As we close out the 2024–2025 school year, it’s almost hard to believe how quickly the time has passed. This year has been full of growth, discovery, and meaningful progress—both within our K–12 school and across our ever-expanding outreach programs.

Miriam School and Learning Center is pleased to announce the appointment of five members to the board of directors. These additions will support the nonprofit’s work to empower unique learners, bringing the total number of board members to 22. The board also appointed Darcy Scharff as president-elect, in line to take over the presidency from Kristen Bowser on July 1, 2026. 

“This day is about honoring each of [us] - not just for reaching graduation but for the strength, growth and courage it took to get here. We have all overcome obstacles, discovered new abilities and proven that nothing can hold us back when we believe in ourselves.”

As we close out the 2024–2025 school year, it’s almost hard to believe how quickly the time has passed. This year has been full of growth, discovery, and meaningful progress—both within our K–12 school and across our ever-expanding outreach programs.

Since its debut in the 1970s, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has captivated generations with its mix of storytelling, strategy and creativity. The game’s ability to adapt to various play styles and preferences has kept it relevant with a wide variety of audiences - including neurodivergent individuals. 

Since its debut in the 1970s, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has captivated generations with its mix of storytelling, strategy and creativity. The game’s ability to adapt to various play styles and preferences has kept it relevant with a wide variety of audiences - including neurodivergent individuals. 

This past Saturday, we gathered for our second annual Minds in Bloom Gala—a truly special evening that brought us together to celebrate our shared mission: transforming the lives of children who learn differently and supporting those who love and care for them.

Thanks to our incredibly generous community, the Second Annual Minds in Bloom Spring Soiree was a huge success! The event, held on Saturday, April 5, at Clayton Plaza Hotel, raised more than $212,000 in total, with $121,308 specifically going to our Fund the Future scholarship fund to help make Miriam more affordable for families who need us. 

During the month of February, Miriam High School students studied up on Black history - and engaged in friendly competition with their peers - through a scavenger hunt created by teacher Karen Cross.

Yesterday, at the beginning of our Board Meeting, some children from Rooms One and Two did a fantastic job demonstrating a dancing brain break session for our Trustees. Later, one Trustee said what inspired her was noting the progress of one little girl.

Six Miriam High School students had the opportunity to explore diversity from all angles in late February, attending MICDS’ Student Diversity Conference. The conference, titled “Diversity in Motion: Unity on Every Loop,” was led by students, for students - from MICDS and five other area schools, including Miriam. The schools applied for the opportunity to attend.

On a recent visit to Miriam Lower/Middle School in Webster Groves, Mayor Laura Arnold had the opportunity to see firsthand the positive influence the school has on the community in Webster and beyond, and its dedication to serving unique learners in St. Louis. 

On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, my daughter Lucy and I had the privilege of visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. We were among hundreds of people from around the world who had gathered to pay our respects and reflect on the sacrifices made for freedom and peace. Standing in that sacred space on a day dedicated to Dr. King’s legacy, during the week of the presidential inauguration, provided a powerful day of reflection. 

At Miriam students in grades K-8 explore the forces of magnets not only for science but also as a hands-on way to understand social interactions. Miriam Lower/Middle School Counselor Janene Allen teaches students that depending on their behavior, others might be drawn to you - or they may want to stay away. 

Your child needs a tutor. Maybe they are struggling to learn to read as a first-grader, or perhaps they need a little help to make it through geometry in high school. Where do you start?