For the Bridges family, traditional public school felt like a source of constant stress, rather than a place of learning. Each morning was a battle to get their twins to school, and each evening brought a breakdown after another overwhelming day. 

I watched my daughter Jaden slowly slip through the cracks of the public school system. She couldn’t read, write, or do basic math, yet year after year, she was moved ahead simply because she had an IEP.

Daytona was told a high school diploma was out of reach. She heard she would never make it through the English and math requirements. Her mom, Lisa, believed she could do it, so she transferred her from the small, Catholic special education school to a public high school. Drama and bullying enveloped Daytona. She and her entire family were in crisis.

“At Miriam, I’m around people who get where I’m coming from and understand who I am.”

This is huge for Caleb, whose learning differences have - in the past - kept him from reaching his potential. Bullying and anxiety dominated his day-to-day life, and his confidence plummeted. 

Good education has always been a top priority of mine, because I am a certified teacher (now stay-at-home mom) and had studied in college how important early childhood education and experiences really are. We bought a house in a good school district before we even had kids.

When she was starting middle school, we wanted an environment for Marissa that would support her in expressing her needs and making friends. Marissa has a receptive and early language disorder, and she has struggled with social challenges and delays caused by early childhood trauma. 

Thatcher was 6 years old and entering 1st grade when he started school at Miriam. We decided to have him go to Miriam because the Montessori school he had been attending wasn't working out for him.

As Demetrius was finishing middle school, his parents knew they needed to choose just the right high school environment for him - one that would accommodate his challenges AND give him the academic foundation he would need for the future.

Andrew began eighth grade at a local independent school, after graduating out of a Montessori school. It was during COVID, and he went from a small school where everyone knew, loved and accepted him to a large school where he knew nobody. 

Jude has been cheering on his classmates and teachers at Miriam since sixth grade, when he started attending Miriam Middle School. Whether it’s at the high school variety show or offering treats from the weekly snack cart, Jude is a happy presence at Miriam and will be missed after graduation.

Addi attended public school from preschool to 11th grade. We had really good luck all the way through with caring teachers and counselors who worked tirelessly with us to help Addi be successful in school. However, for whatever reason, sophomore year was a struggle. 

Leo recently enjoyed a pizza party with his classmates. The occasion? Leo achieved a BIG goal in reading - and more quickly than expected!

When Barrett started elementary school, her parents realized she would need more support than her current environment was providing. When she started at Miriam School in second grade, they quickly saw her confidence begin to increase.

As a first-time mother, I found out while pregnant with my daughter Starlit that I was sick with an environmental cancer. I was told that if I had not been pregnant, they may not have found my cancer in time to save me. I was determined then to do whatever was best for my precious daughter, no matter what. At that time, this meant I would win this battle so I could watch her grow.

Today, 25-year-old Elizabeth Culligan is a disability advocate, an inspirational Instagrammer, and a podcast host. She attributes much of her drive and determination to her elementary and middle school years at Miriam.

Michael describes Miriam as “a loving, learning space where students and staff can connect with each other,” and I could not agree more. Every experience I’ve had with teachers and staff shows how deeply they believe in the Miriam program, and all the students, and how strongly they support the parents!

Jack’s journey at Miriam just began in August 2023, in fifth grade. This was his first school year, but it has already made such a difference in his schooling and his life.

Jonathan’s love for Miriam is palpable. Since first grade, he has embraced its opportunities for growth and success.

Walking through the hallway at Miriam High School, it is impossible to miss Ethan’s big, friendly smile. His positive attitude and good nature emanate from that smile, and you know he’s someone you want to meet. 

When Anneliese Flynn thinks of Miriam, she thinks about the supportive community she and her family have found here.

Just four years ago, Luke was struggling in his first year of high school – Now Luke says he is “forging new frontiers” in college.

When Sarah came to Miriam and began to receive support in all of the areas she needed – and even in ways she didn’t realize she needed – that spunk began to resurface.

Beau goes home each night and talks excitedly about fun activities, good friends and academic accomplishments. It hasn’t always been that way for the third-grader, though.

Larissa and Todd hated seeing Lauren so anxious about going to school each day, and they knew something needed to change in order for Lauren to find success...

When Drake’s mom, Amy, first suggested that he volunteer at the Miriam Switching Post over the summer, the high school junior was skeptical...

Until high school, Luke had been successful in a traditional public school setting. However, when he started ninth grade, things started to look and feel very different. 

Julianne, who will be a junior at Miriam Academy in the fall, started at Miriam in first grade. Read below what her mom, Chris, has to say about her daughter’s 10-year journey at Miriam.

When Kaden was ready to start kindergarten, his parents discovered Miriam and hoped it would meet his special needs and allow him to thrive in school. 

Teresa Basler knows that when she drops her son, Anton, off at Miriam Academy each morning, he is right where he’s supposed to be.