Student Life at Mountain Springs

“The strength of Mountain Springs is in giving students the freedom to ultimately make their own choices. The focus that is put into academics and the privileges that students can earn . . . it prepares students for going home extremely well.” -Former Student

A student's life at Mountain Springs Preparatory Academy is centered on serving others while growing personally. Our students serve each other and perform numerous service projects in the community. Often these times helping others are highlights of a students stay at Mountain Springs. Additionally, students are busy with their schooling, MAPP (Master Academic and Personal Progress) plan, therapy, chores, and the many activities that are part of life on and off campus.Students at Mountain Springs are encouraged to assume leadership roles within the school community, including being dorm leaders, kitchen manager, student tutors, student government members, and participating in various student advisory and support groups.

Each student is assigned an Advisor they meet with weekly or more often if needed.  The Advisor works with the students to enhance the quality of campus life and to build school spirit and traditions. Additionally, through our unique mentoring program, each student is assigned a staff member at Mountain Springs who acts as their personal mentor and advisor. This mentor will meet weekly with their student to review progress reports, troubleshoot problems and assist them in accomplishing their goals.

Weekday and weekend activities include extensive outdoor recreation, cultural trips, movies, concerts, and theatre or dance performances. Other regularly occurring activities include softball, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, working out at the local gym, and skiing and snowboarding. A variety of other activities expose students to art, music and other fields.

Please click on the links below to learn more about student life at Mountain Springs:

Community Involvement

Developing Responsibility

Daily Schedule

Bridge Program

Student Activity Center

Life Outside the Classroom: Off-Campus Adventures at Mountain Springs

At Mountain Springs, education is more than just academics—it’s a journey of personal discovery, connection, and growth. We believe that a meaningful education happens not only within the classroom but also through real-world experiences that shape character, deepen friendships, and inspire curiosity.

Our students enjoy a vibrant, well-rounded lifestyle enriched by a wide variety of thoughtfully designed off-campus activities. These experiences are carefully curated to promote independence, responsibility, and a genuine love of learning—all while having fun and making memories that last a lifetime.

🌟 Thoughtfully Planned Group Outings

Led by our dedicated Activities Coordinator, students regularly take part in group outings that combine recreation with enrichment. These activities are planned with intention and variety to ensure every student finds something that resonates with their interests. Examples include:

Attending live theater performances or local concerts
 Enjoying a night out at the movies
Hitting the slopes for skiing or snowboarding
 Exploring museums and cultural centers

These shared adventures create opportunities for students to bond with peers, step out of their comfort zones, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways.

🌲 Outdoor Exploration & Experiential Learning

Our unique location gives students direct access to the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, which plays a central role in our educational philosophy. Outdoor learning is an integral part of life at Mountain Springs and includes:

Hiking scenic trails and learning about local ecosystems
Engaging in team-building challenges and adventure-based learning
Participating in campouts, picnics, and nature excursions

These experiences help students develop resilience, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the environment—all while staying active and grounded.

🚴 Freedom, Choice, and Personal Responsibility

We understand the importance of giving young people freedom to explore their interests in a safe and supportive environment. In addition to organized group outings, students can also enjoy more independent off-campus activities, including:

 Visiting the local gym for workouts and classes
Biking through nearby trails
Hanging out at the skate park or exploring the town with friends

These smaller, self-directed outings foster important life skills such as time management, accountability, and interpersonal communication, all while encouraging students to relax and enjoy their personal passions.

🧡 Community Engagement & Connection

At Mountain Springs, we encourage students to look beyond themselves and get involved in the wider community. We offer regular opportunities for students to:

Join local festivals, fairs, and cultural celebrations
Volunteer with community service projects and nonprofits
Support local initiatives and engage with the world around them

These moments of community engagement cultivate empathy, social awareness, and a sense of purpose—key values that students carry with them for life. Ultimately, what sets Mountain Springs apart is our commitment to the whole student. We believe that a fulfilling life includes adventure, connection, reflection, and joy. Our off-campus experiences are designed to complement academic learning while helping students become well-rounded, confident individuals prepared for whatever path they choose.

At Mountain Springs, life is an adventure—and we’re here to guide every step of the way.

Growing Independence: Preparing Students for Life Beyond High School

At Mountain Springs, we believe that personal growth is just as important as academic achievement. One of our core values is helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to become independent, capable young adults. We provide real-world opportunities that go beyond traditional high school experiences—because learning how to live independently is a key part of every student's journey.

To support this goal, students at Mountain Springs have access to a range of programs designed to build adult life skills:

🚗 Driver’s Education

Many students in treatment settings haven’t had the chance to complete Driver’s Ed. At Mountain Springs, we make sure they don’t miss this important rite of passage. With the support of licensed instructors, students can participate in Driver’s Education and work toward earning their driver’s license—gaining both mobility and confidence along the way.

💼 Afterschool Jobs

We encourage our students to take on part-time jobs in the community. These experiences help them understand the value of hard work, manage their time effectively, and develop financial literacy. More importantly, holding a job fosters a sense of responsibility and independence—qualities that will serve them well in any path they choose.

🎓 College & Technical School Classes

For students who are ready to take their learning further, we offer opportunities to enroll in classes at our local university or technical college. This allows them to explore areas of interest, get a head start on higher education, and begin mapping out their future careers. Whether it’s computer science, culinary arts, automotive technology, or creative writing, these courses offer a taste of what’s possible beyond high school.

These opportunities are extended to students who demonstrate leadership and responsibility within our campus community. By earning the chance to participate in these programs, students learn the powerful connection between maturity, trust, and freedom.

At Mountain Springs, we don't just prepare students for graduation—we prepare them for life. Through hands-on experiences and a supportive environment, we empower them to step into adulthood with the confidence, skills, and self-awareness they need to thrive.

On-Campus Life: A Community Full of Energy, Creativity, and Connection

At Mountain Springs, life on campus is anything but ordinary. We’ve created an engaging, supportive environment where students can connect, express themselves, and simply enjoy being teenagers. Whether it’s after school, in the evenings, or on the weekends, there’s always something happening—and always a place to belong.

Our campus is alive with energy, offering a wide range of activities that cater to diverse interests and personalities. Whether students are creative, athletic, social, or simply looking to relax with friends, they’ll find their space here.

🎧 Student Activity Center

The heart of our campus life is the Student Activity Center—a dynamic space where creativity and fun come together. Students can produce music in our professional-grade recording studio, explore their artistic side in the art studio, or watch a favorite movie in our movie theater. For more laid-back evenings, our spacious game room offers pool, foosball, board games, and so much more.

It's not just about structured activities—the Activity Center also serves as a casual social hub, where students can hang out, listen to music, laugh with friends, or just unwind after a busy day.

🏀 Sports & Recreation

Physical activity and outdoor fun are an important part of student life at Mountain Springs. Our multi-use sports court is perfect for basketball, tennis, and pickleball—encouraging friendly competition and teamwork. One of the most-loved spots on campus is our sand volleyball court, a favorite for both spontaneous matches and group events.

As the sun sets, students often gather around the outdoor fire pit to share stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the sense of community that makes Mountain Springs feel like home. The patio outside of the Student Center is a wonderful oasis with it's fireplace, large BBQ and places to relax and mingle with fellow students. 

🎉 Spirit Weeks & Student Leadership

Campus life gets even more exciting during our themed Spirit Weeks, organized by our active and enthusiastic Student Council. From costume days to team competitions and community service projects, these weeks bring the entire student body together in fun, creative, and meaningful ways. It’s an opportunity for students to express themselves, show school pride, and contribute to the culture of the campus.

At Mountain Springs, on-campus life is designed to be enriching, energizing, and inclusive. We know that a strong community helps students thrive—and that’s exactly what we’ve built. Whether it’s through artistic expression, athletic challenges, or meaningful friendships, every student has a chance to shine and feel at home.

 Treks: Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls

At Mountain Springs Preparatory Academy, we believe that travel is one of life’s greatest teachers. While we are proud of our rigorous, college-preparatory academic program, we know that some of the most powerful learning happens outside the traditional classroom—in the real world, through real experiences. At Mountain Springs, exploration is part of the curriculum. We go beyond textbooks to ensure our students are fully engaged, globally aware, and prepared for life—not just academics. Whether it's a weekend hike or a two-week journey across the globe, every trek is another step in their growth as learners and as people.

That’s why we’ve created Knowledge Treks: our signature, education-led field trips that bring learning to life in unforgettable ways.  Our Knowledge Treks—both domestic and international—serve a deeper purpose. They allow students to connect classroom learning to the real world, Discover their passions and purpose, Grow in independence, responsibility, and global awareness and Create unforgettable memories with peers and mentors

Time and time again, we see students return from these journeys changed for the better—more mature, more curious, and more inspired to make meaningful choices about their future.

“That trip opened my eyes. I saw how big the world is and how much I want to explore it.”
— Mountain Springs Student

“It was more than just travel—it was a learning experience I’ll never forget.”
— Mountain Springs Graduate

🏕️ Nature as the Ultimate Classroom

Throughout the year, our students embark on regular Knowledge Treks—field-based learning adventures that allow them to explore academic subjects in natural and cultural settings. These are not just casual outings; they are carefully planned and integrated into the curriculum to enhance understanding, spark curiosity, and deepen retention.

Whether it’s studying geology while hiking through red rock canyons, learning about ecosystems during a mountain expedition, or discovering local history on a walking tour of a nearby town, our students are immersed in hands-on, experiential learning.

“We didn’t just read about it—we lived it.”
This is how many students describe the impact of these treks. They’re not only fun and adventurous, but they also make academic content memorable, meaningful, and relevant—especially for our many kinesthetic and experiential learners.

🌐 International Travel: Expanding Horizons

Each year, Mountain Springs offers students the incredible opportunity to participate in 1–2 international trips. These journeys are more than just sightseeing—they are designed with purposeful educational goals in mind.

Our international Treks help students:

Gain a global perspective
Experience new cultures, languages, and cuisines
Build empathy, independence, and confidence
Develop real-world communication and cultural literacy skills

These trips often include immersive experiences such as visiting historical landmarks, volunteering with local communities, exploring local markets, or learning directly from international educators and guides. From Europe to South America, every destination is chosen to enrich the lives of our students both academically and personally.