Imagine you’re a young student again. What if you could start every school day with clarity? What if you could begin your classes feeling completely grounded and focused? What if you could tackle new subjects using more and more of your individual potential? At Maharishi School—where the TM technique is the cornerstone of a unique learning model—these are the central educational goals.

Twice a day at this K-12 independent boarding and day school on the campus of Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa, all students, teachers, and administrators practice the TM technique. They experience a state of rest that is deeper than sleep, accompanied by brainwave patterns that reflect highly alert, orderly, and synchronous mental activity. Students in the pre-school enjoy the “Consciousness, Connections, and Life Skills” program.

“In a world of nearly incessant outer stimuli, this special rest gives students a respite of inner silence and a connection with their own true Self,” says Richard Beall, Ph.D., Head of School since 2009.

Expanding consciousness is a game-changer

All students, teachers, and staff practice the TM technique

With the deep rest gained during TM practice, profound changes take place: Blood pressure normalizes, heart rate slows down, and the brain gets more oxygen.

“When our bodies and brains are functioning optimally, it’s like driving on a bright, sunny day as opposed to a dark, rainy night without headlights—you can see with clarity, move with purpose, and travel beyond your comfort zone without losing your center. Big problems become small problems, and stress becomes manageable,” says Dr. Beall.

“We don’t just fill students’ heads with information,” he adds. “We systematically expand the container of knowledge, the student’s own consciousness. With this expansion, absorbing new ideas becomes simpler, friendships deepen, and you start to understand how you are interconnected with everything in the world. We call this Consciousness-Based EducationSM, because expanding consciousness is a game-changer.”

Where students discover their true selves

The Maharishi School vision of holistic education encompasses not just academic subjects and extracurricular pursuits but also the discovery of who you truly are and what you can be. Our teachers are committed to drawing out the gifts and potential in each person’s inner Self.

Teachers are committed to drawing out the gifts and potential of each student

“At Maharishi School, we are deeply invested in the growth of our students and want to teach them the lifelong skills that will not only prepare them for the future world but also empower them to shine as who they truly are,” notes Dr. Beall.

Students come from over 30 countries and can express the full range of their unique personalities in a supportive and harmonious environment. “When conformity isn’t socially mandated, when self-expression and love are encouraged, when opportunities are afforded to learn about, expand, and share what makes them shine, that’s when you see kids who are able to grow towards and fulfill their highest potential,” Dr. Beall says.

Students also take a unique interdisciplinary course called the Science of Creative Intelligence®. This course helps them see underlying, universal principles that are common to the structure and functioning of life—in their academic subjects, in nature, in themselves, and each other.

Tapping new reservoirs of intelligence and creativity

The result of Consciousness-Based education is higher personal and academic performance for everyone, as hinted at by this list of selected school achievements in 2021–2022:

  • Ranked #1 Best Private High School in Iowa by Niche.com
  • 2022 Destination Imagination Global Finals—the Maharishi School team achieved 7th place
  • Hawkeye State Science and Engineering Fair—all four Maharishi School entries earned first place championships in their categories
  • Team America Rocketry Nationals teams qualified and placed as in prior years
  • FIRST Robotics competition—team advanced to Super-Qualifier
  • And many more accolades

Why parents love Maharishi School

At Maharishi School, children’s creativity flourishes

Parents want to see their children’s creativity flourish. They know that creativity is one of the most valuable resources anyone can carry throughout their life and career. They understand that happiness and success go hand-in-hand, and they want their children to be grounded in that inner happiness.

Parents bring their children to Maharishi School so their kids can develop a clear sense of themselves and their connection to the world. Students can thrive in a safe, progressive, and health-oriented environment while enjoying the friendship of other meditating young people from across the country and around the world.

Fast facts about Maharishi School

  • Student body: 180 students from 30+ countries
  • Average class size: 12
  • Student/faculty ratio: 6:1
  • Fully accredited by state and national accreditation boards
  • Project-based interactive classes, with collaboration and discussion
  • Highly personalized and student-centered learning
  • Multi-level mastery curriculum, including honors and AP courses
  • Holistic health program, including daily TM practice and yoga
  • Over 97 percent of graduates accepted to four-year colleges and universities of their choice, including Princeton, Columbia, Georgetown, MIT, Purdue, UCLA, George Washington, Sarah Lawrence, and many more

Visit MaharishiSchool.org to learn more

Cheryl Stone
Author: Cheryl Stone

Project Manager