Mill creek academy

Mill Creek Academy, a tuition-free public charter school, is the first school built by National Heritage Academies in Wisconsin and the 101st developed by this nationwide organization. The building’s footprint is in the shape of an “H,” allowing natural light into each classroom. Hosting grades 4K through 8, this school features over 30 classrooms, student support areas, administrative spaces, and a large gymnasium in the middle. The classroom design supports Mill Creek Academy’s goal of small group instruction, independent learning practices, and one-on-one teaching. Lap siding accented by stone masonry creates the exterior façade, while cedar trusses and beams provide an inviting entrance to the school. Based on the traditional congestion associated with student drop-off and pick-up, Mill Creek Academy took an innovative approach by implementing multiple drop-off lanes and safe exchange areas, enabling staff to welcome students and parents during busy times. The water table was extremely high on the undeveloped land, so we constructed four bio-retention ponds to overcome this obstacle. As a nationwide charter school organization, we were thrilled to hear this was one of their best building experiences over the past 28 years!