Mission Statement: The mission of Lake Michigan Academy is to promote quality education, academic excellence, and individual achievement for students with learning disabilities.

History: In 1984 a group of five parents, all of whom had children with learning disabilities, decided to open a school that would provide an environment in which their children could learn. They pooled their knowledge and financial resources, hired a teacher, ordered books and supplies and rented classroom space. The doors of Lake Michigan Academy opened in September of 1985.

Lake Michigan Academy was founded with the stated purpose of rebuilding the often tattered self-esteem of learning-disabled children, and improving their academic skills through a specialized and personalized instructional curriculum.

LMA has grown significantly over the years. Initially, the school served five students. By the end of the second year, enrollment had grown to sixteen students. A high school program was added as enrollment continued to grow and as our middle school students progressed successfully through the grades.

Structure: Lake Michigan Academy operates five days a week, 183 days per year. The teaching staff are all certified teachers. We hire both regular education and special education trained staff. Many also have endorsements in learning disabilities training and all attend in-services on learning disabilities.

Students are evaluated quarterly and at the end of the school year. At year end, a comprehensive report is written that includes pre- and post- test results, content achievement, strengths, weaknesses and recommendations. A separate progress report is sent home every Friday which provides feedback to the family on academic progress, and suggests ways in which parents can help the student. Parent's Pride, our weekly newsletter, is also sent home to give information on upcoming functions and to keep parents current on student activities.

Lake Michigan Academy's success rate has proven that alternatives are available for students who are unable to learn in a traditional school environment. With the cooperation and assistance of families, professionals and other concerned individuals, quality education can be provided for all children, regardless of their learning differences.