Maharishi School - Review #2

Read more details about Maharishi School on their 2024 profile page.
Maharishi School
5

About the Author:

Years Attended Boarding School:
2000-2004
Sports and Activities:
Speech (Maharishi School's theater program), including mime, one-act plays, musical theater, reader's theater, and choral readings Photography Physics club Dance
College Enrolled:
Maharishi University of Management
Home Town, State:
Fairfield, IA

Reflections and Advice:

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
I went to a lot of other schools before Maharishi School, and what stood out the most for me at Maharishi School was the emphasis on personal development. Instead of just filling up my brain with facts, the unique programs available at Maharishi School gave me the opportunity to develop my brain and actually increase my intelligence and creativity.By the time I graduated, I was not simply more erudite; I had expanded my capacity for knowledge. I noticed that I learned things more quickly, performed better under stress, and enjoyed a higher quality of effectiveness in my life overall.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
While at Maharishi School, I was named a State of Iowa Scholar and a National Merit Scholar Finalist, I received honorable mention in an international photography contest, and I starred in a number of high school and community theater productions. However, more important than any of these achievements, I developed a strong sense of who I was and what I valued in life. I developed a new level of happiness that I have carried with me.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I can't think of anything in particular I would have done differently. I feel fortunate to have had such an amazing host family. For other borders, I would suggest eating in the cafeteria to make closer friends.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The way it gave me the chance to develop myself, my ability to learn and grow, and the full spectrum of my personality.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Someone needs to start up the senior pranks again. I hear they've lapsed in recent years, and this is simply unacceptable.

Academics:

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I most enjoyed the small classes and their unusually attentive and dedicated professors. Before my time at Maharishi School I had never encountered teachers who would take the time to truly explain--in depth--the answers to all my questions about "why" and "how," instead of just insisting I focus on the "what."

Athletics:

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I did not participate in team sports; instead I took dance classes and other extracurricular P.E. substitutes. I'm not sure if that option is still available or not.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
The theater program was one of the best in the state. We often took home multiple "best in state" banner awards at Iowa High School Speech Association competitions. Subjects of theatrical focus included mime, singing, dance, and a heavy emphasis on Shakespeare and other classics.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Theater was my main focus. I also participated in an extended meditation program that was offered through the school, which was one of the most significant experiences of my life. In my senior year I was also a short-term member of the school's small physics club.

Dorm Life:

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I lived with a host family that, to this day, I totally adore. I still visit them from time to time. I took lunches with them or at the school (depending on our schedules), and they provided breakfast and dinners that were absolutely delicious. My curfew with them was often 11:00pm, with some exceptions. They took amazing care of me when I was sick for two weeks my junior year.I knew another border at that time who stayed with a different host family and stayed out later, especially on the weekends.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
I most liked the chance to sit and eat with my friends for a full hour over lunch. I enjoyed the vegetarian food; it was far better quality than anything I'd eaten in any other school cafeteria, and often with more options too. I also liked the freedom to go out to eat over lunch when I wanted.

Social and Town Life:

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
I most enjoyed the friendly and culturally sophisticated community. Between the various theaters around town, the galleries, and local music joints, there was always entertainment going on. Fairfield was large enough that I got to see and do everything I wanted, but small enough that I felt at home.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
I loved my social life at the school. I cannot emphasize enough how high quality the kids were. The angsty cliquishness I encountered at other schools was completely absent in my grade at Maharishi School. Everyone was so confident, friendly, and accepting. I felt right at home and have maintained many of the friendships I made there.

Daily Schedule:

Weekday
8:30 AM
Arrive for yoga and meditation
9:00 AM
Breakfast break
9:30 AM
Classes start
12:00 AM
Lunch
1:00 PM
Classes resume
3:30 PM
Classes end, snack time!
4:00 PM
P.E. for those who take it, or sports
5:00 PM
Homework
7:00 PM
Theater rehearsal if/when applicable, or just hanging out
Weekend
10:00 AM
Wake up
11:00 AM
Start hanging out or do weekend homework
12:00 AM
Grab lunch
1:00 PM
Free time! Maybe go to Iowa City for shopping, or a movie, or swimming/a bike ride/whatever is seasonally appropriate and fun
7:00 PM
Dinner with friends or host family
8:00 AM
More hanging out, or maybe a school dance or party if applicable
11:00 PM
My host family's curfew :-)
Read more details about Maharishi School on their 2024 profile page.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description
Maharishi School Alumni #1
Class of 2004
5.00 2/27/2019
Iowa State University
Maharishi School gave me more than an education, it gave me tools to help live a balanced life, and a community of people who I still interact with 15 years after graduating. The consciousness-based education. . .
Maharishi School Alumni #2
Class of 2004
5.00 7/19/2011
Maharishi University of Management
I went to a lot of other schools before Maharishi School, and what stood out the most for me at Maharishi School was the emphasis on personal development. Instead of just filling up my brain. . .

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Enrollment: 184 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $39,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $19,500
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update