The Mandala School, Inc.

Last school year, my two children, Janay (11) and James (9), transferred to The Mandala School, and the transformation has been incredible. Before the switch, school felt like a chore to them. My son thought his purpose in school was to get stickers on his chart for good behavior, where good behavior meant sit still, only speak when called upon and follow directions the first time. If I asked him about his day or what he learned, I got nothing. My daughter, an honor roll student, told me she felt like all she was doing was repeating and she didn't feel like she was learning. At the time she was 9. As a parent, if my 9yo could identify that she was not truly learning, I knew I had to do something. When she completed her 3 day trial visit of the school, she said, "I didn't know school could be like this!!" She wanted to switch immediately.

Now, they are completing the first quarter of their second year at The Mandala School and they are excited to go to school and take pride in their learning. They complain if I schedule appointments during school time and rush me to get them back to school. They eagerly talk about their projects, reading, and writing in ways they never did before. It’s clear that they feel seen, cared for, and supported by both their teachers and peers.

The Mandala School is not just a place for education—it’s a community that fosters the emotional, social, and academic growth of each student. With its unique focus on holistic education, project-based learning, and strong partnerships with families, the school has given my children a sense of belonging and empowerment. I now have peace of mind knowing that Janay and James are not only getting a meaningful education but are also growing as individuals in a supportive and nurturing environment.

The school recently secured a new 15-acre property in Bowie, Maryland, to expand their educational programs through 12th grade and offer more opportunities for outdoor education, land stewardship, and community engagement. This new campus will enhance the school's ability to continue its mission of providing a well-rounded, holistic education for its students. However, this growth requires significant resources, and they need support to transform the property into a thriving learning environment.

As a parent who has seen firsthand the difference The Mandala School can make, I’m asking for your help. Every contribution, no matter the size, will go directly towards their capital campaign to support this incredible community as they shape the future of education.

Thank you for being a part of this journey and part of our village!

Donate today and help us create a lasting impact on the lives of so many students like Janay and James.