Where who she'll be is as important as what she'll be.

Elevating education. Building character.™

Welcome to Mill Creek Academy

Mill Creek Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in Waukesha serving students in 4K through eighth grade and part of the National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) network of 100+ schools. Our dedicated teachers partner with families to help every child succeed academically while building strong character through our Moral Focus™ program. Every student is known, challenged, and supported so they're prepared for success in high school and beyond. 

At-a-Glance

Our Academic Success by the Numbers

89%

Moral Focus™ Impact

89% of Mill Creek Academy parents see a positive impact from NHA's Moral Focus™ program.

100+

Schools

Part of a Network of 100+ Schools

As part of the NHA network, Mill Creek Academy has access to a research-backed curriculum, a dedicated curriculum team, and a support team.

30+

Years

Transforming Lives, Building Futures

Founded in 1995, NHA has spent over 30 years partnering with families to help children succeed.

a man in a suit and tie

Meet Our Principal

A Note From Joe Sellenheim

Thank you for considering Mill Creek Academy. Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and I'd welcome the chance to show you what makes ours different. Come see us in person, meet our teachers, and ask us anything.

Joe Sellenheim
Principal, Mill Creek Academy

What Sets Us Apart

Why Families Trust Mill Creek Academy

Academic Excellence

At Mill Creek, every student is known, challenged, and supported. Our research-backed curriculum and data-driven instruction let teachers meet each student where they are, so your child gets the right level of challenge and the support to grow with confidence. Every classroom is backed by a designated dean who helps teachers strengthen instruction and gives students extra support when they need it.

Student sitting at her desk using a pencil

Character Development

Through our Moral Focus™ program, character development is part of every school day. Students learn and practice virtues such as respect, gratitude, perseverance, and integrity, applying them both in and out of the classroom. Lessons connect each virtue to everyday actions, so students understand the importance of making good decisions and doing the right thing.

Two students with their arms around each other smiling

Student Responsibility

Students are held to high standards and learn to take ownership of their choices, actions, and academic growth. In many classrooms, students help create social contracts that set shared expectations for how everyone treats one another, so they see their role in building a positive learning environment.

Student reading a book

Parent Partnership

We believe students thrive when families and schools work together. Mill Creek Academy builds strong partnerships through progress reports each marking period, conferences throughout the year, and opportunities to volunteer and be part of the school community.

Structured Setting

Clear expectations and consistent routines create a safe, focused environment where students can do their best work. Our Behave with Care approach sets the same standards across every classroom, and dress code policies help students stay focused and feel part of a community.

K-8 School in Canton: Student reading book at desk.

School Leadership

Meet the Leaders Behind Mill Creek Academy

Get Started

Your Next Step Starts Here

Start Your Application

Apply online, in person, or over the phone, and don’t hesitate to ask us questions along the way! We are here for you.

Schedule a Tour

Schedule a tour to see our school in person, meet our staff, and learn how Mill Creek Academy helps students grow academically and build strong character.

Our Academics

See how students learn, what they study, and how teachers support them at every level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Questions From Families Like You

Complete your child's online application  right here on our website. If more students apply than we have openings during Open Enrollment, we hold a random lottery. You can still apply after Open Enrollment closes, and those applications are considered in the order received.

Mill Creek Academy is a public charter school open to all eligible students in grades 4K-8. There are no entrance exams or interviews to apply. Visit our Admissions page to learn more about eligibility.

No. Mill Creek Academy is a tuition-free public school, funded the same way district schools are. There is no cost to attend.

The best way to experience Mill Creek Academy is to see it in person. Visit our School Tour page or call 262-422-6020 to schedule a tour and see our classrooms, meet our staff, and learn more about what makes our school community unique.