THE MILL SCHOOL

The MILL School is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) as a non-public, special education school. It functions with direct connection to the Rockford Public School District, Northern Illinois Educational Access Project for DCFS, and ISBE. As a non-public school, The MILL is able to provide a more structured therapeutic atmosphere enabling the students to deal with the psychological, emotional and/or behavioral issues that have previously hampered their school progress.

The MILL’s primary goal is to help students assume responsibility for their own learning and behavior so that they can return to and succeed in the public school system. The MILL establishes the importance of learning in student’s lives by helping them exercise success through individualized instruction and reinforcement for positive behavioral and academic choices. As a special education school, individual student’s academic needs are addressed through adapting educational materials, adjusting achievement criteria, varying methods of instruction, and providing individual tutoring.

The MILL School has two components: PANDA (Pre-Adolescent New Directions Alternative) and Adolescent Day Treatment. Each component addresses the needs of young persons referred from local school districts, who have been identified with social and/or emotional disorders. These social/emotional disorders have been incorporated into an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for each student. With a maximum classroom size of ten students, a teacher and two academic treatment staff supervise each classroom. The MILL also has School Social Workers, a Psychologist, and a Psychiatrist available to assist with the development of its students.

The MILL School PANDA Program serves students both male and female, ages 7 – 12 years old. With a maximum of a four-year age span within this classroom, the academic curriculum for the PANDA program focuses on reading, writing, basic math and communication skills. Treatment groups are incorporated into the educational component bi-weekly, along with individual counseling.

The Adolescent Day Treatment Program serves students both male and female, ages 12 – 21 years old. The academic curriculum follows along with the educational guidelines set forth by the Rockford Public School District. Students are placed in classrooms according to grade level, and individualized instruction occurs as required. Student progress is reviewed and report cards are issued on a quarterly basis. Students, when eligible, are able to earn a High School Diploma from the Rockford Public School, or their referring school district.

The MILL School encourages its students to focus on their futures. With year round classes being offered, a student has the potential to earn additional credits towards graduation while getting consistent help throughout the year in most academic areas. Reinforcing behaviors and achievement through daily, weekly and quarterly rewards helps the students to recognize the potential for success they have within themselves.

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