A: Parents select Miriam School for the individualized educational programming and for the integration of special education, speech/language therapy and occupational therapy.

A: Yes. Miriam is accredited by The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). Miriam School’s program has been approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

A: Our total enrollment is 96 students. We are designed to be a small school so we can focus on each student’s needs.

A: Our youngest students are age 4 and our program goes through 8th grade.

A: Classroom ratios are 1 teacher for 10 students.

A: The school day runs from 8:45 until 3:15. Extended day services are available beginning at 7 am before school and until 6 pm after school.

A: We do not provide transportation, but our families come from all around the St. Louis are and many coordinate carpools.

A: We do not have a hot lunch program and students bring a lunch each day. We do offer a refrigerator and microwave to heat and cool foods as well as a punch card milk program.

A: Yes. All students enjoy scheduled recess time either indoors or outdoors each day as well as two designated sensory breaks in the morning and the afternoon. Each class participates in physical education twice a week. During the school day frequent breaks and changes in activity help keep students engaged and motivated to learn.

A: No. Students dress in clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for a school setting.

A: Our calendar is very similar to other school calendars. The school year typically runs from mid August until late May, and includes a Thanksgiving Break, two-week Winter Break, and a one-week Spring Break. Other one-day holidays and staff training days also occur throughout the year.  See our 2012-2013 calendar here.

A: Homework is part of our school program, but the structure and amount may be individualized per student. Students are expected to work at home in order to reinforce and practice concepts they have already learned in class. Teachers and families work together to establish the best routine for each student.

A: Yes! The Miriam School Parent Association meets throughout the year to support the school. They organize school and class fundraisers and activities such as the Fall Family Dinner and the Annual Spring Picnic. Additionally, parents can volunteer to serve as Parent Mentors to incoming Miriam School families. Parents are always invited to attend Miriam Empowers Through Education workshops held throughout the year where they can interact with other school parents and gain valuable insight from education professionals about raising children with learning disabilities.

A: Miriam School student enrollment averages three to five years. The length of stay varies with individual student’s needs and age at enrollment, as well as with each family’s long term educational goals and financial circumstances. Miriam School provides comprehensive transition services to families as students leave for their next educational setting.

A: High school choice depends on the individual needs of each child. Some children transition to their local public high school, while others attend either private or independent secondary schools. Our Transition Program assists families in choosing the right environment for their child and facilitates a smooth transfer of students into their new school.

A: Miriam School uses the term “complex” learning disabilities in recognition that students experience difficulties in multiple areas of functioning. Our program focuses on the combined academic, social and emotional effects that result from having a learning disability. For more information visit the Who Should Apply page.

A: No. We have a rolling admissions policy that admits qualified students throughout the year based on availability.

A: After an application is received and the admissions committee determines that the school may be a good fit for the potential student, a one-day student visit will be scheduled.

A: Diagnoses are helpful in that they communicate common language, issues and needs. However, we do not require students to have an educational or medical diagnosis – although we do require testing to help us better understand where students are experiencing difficulty.

A: In order to develop a comprehensive learning profile for each student we require copies of individually administered tests from educational, neurological, psychological and/or psychiatric professionals. The Admissions office may request additional testing if they feel they need more information about a student. Testing can be performed at the Miriam Learning Center at a lower cost that you may expect to pay elsewhere.

A: The primary characteristic of all Miriam School students is a learning disability. Students may have additional challenges to the learning process but the primary issue must be learning-related. Through our inquiry and application process, students are evaluated to ensure they are a good fit with the Miriam School program. These characteristics include average to above average intelligence, the ability to succeed in a 10:1 ratio and get along socially with peers, the ability to form collaborative relationships with teachers and the need for speech/language and occupational therapies. Please visit the Who Should Apply page for more information.

A: Miriam School uses FACTS Management Company (FACTS) for financial need assessment and tuition collection. Once a student has been accepted to Miriam School, families input their financial information to FACTS, which processes tuition assistance applications and track tuition payments for over 4,000 schools and 1,000,000 families each year. Information shared with FACTS is completely confidential and is used solely for tuition management.

Once a family’s tuition assistance application has been processed through FACTS, they provide a recommendation to our school. An internal committee reviews the FACTS recommendation and other relevant family circumstances and makes a determination of the amount of tuition assistance to offer to families that qualify.

A: Through the generosity of the Miriam Foundation, Miriam School is able to offer partial tuition assistance to families who demonstrate financial need. Many factors go into determining whether a family demonstrates this need including family income, net worth, assets, debt, and the number of children in tuition-charging schools, etc. Financial need is defined as the difference between the cost of a school and the family’s ability to pay for these expenses. If in doubt, it is always better to apply for financial aid.