Maharishi School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked IA School
School Type: 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

School Rankings

Maharishi School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for:

School Facts

School Type

School with Special Program Emphasis

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Maharishi School
Pre-K	42
Kind	8
1	12
2	11
3	8
4	10
5	7
6	9
7	10
8	9
9	18
10	8
11	6
12	15

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Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Year Founded

1972

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

Total Students

173 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

47%

State avg.: 16%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

27 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

6:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

69%

Average Class Size

12 students

Average SAT score

1202

(Out of 1600)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

pleated skirts, khaki or blue pants, white shirts, golf shirts

Number of AP Courses

8 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Advanced Courses

AP Calculus A-BAP Calculus B-C

AP PhysicsAP US History

AP US Literature and CompositionAP World Literature and Composition

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$19,500

View national tuition avg.

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.: 82%

Admissions Director

Springli Johnson

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

7 sports

Sports

BasketballCross Country

GolfSoccer

TennisTrack and Field

Volleyball

Colors

Green, Gold

School Mascot

Pioneers

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

9 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Boy ScoutsDestination ImagiNation

Environmental ClubGirl Scouts

Interact Club (Rotary International)International Club

Student Council

Arts and Music Programs:

Improv Comedy ClubSpeech Club

School Notes

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.

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

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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 87%. 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

No School - Thanksgiving Break

November 23, 2026 (Monday)

No School - Spring Break

March 22, 2027 (Monday)

Last Day of School

May 28, 2027 (Friday)

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (3 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!

- Posted by Parent - Mom of 2

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.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Sarah

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.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Rosie

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Iowa is $9,021 for elementary schools and $11,342 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Iowa is 87% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).