Students in Maharishi School’s Class of 2011 who took the ACT had a composite average of 27.9, compared with the Iowa state average of 22.3 and the national average of 21.1.
In addition to the composite, ACT also calculates “Readiness for College-Level Coursework” in four main categories: Math, English, Reading, and Science. Maharishi School students significantly exceeded both state and national averages in every category—more than double the Iowa average for “Meeting All 4 Standards” (see charts below).
Maharishi School has College Preparatory Accreditation from the Iowa Department of Education.
Maharishi School is also accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), with more than 230 schools in 13 Midwest states. Even among these private schools, Maharishi School excels: its 27.9 composite average is nearly two points higher than the ISACS average of 26.1. In every ACT category—Math, English, Reading, Science—Maharishi School exceeded the ISACS averages (see charts below).
The President of ISACS, Keith E. Shahan, commented, “What the ACT results show is that if you attend Maharishi School you will have more than twice the chance of being prepared for college in all four subject areas than other schools in the state. That is a tribute to the curriculum, the teaching, and the total school culture at Maharishi School, a school that clearly supports learning and achievement."
Table 1. Average scores on each ACT test and the composite
% College-Ready English Math Reading Science All Four
Maharishi School 29.3 26.8 28.8 26.0 27.9
National 20.6 21.1 21.3 20.9 21.1
Iowa 21.7 21.9 22.6 22.4 22.3
ISACS 26.7 25.8 26.3 25.0 26.1
Table 2. Percent of Students Ready for College-Level Coursework
% College-Ready English Math Reading Science All Four
Maharishi School 100 91 91 73 73
National 66 45 52 30 25
Iowa 77 52 62 40 31
ISACS 93 79 83 63 58
Throughout its 30-year history, 95% of Maharishi School graduates have been accepted by respected colleges and universities. Last year’s graduates are attending Maharishi University of Management, Haverford College (PA); George Washington University (WDC); Georgetown University (WDC); DePaul University (IL); Roger Williams College (RI); UC-Berkeley (CA); Chapman University (CA); Iowa State University, and University of Iowa. Atreya Dey received a Questbridge Scholarship, Raph Burne received scholarships based on his achievements in science research, and Coco Clark was a National Merit finalist.
“Our students have a distinct advantage,” said Dr. Richard Beall. “They have a systematic way to dissolve stress every day—the Transcendental Meditation technique—so their minds are alert and engaged. That impacts everything they do at school and helps prepare them for success in college and life.”