Please note: Mainspring Academy’s admissions process is designed to help families gain clarity while protecting students, staff, and classroom stability. Submitting an inquiry, taking a tour, or completing an observation does not guarantee enrollment. Admissions decisions are classroom-specific and depend on multiple factors, including student needs, level of support required, age, and available space. Due to the high volume of requests, tours, observations, and callbacks are prioritized based on current classroom openings. To support a fair and ethical process: staff cannot accept gifts, favors, special arrangements, or promises related to admissions.
Mainspring Academy welcomes students ages 5–22 with a wide range of learning, emotional, physical, neurological, and developmental disabilities.
The admissions process begins with the Online Inquiry Form, which collects basic information about your child and allows families to upload recent records such as an IEP and/or psychological evaluation.
Please note: eligibility and classroom placement depend on multiple factors-including age, academic and functional baselines, independence level, social-emotional needs, behavior support needs, and current classroom availability. To avoid delays, please include all requested contact information and documentation.
During the tour, families will visit campus, see classrooms in action, and meet with staff to learn about Mainspring’s program and supports. Tuition information will be reviewed and time will be provided for questions.
A photo ID is required for all adults attending the tour. Tours typically last about 30 minutes. Students are welcome to attend but are not required.
After the tour, the admissions team reviews the information shared and the documentation submitted to determine next steps.
After the tour, families will complete the Application for Student Observation, which includes a requirement to upload their child's IEP and, if applicable, a Behavior Treatment Plan. The admissions team will then review the submitted application and supporting documents within one week of receipt. If a potential classroom opening appears to align with student needs, the family will receive an invitation to schedule a Student Observation.
During the observation, a team member will spend time with the student in a potential classroom environment to better understand skills, support needs, and classroom readiness. Observations focus on engagement, participation, independence, social-emotional regulation, and response to the classroom setting.
To ensure an accurate observation, parents do not accompany the student during the observation. Parents will sit with another member of the admissions team for the 1:1 Parent Interview portion of our enrollment eligibility process.
Following the observation, the admissions team conducts a structured review of student records to ensure Mainspring can safely and appropriately meet the student’s needs within a current classroom opening.
Records may include (but are not limited to):
This review helps build a full picture of learning profile, behavior support needs, and appropriate placement considerations.
Once all steps are complete, Mainspring administration will make a final admissions decision. Families are typically notified within 14 business days of their Observation.
If accepted, families will receive an Enrollment Contract. A $1,000 registration fee is required to secure the student’s spot.
If Mainspring does not have a classroom able to meet the student’s needs at this time, the team will provide guidance and recommendations for alternative placements based on the information gathered.
To avoid delays or risk of losing a secured spot, families should return the completed Enrollment Contract and registration fee by the stated deadline.
Once received, the admissions team will contact families with instructions for completing official registration.
In the meantime, families may visit Parent’s Corner to review the Parent-Student Handbook and other helpful materials.
Mainspring staff are trained in behavior interventions and use evidence-based strategies in the classroom. However, Mainspring does not provide clinical services directly.
Families may choose to arrange additional therapies (such as ABA, speech, or occupational therapy) through approved private providers using insurance. These services are optional and not required for all students.
All providers must be approved through Mainspring’s application process. Please contact the Operations Coordinator for guidance.
Commonly used agencies include:
Commonly used agencies include:
ABA Providers
Speech Providers
OT Providers
Complete the Student Inquiry Form to receive a phone call from our Admissions Team to schedule your tour of our campus.
After completing a Tour and Student Observation, the Administration team reviews observation notes and conducts a Document Review. Families typically receive an enrollment decision within 14 business days.
If your child is accepted, you’ll receive an Enrollment Contract to return with a $1,000 registration fee to secure their placement. If we determine that Mainspring may not be the best fit, we’ll provide recommendations for alternative programs based on your child’s needs.
Yes! Mainspring Academy offers rolling admissions based on current openings. If there are no available spots, and your child is accepted as an appropriate fit for our program, they will be placed on a waitlist. Families are contacted as soon as a space becomes available. A child’s enrollment is officially secured once the Enrollment Contract is signed and the enrollment fee is paid.
Mainspring Academy accepts students between the ages of 5 and 22. However, as students grow and make progress, there may be times when a transition is in their best interest. In these cases, Mainspring meets with families to discuss short- or long-term transition plans.
Transitions may be considered when:
A student has mastered the skills needed to move to a more challenging or less restrictive environment.
A student is entering their early adult years and would benefit from a vocational, life-skills, or other transitional program.
Students are placed in classrooms designed to best support their developmental, behavioral, and academic needs. Placement decisions are made based on information gathered during the Observation and Document Review stages of the admissions process.
When determining placement, Mainspring considers factors such as teaching and learning styles, student age, current performance levels, and the availability of socially compatible peers.
Specialized staff
As a Hope Haven program, Mainspring Academy brings together experienced educators and specialized professionals who are passionate about helping students with learning, behavioral, and developmental differences thrive.
Our team works collaboratively to provide individualized instruction, evidence-based supports, and a nurturing environment where every student can build confidence and reach their potential.
Our staff includes:
Extended school year
Consistency is key to learning. That’s why Mainspring’s program runs from August to June. Instead of a long summer break, we build in three week-long Intersession breaks in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Families can enroll their children in Intersession and Extended School Year programs during these times, offering additional opportunities for creativity and structured learning.
Collaborative environment
Student success is a team effort. As a Hope Haven program, Mainspring Academy partners closely with families, educators, and outside service providers to create a coordinated approach that supports each child’s growth.
We collaborate with occupational, physical, speech, and behavioral therapists, along with other specialists involved in a student’s care. Together, we establish individualized goals, monitor progress throughout the year, and regularly communicate to ensure every student receives consistent support across home, school, and therapeutic settings.
When students are ready for new opportunities, we also work with families and school partners to support successful transitions. Whether a student is joining Mainspring Academy to build foundational skills or moving to a less restrictive educational environment, our goal is to prepare each student for continued success at the pace that’s right for them.
As a Hope Haven program, Mainspring Academy is an independent educational institution that provides individualized academic programs where children learn and progress at their own pace. We believe students with learning differences can thrive when instruction and curriculum are tailored to their unique needs.
Collaboration is central to our approach – parents, teachers, therapists, and specialists work together continuously to ensure each child’s program is responsive and supportive of their growth.
In most classes, the student-to-teacher ratio is approximately 6:2, with one teacher and one teaching assistant in each classroom. Class sizes are determined by the developmental and instructional needs of the students to ensure individualized attention and support.
Mainspring Academy also permits private therapists to provide push-in services and one-on-one private testing as needed.
Drop-off is permitted between 8:25–8:45am, and classes begin promptly at 8:45am.
Pickup is permitted between 2:15–2:45pm.
The Morning Extended School Day Program runs from 7:30–8:30am, and the Afternoon Program runs from 3:00–5:30pm.
Parents may apply for part-time or full-time Extended School Day options. Applications are distributed in July before the new school year begins. Submission of an application does not guarantee placement, as enrollment is based on factors such as staffing availability, student behavior, and level of independence.
Space is limited after the July pre-selection period; however, parents may request an application for any available spots or to be added to the Extended School Day waitlist.
Mainspring Academy staff are trained in behavior interventions and implement a variety of supportive strategies in the classroom. However, the school does not provide clinical services. Families are welcome to arrange additional therapies through their private insurance.
While not required for all students, outside services are permitted on campus once providers complete Mainspring’s formal application and approval process. Parents must also submit a Permission for In-School Services Form.
Mainspring Academy does not accept insurance for tuition payments. However, most students benefit from the Step Up For Students Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA), which helps cover a portion of tuition costs.
Many of our students receive funding through the Step Up For Students Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA), which can help offset the cost of tuition.
Mainspring Academy, a Hope Haven program, may also have financial assistance available for families who demonstrate financial need. Financial assistance is based on available funding and program guidelines.
Many Mainspring Academy students receive funding through the Step Up For Students Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA), which can help offset tuition costs.
Because scholarship awards vary from student to student, the amount of tuition covered will depend on each family’s individual funding award. In some cases, the scholarship may cover the full cost of tuition, while in others, families may be responsible for a portion of the remaining balance.
Mainspring Academy, a Hope Haven program, may also have financial assistance available for families who demonstrate financial need. Financial assistance is based on available funding and program guidelines.
Mainspring Academy does not provide transportation to or from school. Families are responsible for arranging their child’s transportation each day.
If you have questions about transportation options or your child’s individual needs, our admissions team is happy to discuss available resources and help guide you through the enrollment process.
Mainspring Academy does not provide meals for students. Families are asked to send a packed lunch and any snacks their child may need during the school day. This allows each family to provide foods that best meet their child’s dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
Parents have many opportunities to be part of the Mainspring community. Each family is required to complete 10 parent participation hours each school year. Our Administrative Team and Parent Action Committee (PAC) regularly recruit community, corporate, and parent volunteers to help with major fundraising events, campaigns, and school activities – and we always welcome new volunteers.
Communication is also key to student success. In addition to ongoing collaboration and ILP meetings, parents are encouraged to stay in touch with teachers by phone or email and may request meetings with their child’s team at any time. At Mainspring Academy, we truly believe that parent involvement is essential to every child’s growth and achievement.
We believe that communication is an integral part of a successful school experience. In addition to parent collaboration and ILP meetings, we encourage parents to communicate with teachers via phone or email. Parents are also always welcome to request a meeting with their child’s team members. We truly believe that parent involvement is fundamental to student success.
Mainspring Academy is proud to be a Hope Haven program. All employment and internship opportunities are managed through Hope Haven’s Careers page.
To view current openings and submit an application, please visit the Hope Haven Careers page.
Mainspring Academy is proud to be a Hope Haven program. All employment and internship opportunities are managed through Hope Haven’s Careers page.
To view current openings and submit an application, please visit the Hope Haven Careers page.
Classroom: Primary
Age Range: 5-7
Grade Range: K-2nd
Openings: 1
Classroom: Elementary
Age Range: 7-9
Grade Range: 2nd-5th
Openings: 2
Classroom: Intermediate
Age Range: 12-14
Grade Range: 7th-9th
Openings: 3
Classroom: Life Skills
Age Range: 17-21
Grade Range: 11th-12th
Openings: 2
Classroom: Vocational
Age Range: 17-21
Grade Range: 11th-12th
Openings: 1
*Tours are typically 30 minutes and scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays between 9:30 – 11:30am.*
