Throughout these tumultuous times, Miriam Academy remains committed to our mission of empowering unique learners by building confidence and a foundation for success. The purpose of our admissions process has always been to ensure a match between Miriam Academy’s unique and personalized program and the individual needs of particular applicants. Though nothing can replace the face-to-face connection we build with our students and parents, we are dedicated to continuing conversation with prospective families about our life-changing programs.
As we adjust our admissions processes in the face of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we are continuing to talk to families about our program, review applications, and enroll students for future placement in our school. We know that applying to a private school can feel overwhelming even in typical circumstances, and we recognize that these are exceptional times that call for even more personal attention as we partner with families considering our program.
Interested parents should be aware of the following steps in the revised admission process:
Conversation with Head of School
Our Head of School, Dr. Sue Jackson, would love to talk or meet virtually with you to hear more about your child’s learning profile to better understand if Miriam Academy may be an option for him or her. These sessions are available both mornings and afternoons on weekdays. Contact sjackson@miriamstl.org or by phone 314-962-6080 to set up a Zoom virtual conference.
Application + Release Forms
Following an initial conversation, prospective parents will be emailed an application for admission along with release forms which should be completed and emailed to our office along with supporting documentation. Parents can either scan and attach copies of these supporting documents or, if your child’s school is currently closed, please email your request and ask them to send digital copies to Dr. Jackson at sjackson@miriamstl.org. In the event our committee needs more information, we may request a conversation with a child’s teachers or clarify details with parents.
Applications are being accepted over email only and considered completed when the following documents have been received:
- School Application (provided)
- Intake Release Form (provided)
- Special School District Release Form (if applicable; provided)
- A copy of your child’s most recent diagnostic/educational evaluations – educational and medical
- A copy of your child’s most recent IEP
- A copy of your child’s most recent report card
A non-refundable $65 application fee should be paid online using this link.
Student Visit
Upon receipt of the above information, the Admissions Committee will review the submitted materials. Applicants are considered without regard to race, sex, age, religion, or ethnic origin. As our campus is currently closed and we are not able to schedule student visits, the next steps in the admissions process may vary:
- Students may be offered acceptance based on their written application alone without additional assessment.
- Students may be placed in a waiting pool and brought in for a group or individual visits once we return to campus – either during the remainder of our school year or during the summer.
All applicants are assessed individually by gathering feedback from many perspectives and reviewing diagnostic information.
Variable Tuition
Tuition at Miriam Academy is not “one size fits all,” rather, we match your tuition rate, within a certain range, to your family’s unique financial position. Prospective families interested in variable tuition will be invited to apply to a confidential 3rd party service online once their student’s application has been considered. Based on the FACTS recommendation and a review by our administration, your variable tuition rate is determined. For more about the variable tuition program, visit our Variable Tuition page.
Committee Review + Acceptance
At this time, acceptance to Miriam Academy is available for the start of the 2020-21 school year only. Offers of acceptance will be made by the Head of School via email. If our program is not an appropriate placement for your child, you will be notified by the Head of School and we will try to make suggestions regarding other school options that might be pursued whenever possible.
Thank you again for your interest in Miriam Academy during these unprecedented times. We are here to guide you from step to step in our process and look forward to hearing from you. Be well.