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Empowering Unique Learners

Experiential Learning Program

Research shows that students with disabilities are less likely to be employed after high school graduation, compared to their peers without the same challenges. 

As screens continue to take the place of in-person socialization, and in the age when any answer is just a Google search away, many teens haven’t had the real-world experience needed for after graduation. 

At Miriam High School, we give our students hands-on, out-of-classroom experiences through our Experiential Learning Program, setting them up for success when they graduate. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

Students in math and personal finance classes visit a local grocery store to shop - on a budget - for the school’s Friendsgiving feast. They study recipes, make shopping lists, learn to navigate the store and use a credit card at the checkout counter. Those taking Child Development pay a visit each year to Miriam’s youngest students, reading to the kindergarten and first-grade students. 

High school students participate in career days and college visits, and take part in programs through Miriam’s partnerships with St. Louis Arc and Pre-Employment Transition Services through Vocational Rehabilitation and the University of Missouri. Students practice safe risk-taking and team-building at The Principia ropes course. 

All students participate in community service projects throughout the school year, working with animals at the APA, putting together food and care packages, making blankets for Project Linus, helping with school-focused projects, and more. 

Students explore parks, community centers and libraries, and they practice ordering and paying at restaurants. A group of students even take their driver’s permit test at a nearby license office after studying as part of their Miriam Essentials class.

These hands-on experiences are part of our broader approach to preparing students for life after high school. Our graduates leave not only with a diploma, but also a portfolio of practical skills to carry forward. Learn more about how we guide students in planning their next steps through our Transition Services.

Community Partnership

Miriam is working with a number of partners within the community who are welcoming to our students and open to helping them during this journey. We will continue to seek out more businesses and organizations that will provide such opportunities. Our current partners include Pathways To Independence, St Louis Arc, Dream Big, Vocational Rehabilitation, BCI Skills Center, Best Buddies, Challenge Unlimited, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, and the STEPUP Program. 

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Experiential Learning Program in action:

  • Each year, a small group of students plans a school-wide Friendsgiving meal. This involves budgeting for a shopping trip, shopping at a local grocery store, cooking the meal, and serving it to the entire school.
     

  • Last year, all students had the opportunity to participate in the "Build Your Future" event from AGC of Missouri at St. Louis Community College. This event allowed them to engage with professionals in the field and try out various practices firsthand.
     

  • In science class, students wrapped up their unit on weathering, erosion, and cave formation with a trip to Meramec Caverns, where they could see these concepts in action.
     

  • In Personal Finance class, students created a budget to rent and furnish an apartment. They visited IKEA to choose furnishings that matched their style and budget. Students also took trips to local restaurants to learn how to handle payments and tips.
     
  • We also facilitate internships for our students, including opportunities at Five Oaks, Olivette’s community center, where they can gain experience in office work and facility setup.

The Benefits: