The mission of McKinna Learning Academy School is to empower our students to realize their individual potential, develop a sense of confidence in themselves as learners and prepare them for the next steps in their lives. Thus, McKinna Learning Academy strives to create a unique curriculum embracing progressive educational practices along with individualized support and state-of-the-art assistive technologies to provide our students with an enriched academic curriculum and a supportive and tolerant community.
Within our daily school setting, we seek to develop analytical and critical thinkers who grasp new ideas and knowledge from a global perspective.
Recognizing that students have a variety of needs at each developmental stage and learn in different ways, McKinna Learning Academy is committed to helping each student: Learn to think critically, Cultivate a passion for success in academics, Achieve a sense of emotional and physical well-being, Celebrate differences and our common humanity, Gain a sense of personal and community responsibility, and Develop a life-long love of learning.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked CA School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 1-8
- Enrollment: 21 students
- Yearly Tuition: $38,600
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
McKinna Learning Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 1-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism Levels 1 & 2, Twice Exceptional
Year Founded
2008
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 31, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
21 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
13%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 11:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
100%
Average Class Size
8 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$38,600
Tuition Notes
$38,600.00 for new student
Summer Program Cost
$3,360
Acceptance Rate
75%
National avg.: 82%
Application URL
School Notes
- McKinna Learning Academyis an independent elementary and middle school designed specifically for neurodivergent children with learning differences, with enrollment from 1st to 8th. Small multi-age classes are led by expert teachers (8:1 ratio). Our 1st-8thcurriculum includes: mathematics, reading, writing, humanities, science, Spanish, music, art, and physical education for all ages.Our Mission is to empower students to realize their individual potential, foster their innate desire to learn and act with social responsibility. Thus,McKinna Learning Academy strives to create a unique curriculum embracing the best of specialeducation practices, which provide our students with an enriched academic curriculum and a supportive and creative community. Within our daily school setting, we seek to develop analytical and critical thinkers who grasp new ideas and knowledge from the world around them. Recognizing that students learn in different ways, our graduates leave Point Dume School as creative problem-solvers prepared to thrive in our complex, 21st-century world.
- Guided, cooperative learning
- Social and emotional skills such as inclusion, empathy, kindness and diversity
- Connections across academics, such as math with history
- Inquiry-based projects, short and long term
- Positive discipline
- Environmental sustainability
- They are actively involved.
- They use all of their senses to discuss, debate, explore, investigate, create, and gather their own information.
- They study subjects in depth rather than in broad overviews, bringing in information and concepts from related areas.
- They are interested in the topic, are challenged but not frustrated, and are having fun.
- Rely on non-competitive assessments, not standardized testing.
- Be student centered.
- Be age appropriate.
- Teach core concepts and skills, academic and social.
- Include open-ended learning experiences which have many solutions to one problem.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does McKinna Learning Academy cost?
McKinna Learning Academy's tuition is approximately $38,600 for private students and $3,360 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of McKinna Learning Academy?
The acceptance rate of McKinna Learning Academy is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 81%.
Does McKinna Learning Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, McKinna Learning Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is McKinna Learning Academy's ranking?
McKinna Learning Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for McKinna Learning Academy?
The application deadline for McKinna Learning Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is McKinna Learning Academy located?
McKinna Learning Academy is located in the Central Malibu neighborhood of Malibu, CA.
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