among public charter schools is that parents make the decision to apply for their children. Parents know what their children need, and charter schools provide options to meet those needs.