Combining College Preparatory Academics Inner DevelopmentOur Mission: To create an innovative Consciousness-Based educational environment where students think deeply and become creative, compassionate, contributing citizens of the world. Welcome to Maharishi School, one of America's most unique and progressive schools. What began in 1981 as a single innovative school is now the model for a special kind of holistic education around the world.You could have the most ideal school imaginable-best teachers, best facilities, best curriculum, and technology-but if students enter the classroom stressed, fatigued, or distracted, how much can be gained? At Maharishi School, the foundation of our college preparatory program is optimal alertness. Maharishi School, located in Fairfield, Iowa, has the mission of preparing students for college and developing their consciousness. Maharishi School provides a Preschool-12th grade day and boarding option for 9th-12th grades, to experience in a safe and healthy environment which develops students' ability to know themselves, think deeply, unleash their creativity, and succeed.
Maharishi School is a non-sectarian, co-ed school Maharishi School is a global community with students and families representing more than 30 countries. Our school community is deeply enriched by students of diverse origin who come together to create global awareness and a vibrant school culture with rich traditions.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: (51勛圖厙 Students) 9-12
- Grades: (Day Students) PK-12
- Enrollment: 184 students
- Yearly Tuition (51勛圖厙 Students): $42,000
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $19,475
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Upcoming Events
- Open House - Fri., April 17, 2026 - get more information!
- Open House - Fri., April 24, 2026 - get more information!
- Open House - Fri., May 01, 2026 - get more information!
- Open House - Fri., May 08, 2026 - get more information!
- Open House - Fri., May 15, 2026 - get more information!
- Open House - Fri., May 22, 2026 - get more information!
- Open House - Fri., June 19, 2026 - get more information!
- ...read more
Top Rankings
Maharishi School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 276 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Faculty Education
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (51勛圖厙)
9-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
PK-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Secondary Immersion Language
Spanish
n/a
Year Founded
1972
1907
Campus Size
350 acres
130 acres
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 17, 2026
Last Day of School
Fri. May 29, 2026
School Motto
To create an innovative Consciousness-Based educational environment where students think deeply and become creative, compassionate, contributing citizens of the world.
Student Body
Enrollment
184 students
320 students
% Students of Color
43%
27%
% International Students
23%
20%
% Students 51勛圖厙
12%
66%
Average SAT Score
1200
(Out of 1600)
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academic Profile
Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Khaki or blue pants, white, green or blue polo shirt, or plaid skirt and white blouse
Khaki or blue pants, white, green or blue polo shirt, or plaid skirt and white blouse
Casual
Average Class Size
12 students
12
* National Avg. »
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
16
18
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
92%
73%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Accreditations
Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
Small 51勛圖厙 School Association (SBSA)
Small 51勛圖厙 School Association (SBSA)
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
16
18
Courses
AP BiologyAP Calculus
AP ChemistryAP Computer Science
AP English Language ArtsAP English Literature
AP MacroeconomicsAP Microeconomics
AP PhysicsAP Psychology
AP Spanish Language and CultureAP Statistics
AP U.S. HistoryAP US Government
Tuition & Financial Aid
Yearly Tuition
(51勛圖厙 Students)
(51勛圖厙 Students)
$42,000
(The Upper School boarding tuition covers room & board, academic study, ELL program, college counseling, textbooks, exam costs (PSAT, SAT, AP, TOEFL), classroom supplies, lab fees, and programs and activities held on campus. Laptops, all-school trip fees, athletic gear, supplemental art supplies, personal textbooks, laundry fees, spending money, and travel costs are the responsibility of the family.)
(The Upper School boarding tuition covers room & board, academic study, ELL program, college counseling, textbooks, exam costs (PSAT, SAT, AP, TOEFL), classroom supplies, lab fees, and programs and activities held on campus. Laptops, all-school trip fees, athletic gear, supplemental art supplies, personal textbooks, laundry fees, spending money, and travel costs are the responsibility of the family.)
$69,500
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$19,475
$38,970
Tuition international students
$47,000
$58,300
% Students on Financial Aid
75%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$15,000
(Domestic students can receive up to $15000 in aid.)
(Domestic students can receive up to $15000 in aid.)
$25,000
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
85%
64%
Director of Admissions
Springli Johnson
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
10
17
Colors
Green, Gold
School Mascot
Pioneers
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
12
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Arts and Music Programs:
Ceramics/PotteryCreative Arts
Visual Arts /Theatre
Recreational Athletic Programs:
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
99%
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
-
Combining College Preparatory Academics & Inner DevelopmentTo create an innovative Consciousness-Based educational environment where students think deeply and become creative, compassionate, contributing citizens of the world.Maharishi School's innovative programs expand students' alertness and learning capacity. As a result, 100% of our graduates were accepted at accredited colleges and universities.
- Our student body is comprised of students from all over the world, including China, India, Vietnam, Korea, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and Switzerland. 51勛圖厙 students live in our on-campus dorm.
- We are located in a thriving town in southeast Iowa. Fairfield was selected by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the top 20 small towns to visit in the United States.
- All students start and end the day with meditation and yoga. The Transcendental Meditation program is a simple, natural, effortless technique practiced worldwide by people of all religions and cultures. The benefits for students include a reduction of stress and anxiety, increased intelligence, and enhanced creativity.
- AP/Honors Courses: We offer 8 AP courses. The Honors program provides students with an opportunity to experience greater depth of study and cultivate a deeper level of thinking. Honors courses can be offered upon request in each core subject (Science, Math, History, and English). Students pursuing an Honors track are required to demonstrate scholarly initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to delve into the fine details of their chosen topic. With an emphasis on depth of understanding, students gain critical and creative thinking skills that set them apart from their peers.
- Global Impact Diploma: The Global Impact Diploma (GID) is an internationally recognized program that equips students with in-demand professional competencies and then provides them with opportunities to apply those competencies in an authentic setting.
- Our school's Project-Based Learning allows for more time to pursue passions and build a portfolio by having a 70-minute project period 3 days a week. Students can select pre-designed projects such as play production, rocketry, application prototyping, earth-to-table (ceramics and cooking), performing arts, entrepreneurship, sustainable fashion game show production, songwriting, music production, film production, and food blog. Students are also encouraged to propose their own projects.
- 100% of graduates are admitted to accredited colleges and universities, including Princeton, Grinnell, the University of Chicago, the Rhode Island School of Design, and Georgetown.
- Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). The Iowa Department of Education 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 one percent on national standardized tests.
- 18 National Merit Scholars and 34 National Merit Semi-Finalists during our 30-year history.
- Day program preschool through 12th grade. 51勛圖厙 option 9th through 12th grade.
- 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 $42,000 for boarding students and $19,475 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Maharishi School?
The acceptance rate of Maharishi School is 85%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 64%.
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 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Cross Country, Golf, Kayaking, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Maharishi School's ranking?
Maharishi School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of students on financial aid and High percent faculty with advanced degrees.
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).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
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. . .
I went to a lot of other schools before Maharishi School, and what stood out the most for me at Maharishi School was the emphasis on personal development. Instead of just filling up my brain. . .
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Maharishi School also viewed these schools: Lake Forest Academy, Ashbury College, Bronte College, Asheville School and EF Academy New York.
The nearest boarding school to Maharishi School is Missouri Military Academy (127.5 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
1500 West Kennedy Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3267
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3267
227.2 miles
Gr: 9-12, PG | 452 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Avg. class size: 12 students Acceptance rate: 34% Tuition listed
362 Mariposa Avenue
Ottawa, Canada K1M 0T3
(613) 749-9630
Ottawa, Canada K1M 0T3
(613) 749-9630
873.4 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 4-12 (day) | 750 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Avg. class size: 17 students Acceptance rate: 65% Tuition listed
88 Bronte College Court
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5B1M9
(905) 270-7788
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5B1M9
(905) 270-7788
655.2 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Avg. class size: 18 students Acceptance rate: 80% Tuition listed
360 Asheville School Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 254-6345
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 254-6345
630.7 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 297 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Avg. class size: 13 students Acceptance rate: 40% Tuition listed
582 Columbus Ave
Thornwood, NY 10594
(914) 495-6056
Thornwood, NY 10594
(914) 495-6056
946 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed
Recent Articles
How 51勛圖厙 Schools Are Adapting Post-Pandemic in 2026
Explore how boarding schools are adapting to post-pandemic education in 2026, from hybrid learning to student wellness and campus innovation.
51勛圖厙 School vs Online Schooling: Academic Outcomes
Compare boarding school vs online schooling outcomes in 2026. Explore academics, structure, and which model best supports student success.
Is 51勛圖厙 School Worth the Cost in 2026?
Is boarding school worth the cost? Explore tuition, outcomes, benefits, and ROI for families considering private boarding education in 2026.
