“Coming from a competitive school in the city, I wasn’t sure what to expect at a Buddhist school in Upstate New York, was it going to be rigorous enough? Would my child remain on par? I could not be more thrilled to see how fully my child is learning and how confident he has become. He now enjoys reading and his handwriting has improved, he’s doing mental math above his grade level. And on top of that, his genuine kindness is shining through brighter than ever. Thank  you!” 

SB

Middle Way School Parent

ABOUT

Founded in 2017, The Middle Way School of the Hudson Valley is one of the first Buddhist preparatory schools for children in the West. Our mission is to empower students to take their places in the modern world. Our pedagogy and school culture draw upon foundational Buddhist teachings and traditions as well as the latest research in child development, neuroscience, and technology. MWS offers an exceptional education, creating conditions for wisdom and compassion to flourish.

 

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ACADEMICS

We view education as a natural learning process that engages children’s innate potential and provides a way to understand the phenomenal world with grace and humor. Our students play, contemplate, engage with text and numbers, and are encouraged to use inquiry as the foundation for academic achievement. Our developmental approach to teaching and learning is highly personalized so that each student is experiences a balance of challenge and accomplishment. The aim is to tap into students’ intrinsic joy of learning while supporting their social, emotional and spiritual growth.

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ADMISSIONS

The Middle Way School thrives on the principle of inclusion. We actively seek to build a community that is rich with diverse cultures, races, talents, interests, learning profiles, and economic and ethnic backgrounds. MWS is a pilot school with the support of a global community of friends and foundations who wish to see us succeed. Because of their support, we are able to offer ample financial aid to meet families needs. More than $100,000 in aid was given in 2019.

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I feel today’s education does not really teach freedom. If they try to teach freedom, it is just about individual rights but not about the inner freedom which comes from a deep inner sense of order. When you have this inner orderliness you can then sprawl out and breeze around in the chaotic world. Instead it sometimes seems modern education does the opposite, it makes us chaotic inside and tries to create some kind of external order.
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

Advisor

DAILY AND WEEKLY HAPPENINGS AT MIDDLE WAY SCHOOL

We have more gratitude to share! In showing our appreciation for the many supporting contributions we have received this year, we have more contributors to applaud. As a small, independent school in the Hudson Valley, we are so thankful for the kindness of our community—both near and far.

Together, we raised over $20,000 in just a matter of days!

Thank you for helping us grow and further our mission of creating education for children rooted in Buddhist wisdom and compassion. The Middle Way School Annual Fund provides vitally needed support for our school, nurturing families with tuition assistance, bolstering our robust programming, supporting training for our dedicated educators, and allowing for enhancements to our nature-based campus. Our school is also a center for the development of a contemplative-based curriculum, designed to be shared widely for the benefit of children across the globe.

To the many businesses and individuals who contributed to the MWS Losar Silent Auction and Raffle fundraiser this year, we sincerely thank you. We are honored to thrive with you in this big-hearted community!

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We are over the moon with gratitude for the many supporting contributions we have received this year. As a small, independent school in the Hudson Valley, we are so thankful for the kindness of our community—both near and far.

Together, we raised over $20,000 in just a matter of days!

Thank you for helping us grow and further our mission of creating education for children rooted in Buddhist wisdom and compassion. The Middle Way School Annual Fund provides vitally needed support for our school, nurturing families with tuition assistance, bolstering our robust programming, supporting training for our dedicated educators, and allowing for enhancements to our nature-based campus. Our school is also a center for the development of a contemplative-based curriculum, designed to be shared widely for the benefit of children across the globe.

To the many businesses and individuals who contributed to the MWS Losar Silent Auction and Raffle fundraiser this year, we sincerely thank you. We are honored to thrive with you in this big-hearted community!

(continued in captions…)
...

There are just a couple of days remaining to support the Middle Way School Silent Auction and Raffle Fundraiser! Check out the many amazing items and experiences — getaways in the Catskills, health and wellness indulgences, family-friendly lessons, vintage treasures, fine art, and so much more!! There are some real gems!

Visit https://go.rallyup.com/mwslosar/

NOW through THIS Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024
RAFFLES close at 9 pm
AUCTION closes at 9:30 pm

✨ HOW YOUR KINDNESS COUNTS ✨

So far, we’ve reached 30% of our goal for this event—already a reason to celebrate our AMAZING Parent Volunteers who have poured their hearts and energy into this fundraising effort.

All proceeds from this Silent Auction and Raffle will benefit the Middle Way School Annual Fund, which provides vitally needed support for our school and has an impact on every student from Pre-K to 6th Grade. The MWS Annual Fund nurtures families with tuition assistance, bolsters our robust programming, supports teacher training for our dedicated educators, and allows for enhancements to our nature-based campus.

Can you help us by telling everyone you know about the Middle Way School Silent Auction and Raffle? Your support truly makes a difference!

✨ THANK YOU!! ✨

Thank you for helping us grow and further our mission of creating education for children rooted in Buddhist wisdom and compassion.
...

✨ It’s LIVE!!✨ MWS Silent Auction and Raffle Fundraiser

NOW through THIS Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024
RAFFLES close at 9 pm
AUCTION closes at 9:30 pm

This week at Middle Way School, we’re celebrating LOSAR (Tibetan for “new year”). In Himalayan traditions, it’s a time for fun festivities and creating offerings of good merit. Join us in welcoming the “Year of the Dragon” by echoing the boldness and generosity it symbolizes.

✨ HOW TO SHARE YOUR SUPPORT ✨

From one-of-a-kind items to super-special experiences, we hope you find a GEM of your own in the online Middle Way School Silent Auction and Raffle, which is now LIVE! Check out the many individuals and businesses within our local and global community who have shared their kindness in support of our school!

Visit https://go.rallyup.com/mwslosar/
(link in bio)

✨ HOW YOUR KINDNESS COUNTS ✨

To meet our annual needs, we rely heavily on community support. We’re grateful for your generosity! All proceeds from this Silent Auction and Raffle will benefit the Middle Way School Annual Fund, which provides vitally needed support for our school and has an impact on every student from Pre-K to 6th Grade. The MWS Annual Fund nurtures families with tuition assistance, bolsters our robust programming, supports teacher training for our dedicated educators, and allows for enhancements to our nature-based campus.

Can you help us by sharing the Middle Way School Silent Auction and Raffle with your friends and family?

✨ THANK YOU!! ✨

Your support truly makes a difference!

Thank you for helping us grow and further our mission of creating education for children rooted in Buddhist wisdom and compassion.
...

Have you heard? Middle Way School is currently taking applications for the 2024-2025 school year! All applications received by January 31 will be reviewed for early admission.

Middle Way School is an independent, not-for-profit school in the Hudson Valley, exploring the rich potential of infusing modern education with wisdom and compassion. We’re shifting the way children relate to learning — leading with loving-kindness as we cultivate globally conscious minds.

Voted BEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL in the Hudson Valley by Chronogram readers, two years in a row (2022/2023).

Learn more and explore the application process by visiting our Admissions page: www.middlewayschool.org/admissions (link in bio).

Can you please help us spread the word?

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#compassionatechildren #alternativeeducation #lovingkindness #outdoorlearning #artsareessential #somuchtimeoutdoors#buddhisteducationforchildren #hudsonvalleyprivateschools #saugertiesschools #woodstockschools #catskillschools #kingstonny #huntertannersvilleschools #onteoraschools #ulstercounty #privateschoolhudsonvalley #privateschoolupstateny #privateschoolulstercounty #privateschoolcatskills #hudsonvalleyparents

@chronogram @hudsonvalleykids @hudsonvalleyone @hudsonvalleymag @destinationsaugerties @dveightmag @visitcatskills @upstatecurious
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As 2023 comes to a close, we share our gratitude and boundless love for our students, teachers, families, and community of supporters… like YOU! 

Your generosity makes our work possible—enriching our programming and facilities, and furthering our mission of creating education for children rooted in Buddhist wisdom and compassion. 

Together, we can provide new opportunities for many years to come.

Please keep Middle Way School in mind as you consider your year-end giving plans: https://middlewayschool.org/annualfund/

May the new year bring gratitude and boundless love for all.

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#buddhisteducationforchildren #hudsonvalley #endofyeargiving #buddhistelementary #dharmakids #compassion #globalcitizens #upstateny #dzongsarkhyentserinpoche #khyentse #giving #gratitudegarden #middleway #buddhadharma
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@middlewayedu @khyentsefoundation @siddharthasintent @translate84000 @lionsroarbuddhism @tricyclemag @balakidsbooks @shambhala_publications
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This time of year is especially important for us. As a young school we are especially reliant on gifts from like-minded friends around the world, since tuition alone only covers a portion of (46%) of our annual operating costs. 

A gift to the Middle Way School Annual Fund is fully tax-deductible and provides families with tuition assistance, supports training for our dedicated educators and staff, allows for enhancements to our lovely campus, and contributes to inviting specialty teachers and eminent guests for our community. 

Will you help us spread the word this week? Please encourage family and friends to make their year-end gifts in support of the Middle Way School Annual Fund.

Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference and helps us continue to grow and further our mission of creating education for children rooted in Buddhist wisdom and compassion. 

PLEASE DONATE TODAY by visiting https://middlewayschool.org/annualfund
...

In this time of generosity, we ask for your support.

Middle Way School offers a remarkably unique approach to modern education. We’re shifting the way children relate to learning altogether—leading with loving-kindness as we cultivate globally conscious minds. 

If you are in a position to share with others, please support Middle Way School.

Every contribution—no matter the amount—makes a difference and helps us continue to grow and further our mission of creating education for children rooted in Buddhist wisdom and compassion.

PLEASE DONATE TODAY by visiting https://middlewayschool.org/annualfund

(link also in our bio)

@khyentsefoundation @middlewayeducation @middlewaypca
...

THANK YOU to each and every Middle Way School supporter.

* We bow to the students—the focus of our efforts and the center of our joy.

* We give thanks for the families who support contemplative Buddhist education for their children, and for the generations that will follow.

* We are endlessly grateful for the knowledgeable and nurturing teachers who bring lessons to life each day.

* We applaud the tireless supporting staff members who keep everything running fluidly.

* We recognize the many advisors and board members who have dedicated their time and wisdom to the mission of our school.

* We celebrate the vast visions of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, the Khyentse Foundation, and Middle Way Education, for their compassionate guidance and collaborative support.

* We deeply appreciate the worldwide supporters who grace us with their generosity by donating to the Middle Way School Annual Fund.

May the lessons we learn together benefit ALL beings worldwide.
...

This week, we were fortunate to receive an impromptu visit from Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, Lama Lodro Lhamo (Karma Triyana Dharmachakra President), our own school parent Lama Karma Dhodrul, and Lama Tashi, who toured our grounds and blessed two sites on campus in preparation for the addition of two outdoor shrines. These projects will greatly enhance our grounds and give children and adults alike a place to contemplate, make offerings, and feel the integration of indoor and outdoor sacred spaces. After the blessings and a tour, we had a joyful tea party in the library with Rinpoche and listened to his folktales from Tibet and India. Rinpoche emphasized how much stories matter to children’s lives.

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche is a Tibetan Buddhist Master of the Kagyu Order. He was trained in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism under many great masters such as HH the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. He took his formal education at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok and Sampurnananda Sanskrit University, Varanasi, India and has served as Professor of Tibetology in Sikkim for 17 years. His doctoral thesis was on the Ecumenical Movement in Tibet.

Since 1990 he has been traveling and teaching Buddhism and meditation at more than 50 Universities, Institutes and Buddhist Centres in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and Asia. He also participates in various interfaith dialogues. He authored several books on Buddhism as well as some children’s books both in Tibetan and European languages.

https://bodhicharya.org/ringu-tulku/
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There is an altar in every classroom at the Middle Way School, and the children take turns in caring for this shared space. They are invited to bring in something meaningful from home to place on the altar. Items from nature such as a flower, a pinecone, or a special stone are encouraged. What a child brings is up to them—so long as it truly feels special to them. Our advisor Gaylon Ferguson suggested that the altar should be a place of delight. We encourage families to also develop a similar space in or around the home if they do not already have one.

Curious? Read more about this idea at middlewayeducation.org/resources/article-sacred-spaces/

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#buddhisteducationforchildren #everythingissacred #space #beauty #whatisspecialtous #consciouslyconnecting #altar #dailylife #caringforourspaces #delight #specialplace
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Vichitapol “Ta” Pholpoke, CEO founder of Teach for Thailand, paid a special visit to the Middle Way School this week. His inspiration to launch the organization stemmed from the opportunities available to him as a result of his own privileged background in an international school setting. Ta is committed to providing access to high-quality educational experiences for all Thais.

With Middle Way Education supporting the launch of a school in Bangkok, we are pleased to be deepening our ties with the country. And we are delighted to be the lab school of this MWE model of education. Ta was able to sit in on a curriculum planning meeting with MWS teachers, iterating the latest benchmarks and standards. It is essential to have a living and breathing example of Buddhist education for children in order for this model to take shape.

May this global collaboration be a benefit to all!

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@teachforthailand @middlewayedu @kyentsefoundation #buddhism #buddhisteducationforchildren #collaboration #workingtogether #globalconnections #educationalinitiative #nysais #hudsonvalleyschools
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Throughout the year, Middle Way parents, caregivers, and staff members are invited to learn alongside the children. Through the school-led Dharma Committee, we collaborate to organize opportunities for families so they can interact with buddhist teachings in meaningful ways.

Families may choose to participate in a weekly meditation or attend one of many special events. Teachers, scholars, lineage holders and meditation instructors are invited to facilitate discussions on topics that align with those studied by the children—such as refuge and impermanence. There are so many modern approaches to timeless ideas—movement, visual art, performance, cooking, book club, and more. These experiences are very enriching!

THANK YOU to the Dharma Committee for the thoughtful work you do in service of the school. Thank you to the collective community of parents and caregivers for showing up with an open mind. Thank you to the children for inspiring us all to connect.

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@middlewayedu @kyentsefoundation #buddhism #dharmaforamodernage #learningalongsideourchildren #wholechild #bridgingschoolandhomelife #upstateny #sangha #beyondtheclassroom #lifelonglearners #sharingideas
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What a delightful day spent at the Kingston Farmers Market getting to know the farmers, makers, and community shakers in our area! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to speak with us about the Middle Way School. We offered treats and flower bouquets and connected with our neighbors. Kingston is such a vibrant city, bursting with good vibes. Many thanks to @kingstonfarmersmarket for sharing the opportunity with us! ...

Stop by the Kingston Farmers Market today and chat with us! (Sat., Aug. 12, 9am-1pm) there’s plenty of lemonade, fresh fruit, and oatmeal cookies. We’d love to answer any questions you might have about the Middle Way School. Did we mention there are cookies? ...

Curious about the Middle Way School? This weekend, we’ll be at the Kingston Farmers Market to connect with our neighbors, share experiences, and answer questions. Look for us on Sat, Aug. 12 (9 to 1). We’ll have lemonade and snacks to share along with friendly conversation. We’re looking forward to visiting with you!

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#bestindependentschool #community #farmersmarket #kingstonhappenings #kingstonny #hudsonvalleyschools #progressiveeducation #hudsonvalleyprivateschools #upstateny #catskills #buddhistelementary #outdoorclassroom #saugerties #outinthefield #fieldtrip
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Let’s hear it for our Head of School Grace Ann Louis!! Once again, she’s been named Best Youth Advocate by @chronogram readers across the Hudson Valley. Close to 25,000 people voted, casting over 340,000 ballots. It’s kind of a big deal—and a totally natural choice in our minds.

Grace is known for her skill in the classroom, her warm and creative leadership, and her ability to keep all the balls in the air with a cheerful smile. She has over two decades of experience in approaching Early Childhood Education from a contemplative vantage. She believes in creating the conditions for every child to encounter a confidence and true delight within themselves so that they may become lifelong learners.

We’re so glad to see her endless dedication recognized by this award! Thank you, Grace, for advocating for each child’s relationship with learning. May your compassionate influence continue to ripple outwards into the world.

#hudsonvalleyschools #chronogrammies2023 #ulstercountyschools #upstatenewyork #alternativeeducation #saugerties #compassionatekids #middleway #rethinkingeducation #woodstock #kingston #catskill #phoenica #woodstockschools #everythingisconnected #awakenedmind #letsdothistogether #curiousminds #contemplativelearning #dharma
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CONGRATULATIONS to Amy Brown-White for her #chronogrammies2023 win for Best Racial Justice Advocate. As a Middle Way School Advisor, Amy leads our conversations around diversity, race, privilege, and inclusion. Guided by empathy and interconnection, she challenges our understanding of one another and hones our awareness of injustice.

In her practice, Amy helps reexamine established organizations that wish to shift their personal narrative and become more equitable. She promotes the understanding of people with threatened identities and researches those experiences to break down barriers.

We’re thrilled to see Amy Brown-White receive this honor for her ongoing work in this field. We’re grateful for her wise and generous perspective, which continually reshapes our school.

@abwconsulting7 @chronogram #hudsonvalleyschools #chronogrammies #ulstercountyschools #upstatenewyork #buddhisteducation #alternativeeducation #saugerties #compassionatekids #middleway #rethinkingeducation #everythingisconnected #awakenedmind #letsdothistogether
...

Interested?

Interested in enrolling? Want to learn more? Fill out this simple contact form (link below) and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Middle Way School holds regular open houses. We also can arrange individual tours. This form will automatically sign you up for important notifications regarded enrollment.

Thanks for your interest in Middle the Way School!

ORIGINS

All major religions of the world have systems of educating children in their traditions, beliefs, rituals, and values. There are maktab and madrasas for Muslims, Catholic schools, Jewish day schools, Sunday schools, Catechism classes, all kinds of afterschool programs, camps, and specialized schools meant to teach children to become the stewards of their respective religious traditions. Buddhist education for children has, for the most part, been offered to monastic communities with grassroots initiatives few and far between. Because Buddhism is not culture bound, there are few broadly accepted holidays, festivals and customs to introduce to children. Often, the transference of the Buddhist view happens in the home. Some Buddhist parents have independently created programs for children, but there is no generally accepted content or method for teaching the dharma to children.

To bridge this gap, a team of educators and active Buddhists, inspired by the vision of Bhutanese Buddhist master Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche,  began exploring the possibility of creating such a model of education. It became clear that the model had to be developed in situ, in an actual school. Middle Way Education was established to spearhead this effort.

In 2017 after exploring options in Bali, Indonesia, India, and Taiwan, it was decided that the Middle Way pilot school should be located in Upstate New York. The Middle Way School opened in 2018 with 17 students in West Saugerties. In 2020 we enrolled 55 students in 6 classes.

The Hudson Valley is an ideal location for our pilot school. The welcoming and independent mindset in this area, along with supportive communities like Zen Mountain Monastery, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, Omega Institute,  and other centers of study and practice, makes this a fertile ground for a new model of education to come into being.

We hire and enroll without discriminating against any identifying factor which may include race, age, national or ethnic origin,  religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic background. We will make accessibility accommodations for individuals with disabilities to the fullest extent possible. As an institution and as individuals we recognize that we have the responsibility to actively change the power differences that perpetuate biases against historically underrepresented groups. Our inclusion efforts are a dynamic process. We welcome your experience and invite your input on how our school community can continue to evolve.

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