Middle Way School

Middle Way School is an independent progressive school located in the Hudson Valley area of New York, serving students from pre-K to sixth grade. Founded in 2018, it is one of the first Buddhist schools for children in the West, focusing on integrating Buddhist wisdom with modern education[1][3].

Mission and Vision

The school aims to cultivate students with qualities of intelligence, confidence, discipline, and an understanding of interdependence, motivated by altruism. Middle Way School encourages its students to embody noble qualities such as being aware, disciplined, confident, nonaggressive, nonjudgmental, discerning, humble, harmonious, and non-grasping. These qualities are seen as essential for successful innovators and leaders who prioritize benefiting others[1].

Curriculum and Approach

The school's pedagogy combines foundational Buddhist teachings with the latest research in child development, neuroscience, and technology. Education is viewed as a natural process that engages children's innate potential while fostering social, emotional, and spiritual growth. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to question and explore before adopting ideas[3].

Inclusion and Diversity

Middle Way School operates under principles of inclusion, seeking to build a diverse community rich in cultures, races, talents, interests, learning profiles, and socio-economic backgrounds. The school strives to accommodate individuals with disabilities and actively works to address biases affecting historically underrepresented groups[1][3].

Affiliations and Support

Middle Way School is supported by Middle Way Education, a non-profit organization dedicated to integrating Buddhist wisdom into modern education. The school has received significant financial support from the Khyentse Foundation[1][2]. It is recognized by the New York State Board of Regents and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)[1].

Structure and Recognition

As of 2024, Middle Way School received its absolute charter from the New York State Board of Regents, solidifying its position as a recognized educational institution[1].