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Empowering Unique Learners
More Thoughts on the State of Miriam
Meg Bamford | Head of Miriam School and Learning Center


Perhaps the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” can feel overused. However, for Miriam’s children, I can think of no phrase that is closer to our reality. Not only do we embrace and honor each child and see them through the lens of their strengths, but we band together to help them overcome their challenges and provide them with the specialized instruction, strategies and tools they need to be independent, well, and happy in their lives beyond Miriam. 

This also happens as an organization. Many of the components of the 2020-2024 strategic plan sought not only to continue to provide high quality special education and services, but it also focused on creating tighter, stronger ties to strengthen and unify our “village.” Our mission is to empower unique learners by giving them confidence and a foundation for success. We stayed on target and achieved goals by using our core values and their underlying competencies to make organizational decisions, evaluate our programing.  The values embedded in our culture are: Learners First, Working in Partnership, Striving for Excellence, and Respect for All. Each of these core values has competencies associated with them. We use these values to continually evaluate everything we do here at Miriam from budgeting, to programming, to student and family centered decisions, to staff evaluations etc. 

As you may know, Miriam has 3 locations and facets; our K-12 school, our Learning Center Outreach Program and our Switching Post. Each one of these parts of Miriam contributes to the idea that we are an educational hub that seeks to help as many children with special educational needs as possible. Miriam has worked on clear messaging of who we are, and who we serve. We have worked on the “what we do” and “how” we achieve those goals. We have sought to overcome identity issues and unity issues by working to instill common language, approaches, and expectations throughout all parts of our organization. Furthermore, we are streamlining communications like this newsletter so each part of the Miriam community can see how their hard work helps others and the resources available. I hope you have noticed improvements in our presence on social media. Miriam no longer wants to be the “best kept secret in St. Louis.” The success of our hard work is indicated by the 1700 children we served just last year alone. We now employ over 210 people! 

There are so many accomplishments to report. My hope is that small updates like these help to solidify your support for Miriam. We are devoted to helping as many students as we can to optimize their potential. Thank you for being a part of this momentum of progress.
 

View our Strategic Plan

Miriam student participating in an election

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. 

Read More about A Message from the Head of School, Meg Bamford - February 2025
In the News: Personalized learning and integrated therapies create success stories for students with learning differences.

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. 

Read More about In the News: Personalized learning and integrated therapies create success stories for students with learning differences. (opens in new window/tab)
In the News: Students at Miriam High School work together to bring Thanksgiving feast to classmates

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.

Read More about In the News: Students at Miriam High School work together to bring Thanksgiving feast to classmates (opens in new window/tab)
Miriam student participating in an election

As the 2024 election approaches, I have been fascinated observing how differently our students are processing and engaging with the election compared to those at the traditional college preparatory school where I previously worked. Our faculty and staff have noted relatively little conversation among students about the election despite the prevalence of viewpoints on TikTok and other social media sites about the election and candidates. 

Read More about Navigating Politics with our Neurodiverse Learners: Teachable Moments
Two students working together during the rope course

Miriam School and Learning Center is proud to announce that the Rotary Club of St. Louis has generously awarded a $20,000 scholarship to support students in need of financial assistance. This year’s recipient, Remi W., a ninth grader from St. Ann, is a talented young student with a dream of becoming an artist and a passion for learning.

Read More about Rotary Club of St. Louis Awards $20,000 Scholarship to Miriam School and Learning Center