The hallways of Maharishi School are buzzing with more than just the usual academic energy this week. On Saturday, December 6, five of our students traveled to the FBLA District 5 competition at Fairfield Middle School, and the results were nothing short of spectacular.

Facing off against seven other schools, our students secured a staggering number of top-three finishes. While the trophies and certificates are a point of immense pride, they represent something much deeper: the cultivation of the next generation of conscious, capable business leaders.

The winners’ circle

Our small but mighty team proved that focus and preparation are the keys to success. Please join us in celebrating:

What is FBLA?

For those new to the name, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the largest business career and technical student organization in the world. It is designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the corporate world, helping students in middle school and high school develop “aggressive” business leadership skills.

FBLA is built on three main pillars: service, education, and progress.

1. Real-world competitive events

The competitions our students just conquered are not just “tests.” They are industry-validated events that simulate the workforce. Students can compete in over 60 categories, ranging from Artificial Intelligence and Coding to Public Speaking and Financial Math. These events require students to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios, often presenting their solutions to a panel of judges who are professionals in their fields.

2. Leadership development

FBLA isn’t just for future CEOs. It’s for anyone who wants to lead with confidence. Members have the opportunity to hold officer positions at the local, state, and even national levels. They attend leadership conferences where they network with thousands of peers from across the country, learning how to direct a group, manage projects, and communicate effectively.

3. Scholarship and career opportunities

Being a member of FBLA opens doors. Many universities recognize the dedication required to succeed in this program, offering exclusive scholarships to active FBLA members. Additionally, through their Business Achievement Awards (BAA) program, students can build a professional portfolio that gives them a significant head start on college applications and internships.

Why FBLA fits at Maharishi School

At Maharishi School, we often talk about “cultivating the knower.” FBLA provides the perfect “field of action” for this. By combining our Consciousness-Based Education — which develops the student’s inner clarity and creativity — with the practical, high-stakes environment of FBLA, our students learn to perform under pressure with a sense of calm and focus.

“Watching our students take home these awards is wonderful,” says Brett Potash, Maharishi Head of School. “But watching them walk into a room of experts and speak with such poise and deep understanding of global business issues is the real victory.”

What’s next?

This District win is just the beginning. Many of our students have now qualified for the State Leadership Conference, where they will compete for a chance to represent Iowa at the National Leadership Conference this summer.

Did you know that there is a K-12 Consciousness-Based™ education opportunity? To learn more about Maharishi School, visit www.maharishischool.org

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Rhian Tomassetti is the MIU News editor for Maharishi School

Yes, that’s a little bit of ice on my beard. It grew yesterday, as I was greeting families in the morning. And suddenly I understood why everyone kept asking me if I was ready for “Iowa winter.” It’s real.

But even with sub-freezing temperatures and arctic windchill, there remains an undercurrent of joy coursing through this place. The snow has simply delivered another way to express it.

Learning outside the classroom

You’d think that the weather would have kept us inside for classes, but it just hasn’t.

Our third graders visited Jefferson County Park before Thanksgiving, and then watched a snow volcano erupt this week.

Our fourth graders planted their own succulents and took them home.

Our fifth graders went to Iowa City — twice, including today! — to visit the Natural History Museum and the Englert Theater to watch The Nutcracker ballet.

Our eleventh graders went to see The American Gothic house as part of their US History course.

And our 12th graders visited the Co-Lab in Fairfield as part of their Global Solutions class.

International Festival success!

Elsewhere, our World Fair Field was hugely successful, with hundreds of people learning about the traditions, dances, and food of over 30 cultures.

Giving thanks

Both our Middle School and Upper School had meaningful Thanksgiving celebrations. The Middle School hosted a (very popular!) potluck on Wednesday, November 19, and then held a special assembly to share what they were thankful for.

The Upper School organized a “Pie and Chai” event on Tuesday, November 25, where each class was responsible for making a part of the feast.

Discover the difference in Consciousness-Based education

If you’re looking for a K-12 school environment that reduces stress, inspires creativity, and builds character alongside academic rigor, it’s time to learn more about Maharishi School.

Inquire today and find out how TM supports your child’s success. ➡️ Maharishischool.org

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Brett Potash is the Head of School at Maharishi School.

We are thrilled to announce that we are participating in the ISACS Parent Series 2025-2026, a cornerstone program designed to strengthen the vital partnership between independent schools and parents.

This outstanding series comprises six one-hour webinars led by renowned experts, providing guidance and support across all aspects of your child’s development.

We invite you to join our monthly series

Jonathan Haidt

We invite all parents, caregivers, faculty, and administrators to join fellow independent school communities for these evening webinars.

Immediately following the webinar, Brett Potash, Head of School, will be available for a Q&A session to delve deeper into the topic. 

Our most recent webinar featured renowned author and researcher Jonathan Haidt, who discussed “How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Impacted Everything, And What We Can Do About It.”

Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist whose most recent book, The Anxious Generation, brings to light how play-based childhood has been replaced by phone-based childhood.

Haidt continues to push reforms to put an end to the youth mental health crisis. He believes that there are four steps that we all must take now: delay smartphones until high school, delay social media until 16, establish phone-free schools, and encourage more independence and play in the real world.

Haidt will share his research and leave parents with inspiration and concrete plans to facilitate change in their families and communities.

View the Full Parent Series Brochure to see the upcoming featured speakers. All parents, teachers, and caregivers in the Fairfield community are welcome. Directly after the webinar, Brett Potash, Head of School, will be available for a Q&A to dive deeper into the topic.