When Sebastian was running into some challenges in early elementary school, his mom, Courtney, set out to find a better option.
Her search brought her to Miriam School, where she took a tour and fell in love. She saw small class sizes, occupational therapy and brain breaks – but most of all, she saw “happiness on the kids’ faces.”
Courtney and her husband, Alex, wanted to give Sebastian the individualized curriculum and specialized reading instruction that Miriam could provide. The school’s Variable Tuition program helped them make that a reality. Without the assistance – provided by our generous donors and partners – Courtney said they would not have been able to send Sebastian to Miriam.
Now, three years later, there is no looking back. “He has benefited more than we thought he would, in areas that we had not even necessarily considered,” Courtney says. “He is a more confident kid, and it shows.”
Courtney says she has found that at other places, people often focus on the weaknesses of children with special needs. At Miriam, students’ differences are embraced and viewed in a positive light. They aren’t punished for their needs; they learn how to work with them. Miriam’s teachers also focus on and foster students’ strengths.
Sebastian and his parents appreciate the teachers’ and staff’s experience, support and advice. “Miriam School has been a lifesaver for our Sebastian and our family in many ways. He has progressed in his reading, flexibility in thinking, social skills, and his confidence has grown tremendously. Without the help of tuition assistance, attending Miriam would not be an option and we are incredibly grateful!”
To help students like Sebastian receive a Miriam education, please consider donating TODAY, on Give StL Day. All money raised today will go toward a new Emergency Tuition Assistance Fund, established because we recognize that the need for assistance is increasing at an unprecedented rate during this pandemic.
