Mill Academy formally opens with new teaching approaches

Mill Academy, an innovative educational institution that commenced classes in September, held its formal opening exercises on Monday.

The school, located on All Saints Road, east of KFC, hosted a grand opening ceremony attended by a variety of guests, including the Governor General – Sir Rodney Williams, Senior Officials of the Ministry of Education, Opposition Leader – Jamale Pringle, benefactors Roger and Carolyne Penfold, parents, teachers, and well-wishers.

The founder and principal, Kisma Panthier-Jn Pierre, explained that the academy came as a result of her experiences as a teacher.

She started with one student and provided after-school tutoring, which eventually led to a word-of-mouth campaign that saw her numbers spike to over thirty after just one year.

She continued the after-school tutoring but felt the need to do more, which led to the birth of Mill Academy Ltd. during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The school’s philosophy is to include parents as much as possible in the process of learning.

Mill Academy boasts small, but dynamic classrooms of only fifteen students, allowing for quality teaching and individual attention.

The integrated curriculum covers Math, English, Science, Social Studies, Agriculture, Art, Craft, Information Technology, Coding, Robotics, Music, Pan, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Physical Education, Journaling, Yoga and Meditation, Environmental Awareness and Sustainability.

The comprehensive curriculum allows Mill Academy to satisfy at least three of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal #1: No poverty, Goal #4: Quality Education, and Goal #5: Gender Equality.

Sir Rodney delivered congratulatory remarks, stating that his heart was filled with joy and pride, not just as the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, but as someone who cherishes the profound impact of education.

He commended the school for seamlessly blending traditional methodologies with innovative approaches.

Technology plays a significant role at Mill Academy, illuminating the educational pathways in Math, English Language Arts, and Foreign Languages.

Two parents of children at the school also shared their thoughts, along with one teacher who emphasized the importance of investing in the success of children.

Benefactor of the institution, Roger Penfold, noted his commitment to the school, despite the current revenues generated by the school being unable to cover the operating costs.