A Day in the Life
Experience the Miriam difference through our personalized approach to learning, where each student's unique needs are carefully met with individualized attention. Our small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio guarantee personalized support, while integrated therapies cater to diverse learning needs.
Lower School Schedule
Life at Miriam Lower School
8:20am
8:20am
Jack, a third-grader at Miriam Lower School, hugs his dad goodbye and joins some friends in the school atrium before going to his classroom.
8:30am
8:30am
He puts his backpack and jacket in his cubby, and takes out his morning work folder. When Jack starts joking around with a friend, the teacher gently reminds them to talk quietly, so their classmates can concentrate.
8:45am
8:45am
Jack’s class gathers in the OT room for sensory diet. He starts on the swing - his favorite. Next, he crashes onto the giant cushion, and then climbs the hanging ladder. In OT, Jack is learning how movement helps regulate his body to help with comfort and concentration.
9:00am
9:00am
Jack and his classmates sit in a circle during Math Morning Meeting to solve a quick math challenge together. He used to feel nervous answering in front of others, but now he knows it’s ok to take his time - and even to make mistakes.
9:45am
9:45am
In writing, Jack works on his story about a boy who invites a dragon to his treehouse. Using a graphic organizer helps him plan his ideas before he starts writing, and his teacher checks in with him to help him add more details.
10:15am
10:15am
During ELA, Jack meets with his reading group. They practice decoding tricky words and talk about what’s happening in the short story.
11:30am
11:30am
Time for lunch! Jack eats at a table with three other classmates, talking about LEGO Club and telling jokes before heading out for recess.
12:00pm
12:00pm
Jack and his friends run outside to play tag and climb on the playground. He loves having time to move and laugh with his friends, including a few who are in other classes.
12:30pm
12:30pm
Jack and his classmates settle in while his teacher reads aloud from a chapter book. Jack enjoys following along and drawing what he imagines while he listens.
12:45pm
12:45pm
Back in the OT room for afternoon sensory diet, the occupational therapist gives Jack some deep pressure by rolling an exercise ball on his back. He ends with the swing, trying it on his stomach this time. It helps him feel calm and ready to focus again.
1:00pm
1:00pm
In math class, Jack works on place value with counters and a number line. The hands-on materials help him see how numbers fit together, and he even feels comfortable enough to explain to his class how he solved one of the problems.
1:45pm
1:45pm
Jack’s class plays a teamwork game in PE. He cheers for his teammates and remembers to use his strategies for waiting his turn and staying calm.
2:30pm
2:30pm
Print and handwriting practice comes next. Jack writes a few sentences about his day, focusing on holding the pencil grip correctly.
3:00pm
3:00pm
During Daily Round Up, Jack’s class talks about what went well today and what they’re looking forward to tomorrow. Then it’s time to pack up and head to the gym for dismissal. Jack can’t wait to tell his dad about his dragon story!
Middle School Schedule
Life at Miriam Middle School
8:20am
8:20am
Tessa, a seventh-grader at Miriam Middle School, greets Mr. Keith as she walks from her car to the side door of the school. She pulls the door open and joins her friend who was waiting for her.
8:30am
8:30am
During advisory, Tessa finishes reading a chapter of the book they’re discussing in ELA, and then talks a bit with her friend before heading back to the gym for sensory diet.
8:50am
8:50am
In the gym, Tessa does some stretching and runs a couple of laps. She realized when she started at Miriam how much it helps to move her body before she has to sit in class. Sensory diet is active, but she feels calm afterward.
9:15am
9:15am
Time for the book discussion in ELA! Tessa loves reading fiction, so she is really enjoying the book. There have been a few times she has needed to ask for help with comprehension, but it all makes sense after talking it through with her teacher.
10:45am
10:45am
Ms. Mercer visits Tessa’s class for a session on executive function. These lessons have been so helpful for Tessa, because while she never knew what it was called, she has always known that organization and time management are not her strengths. Ms. Mercer helps Tessa learn the best ways to use a planner, and she also talks about breaking large tasks into smaller pieces to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
11:15am
11:15am
Tessa has technology class today for specials. They’re learning coding with Ms. Bless, and Tessa can’t wait to get back to the game she’s creating. She enjoys art, PE and music, but tech is her favorite special.
12:00pm
12:00pm
Math class is next. With her math disability, it has always been Tessa’s most challenging subject. At Miriam, though, numbers are finally starting to make sense. The strategies her teacher uses help Tessa work through the material at her own pace and in the way that she learns best.
1:00pm
1:00pm
At lunch, Tessa sits with her best friend, who she clicked with immediately when she started attending Miriam. Her friend tells her about the game they played in social skills group, and about playing guitar in music. Then they hang out on the swings during recess.
2:15pm
2:15pm
After another sensory diet - this time in the OT room - Tessa settles in to learn about the parts of a cell in science class.
3:20pm
3:20pm
All packed up, Tessa and her classmates head to the gym for dismissal. Next week, she’ll start Dungeons & Dragons club after school!
High School Schedule
Life at Miriam High School
8:20am
8:20am
Jordan, a sophomore at Miriam High School, starts the day with a friendly "good morning" at the front desk and a high five from a friend in the hallway.
8:25am
8:25am
During advisory, Jordan reviews their planner for the day and gets tips from Mr. Harris on preparing for an upcoming math test.
8:38am
8:38am
English comes next, where Jordan works closely with their teacher and the reading specialist to build confidence in reading and writing.
9:26am
9:26am
Then Jordan gets a chance to move their body in PE. Archery is the current unit, and they work on maintaining focus to get the fingering and aim just right.
10:14am
10:14am
In algebra, Jordan isn’t afraid to ask questions - something they never felt comfortable doing at their old school. Here, support is always available, and encouragement is part of every lesson.
11:02am
11:02am
World history keeps the momentum going, with engaging discussions and interactive lessons. Jordan is fascinated by history and is even thinking about studying it in college. College never used to be something Jordan considered, but with the support they’ve found at Miriam, they are starting to think it could become a reality.
11:50am
11:50am
At lunch, Jordan sits with friends who understand and accept them - a big change from feeling like an outsider in the past.
12:20pm
12:20pm
Afterward, in Miriam Essentials, they learn practical life skills like budgeting and personal finance. Jordan hasn’t kept a budget before, but they think they might try to at least separate their allowance into savings and spending money.
1:20pm
1:20pm
During flex time, Jordan checks in with the school psychologist and stops by for some extra math review.
1:50pm
1:50pm
When anxiety creeps in during biology, a quick break to swing in the occupational therapy room helps Jordan reset and return ready to learn.
2:38pm
2:38pm
Art studio is the last class of the day - and Jordan’s favorite. The feeling of creating something new always gives Jordan a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Their favorite is working with clay - the sensory input is so calming - but they love working in any medium.
3:26pm
3:26pm
A final check-in with advisory ends the school day.
3:45pm
3:45pm
But the fun isn’t over yet! Jordan and their friends head to Bowling Club, ending the school day with laughter and connection.
5:00pm
5:00pm
By the time Jordan gets in their mother’s car to head home, they’re tired but happy - ready to study, unwind, and come back tomorrow.
