MOScholars, Missouri’s K-12 scholarship program, opened for the 2024-25 academic year on February 1. Last year, funds were depleted very quickly, and they do prioritize previous MOScholars recipients.
The State of Missouri launched the program on July 1, 2022, to provide financial support to qualifying families to offset educational expenses ranging from private schools to therapeutic services.
Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Service Plan (ISP) who attend a private school are eligible for the scholarship, as long as they live in a Missouri county with at least 30,000 residents. Scholarships are $6,375 each. Please note that the student’s IEP or ISP must be dated within the past 36 months.
Nonprofit Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs) award the scholarships, and recipients must apply to them directly. A list of EAOs can be found here: treasurer.mo.gov/MOScholars/EAOs Those interested in applying may review the Parent Handbook and reach out to EAOs to learn more about their individual requirements.
In addition to tuition, scholarships may be used for:
- Textbooks required by a qualified school
- Educational therapies or services from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, licensed or accredited paraprofessionals or educational aides
- Tutoring services
- Curriculum
- Fees for a nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement test, advanced placement examinations, international baccalaureate examinations, or any examinations related to college or university admission
- Account Transaction fees
- Services provided by a public school including, but not limited to, individual classes and extracurricular programs
- Computer hardware or other technological devices that are used to help meet the qualified student’s educational needs and that are approved by an educational assistance organization
- Fees for summer education programs and specialized after-school education programs
- Transportation costs for mileage to and from a qualified school
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?
Miriam Lower/Middle School will soon have a new addition on its playground – and other new or updated occupational therapy equipment – thanks to a grant from the Missouri Athletic Club’s Charitable Society for Children (CSC) Grant.
Wishing you a very happy beginning to 2025! Miriam School, although covered in glistening snow, is bustling with our students’ return to school and the promise of all of the good things that happen here throughout our winter months.
At Miriam School and Learning Center, the mission is clear: help children with special educational needs unlock their full potential. The K-12 educational institution draws on more than 60 years of experience in the field to provide a highly personalized learning environment that brings the best in every child.
Rob Miller was inspired to open his pottery studio to people of all abilities when his grandson, Connor, was born with cerebral palsy eight years ago.
A steady stream of power tools could be heard from the woodworking class, held in the science lab. The rhythm of the Electric Slide and other slide dance songs echoed from the gym, filling the air with energy and movement.
Miriam Learning Center is continually working to address needs in the community regarding students with learning differences. It’s no secret that we, as a society, are in the midst of a teacher shortage – and special education teachers are in even shorter supply. Enter Miriam’s Gen Ed to Special Ed teacher training program!
Wishing you a very blessed and joyful holiday season. Many wonderful events have happened in our organization over the last month as we continue to foster a sense of community and belonging. I had the pleasure of hosting two Community Coffees at both campuses to introduce our strategic plan.
Students at Miriam School and Learning Center learn differently, as classes provide individualized curriculum that often includes integrated speech and occupational therapy. At the high school, which is home to 40 students, teachers and staff place a major emphasis on preparing students for life after high school.