Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

Logo Title

Empowering Unique Learners
Teenage boy smiles for camera
Meet Anton
Katie Stalter

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

Anton, a sophomore, is in his second year at Miriam. His parents knew his large public middle school was not meeting his needs, educationally or socially. They attended an open house for Miriam and were impressed by the small size, the staff and the opportunities. “This was our ah-ha moment,” Teresa says. “We left the decision up to Anton, and it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

She says Anton likes the calm routine at Miriam, the small classes and the independence – a stark difference from his middle school, which he found overwhelming. He has made connections with his teachers, and he has developed a social life. “He HAS friends now. That’s huge,” Teresa says.

She says she and her husband, Danny, were amazed at Anton’s first parent/teacher/student meeting. “He was so confident, happy and talkative for a teenage boy. His teachers shared with us how much change they saw in him from the start of school until November. I cried. It completely confirmed that we made the right choice for him and his future.”

Anton loves hands-on activities, including working in the Art Studio, playing on the basketball team and going bowling with school. In fact, his mom says he may end up in a career where he uses his hands, such as farming or mechanics.

For now, though, Anton is enjoying being a high schooler at Miriam. He is happy to be back in person, after distance learning in the spring. He loves interacting with his teachers and friends, and he has adjusted well to the new school building.

Teresa says that from a parent’s perspective, the staff and teachers are what make Miriam unique. “From the moment you meet any of them, you can immediately tell they care about your child. They will do what is best for your child first, and then what’s best for their education and future. There is a sense of positivity. They set an environment for your child to flourish.”

If this story sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Many Miriam families come to us looking for a school that truly understands and supports their child. Often, their children are navigating ADHD, level 1 autism, anxiety, language processing disorders, or other learning differences, and they’ve found that traditional school environments simply aren’t built with those needs in mind. 

At Miriam, support isn’t something families have to advocate for to get. It’s built into everything we do through expert staff, a personalized curriculum, and integrated therapies. Every aspect is designed to help your child thrive. If you or your child is feeling overwhelmed or unsupported in a traditional school setting, Miriam could be the right fit for your family. Learn more about our admissions process here.

LEARN MORE

Student during our next steps fair
Starlit's Story: A place to be herself

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.

 
Read More about Starlit's Story: A place to be herself