The Meher Schools

I was a student at Meher and have only wonderful things to say about it. The school's environment is both welcoming and nurturing and can make anyone feel right at home. When I entered middle school I was suprised because I had already learned much of the same material from Meher the previous year. Not only does it stress creativity through writing and the arts, but it also has wonderful after school activities. Looking back, I think it was what made my childhood so memorable.

In a town renowned for its great public schools, we decided to keep our daughter in Meher School after her wonderful experience at the White Pony Pre-School. Meher is an exceptionally nurturing community-where respect isn't just a curriculum bullet-point but a genuine and guiding principal. The school provides a very solid foundation for learning. In 5th grade, for instance, the children have a special writing coach in addition to their gifted 5th grade teacher. They are given challenging and ultimately very rewarding writing projects which give them solid skills and experience for the transition to middle school. The school celebrates learning through the arts--singing, theater, art, etc., and these activities are part of the basic core curriculum. The tuition of the school is among the lowest in Contra Costa County. The White Pony Preschool is a rich and amazing preschool for little people, too.
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated in June of '08. Meher is a wonderful school. I was there since the day I turned two. The teachers are kind, generous, beautiful people who are committed to their students. Not only the teachers, but the school as a whole gives a vibrant, loving energy. The people you meet there are the people you have an indescribable connection to forever. I very strongly recommend this magical school.
--Submitted by a student

My son just finished his First Grade here and he could read instructions on how to cook or how to put his toys together. My husband could not believe it! His spelling is excellent. Math is so easy for him, too. The best thing is that he really adored his First Grade teacher (Ms. Maggie). He kept saying that he missed her already, the first day after the school year ends. I am very thankful that he is a student here. His focus and his drive are excellent, better than his friend in a public school in Lafayette. He always wanted to be the best.
--Submitted by a parent

We loved the pre-school, however, we have been less pleased with the elementary school. Not all teachers are properly accredited, and the administration is extremely unresponsive to parental suggestions or complaints. There seems to be a rather paternalistic attitude of, 'We know best' that my husband and I have found extremely offputting.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Meher and it is a wonderful enviroment. All the teachers are patient, and loving. I have been going there since pree-school, and now I am about to graduate from 5th grade. I love Meher.
--Submitted by a student

Where I grew up, a third world war-torn country, I taught/shared with my classmates everything I knew. When I was attending UC Berkeley (not even an expensive private university), I was shocked by the level of high competition/arrogance by some students. The philosophy at the Meher Schools (love, cooperation, community, service to the world) brought me home and I could not believe that there was a school that I cried to beg for admission of my 5 year-old son. For the first few years of schooling, learning to have a great character, to be creative, and to be strong yet caring individuals is more important than knowing everything in the text book (we can look up at any time). My son loves/respects his teachers, who are like angels to him, and enjoys his program very much. This school is the best place for him in this part of the world. Sonia
--Submitted by Xuannga (Sonia) Mahini, a parent

What a wonderful, loving, nurturing environment! We moved away from the area, but otherwise would never have left. My daughters flourished there and we were very proud to be part of that community. A well run, safe, affordable, private school is almost unheard of these days.
--Submitted by Linda Herman, a parent

'Meher' literally translated means love and compassion, which is in evidence at this school each and every day. My daugher attended Meher Elementary School for 3.5 years, until we were transferred out of the area. She thrivedD in this calm, peaceful, caring environment where children are treated respectfully and given every opportunity to learn critical thinking skills versus becoming rote learners. I found the children at Meher to be some of the most kind, considerate, well-behaved, intelligent, and articulate children that I have had the privilege of meeting in my lifetime. My daughter loved her teachers and could not wait to get to school each day. This environment is unique. Teachers encourage and reward good behavior which promotes the development of self esteem versus berating kids thereby making them feel inadequate. Kindness is the norm. Respect for each other and the world at large is integral to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Music and art are a major focus. There is a loving atmosphere and the school's philosphy is to encourage children without being punitive. Parent's are not required to participate, but almost all do in various volunteer capacities
--Submitted by a parent