It’s been an exciting year at Maharishi School, an open-enrollment preschool-grade 12 school in Fairfield, IA, with students garnering accolades in such diverse fields as creative problem-solving, science, and sports. Senior Avery Travis, a National Merit Scholar, credits her school’s “Consciousness-based Education” program for widespread student success, including her own.

In May, six Maharishi School state champion teams attended the Global Finals of Destination Imagination, where students on 1,400 teams from all over the world compete to showcase their creative problem-solving talents. Four of the teams, including Avery’s, finished in the top 20 in their categories.

The boys’ tennis team set state records by reaching its 10th consecutive—and 17th overall—final-four tournament appearance.

Junior Bimba Shrestha’s science project, focusing on designing affordable 3D scanning technology, earned the Grand Champion title at regional and state Science and Engineering Fairs, and a free trip to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles.

Twice each day, Maharishi School students’ practice Transcendental Meditation (TM), a simple, scientifically validated technique that releases stress and optimizes brain functioning. The results—more alertness and creativity—last throughout the day. “It really does help kids be more creative, bright, and coherent,” said Avery, adding that her daily practice has kept her feeling balanced and happy. “TM helps release the stress so I can continue enjoying everything I do. A good meditation means a good day.”