Maharishi School, located in Fairfield, Iowa, offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum accompanied by programs to develop a student's consciousness.
The mission of Maharishi School is to create an innovative Consciousness-Based educational environment where students think deeply and become creative, compassionate, contributing citizens of the world.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked IA School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 173 students
- Yearly Tuition: $19,500
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Maharishi School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Advanced Degrees
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
1972
Student Body
Total Students
173 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
47%
State avg.: 16%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
69%
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
8 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Calculus A-B, AP Calculus B-C, AP Physics, AP US History, AP US Literature and Composition, AP World Literature and Composition
Average SAT score
1202
(Out of 1600)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
pleated skirts, khaki or blue pants, white shirts, golf shirts
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$19,500
Tuition Notes
See school website for tuition information:
maharishischool.org
% on Financial Aid
75%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$15,000
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Springli Johnson
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Boy Scouts, Destination ImagiNation, Environmental Club, Girl Scouts, Interact Club (Rotary International), International Club, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Improv Comedy Club, Speech Club
Boy Scouts, Destination ImagiNation, Environmental Club, Girl Scouts, Interact Club (Rotary International), International Club, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Improv Comedy Club, Speech Club
School Notes
- Maharishi School is known worldwide as the preeminent private school that prepares students for college and systematically expands their consciousness. All students start and end the academic day with yoga and meditation.
- Boarding School: 9th through 12th grade. Day program for Preschool through 12th grade.
- The Transcendental Meditation program is a simple, natural, effortless technique practiced worldwide by people of all religions and cultures. It provides a deep level of rest while the mind remains alert, and the brain becomes more orderly and coherent. The benefits for students include reduction of stress and anxiety, increased intelligence, and enhanced creativity.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-wDdXdZyyQ
- 96% of graduates are admitted to respected colleges and universities, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins.
- Accredited by Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). The Iowa Department of Education has accredited grades K-6 and has awarded grades 7-12 college preparatory status in recognition of the high percentage of graduates accepted at four-year colleges and universities.
- Classes consistently score in the top percentile on national standardized tests.
- National Merit Scholars: Out of 690 Maharishi School graduates, 33 students achieved Commended Scholar status, 44 students achieved National Merit Semifinalist status, 43achieved Finalist status, and 19 achieved Scholar status.
- Nature Explore Classroom (playground) for preschool through 2nd grade certified by the Arbor Day Foundation provides hands-on nature experience
- Sustainable living component with on-site greenhouse and special seed-to-table kitchen. Only organic food is served in the dining hall, complete with a salad bar.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Heather Hartnett - CEO, Founding Partner: Human Ventures
- Ari Berman - Author of Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America and Herding Donkeys. Writer for The Nation magazine
- Jennie Rothenberg Gritz - Senior Editor of Smithsonian Magazine
- Wells Butler - co-founder of Ice Cream Castles (children's contemporary clothing)
- Jonathan Jarvis - Co-Founder & CEO at Token
- Zachary Sluser - director/filmmaker of short films and music videos featured worldwide
- Jonathan Sherr - actor; star of My Darling is a Foreigner, Love in Tokyo, and the web series English Teachers.
- Heather Chase - author; founder of Models with Conscience, an international group promoting cruelty-free, eco-conscious causes
- Geoff Boothby - award-winning director/filmmaker (Wormtooth Nation 2008)
- Cullen Thomas - award-winning film editor and lighting designer (Wormtooth Nation, 2008)
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Maharishi School cost?
Maharishi School's tuition is approximately $19,500 for private students and $1,500 for summer students.
What schools are Maharishi School often compared to?
Maharishi School is often viewed alongside schools like Rivermont Collegiate, Suburan Hgts. Baptist Church by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Maharishi School?
The acceptance rate of Maharishi School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 94%. Maharishi School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Iowa with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Maharishi School?
Maharishi School famous alumni include: Heather Hartnett, Ari Berman, Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Wells Butler, Jonathan Jarvis, Zachary Sluser, Jonathan Sherr, Heather Chase, Geoff Boothby and Cullen Thomas.
What sports does Maharishi School offer?
Maharishi School offers 7 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Maharishi School's ranking?
Maharishi School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of students of color, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Maharishi School?
The application deadline for Maharishi School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the Maharishi School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Q3 Last Day
March 21, 2025 (Friday)
No School, Spring Break
March 24, 2025 (Monday)
Last Day of School
May 30, 2025 (Friday)
School Reviews
5 4/6/2019
All of my children are enrolled at the Maharishi School. We moved from the East Coast in search of a school that would instill more than just an education in our kids. We have seen remarkable growth and they are happy here. We love the caring administration and teachers in the lower, middle, and upper school. Highly recommend!
5 2/23/2019
Maharishi School gave me more than an education, it gave me tools to help live a balanced life, and a community of people who I still interact with 15 years after graduating. The consciousness-based education approach exposed me to information and tools (meditation, yoga, values, ways of looking at the world) that I regularly turn to and I feel helps me make sense of the world, enjoy life, and reach my goals. The network and community have played pivotal roles in my life from lifelong friendships to career advancement. The mentors and teachers at the school are incredible. They care about each individual student and look for ways to support their individual interest, be that theater arts, visual arts, math, student government, unique student lead initiatives (End School Violence Now), cultural exchanges, sports, etc.
5 2/23/2019
I went to Maharishi school from K-12th grade and it helped me become the adult I am today. It provided meditation every day, small classes, caring teachers and a class filled with friends. Maharishi School encouraged my creative thinking and passions.
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