Curriculum
Academics
Miriam High School students are assigned to courses within one of three paths - Concepts, Core and Challenge.
In each subject area needed for graduations, students are placed in the pathway to meet their needs. Students may follow one path for all subjects, or cross paths for classes that fit their needs and strengths. The curriculum includes rigor for students who need it, while also offering concepts classes to help students understand the subjects. For instance, a student may take a concepts of reading class while also taking college algebra.
CHALLENGE:
Students who are able to access learning at or above grade level.
CORE:
Students who access learning at or near grade level.
CONCEPTS:
Students who access learning below grade level.
Download this document for full descriptions.
Electives
Miriam has greatly expanded the electives offered at the high school level, including exciting classes such as Animal Behavior, Miriam Makers and TV Studio.
Miriam Essentials
The Miriam Essentials Curriculum addresses the whole child, ensuring that when each student leaves Miriam, they are ready to take on the next step of their journey
The four-year curriculum is comprised of five categories:
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Academics
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Life Skills
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Health and Wellness
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Relationships and Community
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College/Career Readiness
Each grade level team will include three dedicated staff members who will carry out this new curriculum. Students will meet for 30 minutes after advisory each morning, as well as 30 minutes before or after lunch (depending on each student’s schedule), to study the Essentials.
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Miriam High School 2024 graduate, Drake Wilkerson, watched his brother leave for college three years ago, and he wanted a similar experience
![Miriam High School students rock out with The Pyros, thanks to STL Rock School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1722362092/miriamstlorg/oqaoxcmehwsxo5pidlxx/Addaheading13.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1722362092/miriamstlorg/oqaoxcmehwsxo5pidlxx/Addaheading13.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1722362092/miriamstlorg/oqaoxcmehwsxo5pidlxx/Addaheading13.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1722362092/miriamstlorg/oqaoxcmehwsxo5pidlxx/Addaheading13.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1722362092/miriamstlorg/oqaoxcmehwsxo5pidlxx/Addaheading13.jpg","width":1600}])
A group of Miriam High School students took a bold step last year, stretching their comfort zones and joining an after-school club run by STL Rock School. Julie Altnether visited once per week to work with the students, who formed the band The Pyros.
![Students who passed their driver permit test stand in front of a Miriam van, giving the thumbs up.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1720631627/miriamstlorg/xnrvjqhyokb4cd3eezkn/Untitleddesign-2024-07-10T121304595.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1720631627/miriamstlorg/xnrvjqhyokb4cd3eezkn/Untitleddesign-2024-07-10T121304595.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1720631627/miriamstlorg/xnrvjqhyokb4cd3eezkn/Untitleddesign-2024-07-10T121304595.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1720631627/miriamstlorg/xnrvjqhyokb4cd3eezkn/Untitleddesign-2024-07-10T121304595.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1720631627/miriamstlorg/xnrvjqhyokb4cd3eezkn/Untitleddesign-2024-07-10T121304595.jpg","width":1600}])
This spring, 14 Miriam High School students passed the driver’s permit test. Kellerman led a unit during Miriam Essentials time that included on-the-road basics and practice permit tests. Kellerman himself accompanied the students – in small groups – to the license bureau, driven by another teacher in a Miriam van.
![Minds in Bloom 2025 Spring Soiree]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716312788/miriamstlorg/lkkaefeuaalubzoss0el/Untitleddesign94.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716312788/miriamstlorg/lkkaefeuaalubzoss0el/Untitleddesign94.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716312788/miriamstlorg/lkkaefeuaalubzoss0el/Untitleddesign94.jpg","width":800}])
Miriam ushered 21 seniors off to the next step of their journey with a graduation ceremony that was just like the rest of their experiences here - completely personalized.
![Students, staff, and family during the Next Steps Fair 2024]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1714161959/miriamstlorg/jqft1skufimjguxcmajo/Next-Steps-Fair-2024.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1714161959/miriamstlorg/jqft1skufimjguxcmajo/Next-Steps-Fair-2024.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1714161959/miriamstlorg/jqft1skufimjguxcmajo/Next-Steps-Fair-2024.jpg","width":800}])
Last Friday, our Next Steps Transition Fair and our Variety Show led to another festive and fun Friday at Miriam High School. We were thrilled to have 30 vendors join us for the Fair. It was wonderful to have family members participate and to observe our children shine.
![Gratitude]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1711652285/miriamstlorg/f4gcwxe9bdhwdu8ug1j6/MiriamHighschoolstudentsinternship.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1711652285/miriamstlorg/f4gcwxe9bdhwdu8ug1j6/MiriamHighschoolstudentsinternship.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1711652285/miriamstlorg/f4gcwxe9bdhwdu8ug1j6/MiriamHighschoolstudentsinternship.jpg","width":800}])
The high school is piloting an internship program this year - called Volunteer Work-Based Learning - that they hope to expand to many more students in the future. In conjunction with the work experience, Miriam staff provide training in job skills, soft/interpersonal skills and independent living.
![Mirima Student learning about transition services]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707417750/miriamstlorg/tozm3hxxx3uxm6pfhnck/Student_transition_services.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707417750/miriamstlorg/tozm3hxxx3uxm6pfhnck/Student_transition_services.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1707417750/miriamstlorg/tozm3hxxx3uxm6pfhnck/Student_transition_services.jpg","width":800}])
At Miriam High School, planning for our students’ future is an integral part of their learning plans. Students will leave Miriam with a deep understanding of their strengths, challenges, and where they are headed next.
![Gratitude]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1701457837/miriamstlorg/mzzuquqpjygy9olxv8g4/CrossCountry.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1701457837/miriamstlorg/mzzuquqpjygy9olxv8g4/CrossCountry.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1701457837/miriamstlorg/mzzuquqpjygy9olxv8g4/CrossCountry.png","width":800}])
A group of Miriam high school students learned the value of hard work, exercise and team spirit this fall, participating in cross-country under the mentorship of former Miriam teacher Jeron Merritt.
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More than a dozen students from Miriam High School took part in a shopping spree, serving as an extension of their math curriculum.
![A high school student and his guardian talk to a representative of the ASCEND program during Miriam's Next Steps Fair.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1691081039/miriamstlorg/aowqpbbudcjdgaiih0sp/NextSteps2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1691081039/miriamstlorg/aowqpbbudcjdgaiih0sp/NextSteps2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1691081039/miriamstlorg/aowqpbbudcjdgaiih0sp/NextSteps2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1691081039/miriamstlorg/aowqpbbudcjdgaiih0sp/NextSteps2.jpg","width":1200}])
The transition from high school into the “real world” is being made easier for students at Miriam High School.
![A High School Student Learns about construction career opportunities at the Building Your Future event.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1691079512/miriamstlorg/pltkzdctzrhn30wt9npv/Edited3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1691079512/miriamstlorg/pltkzdctzrhn30wt9npv/Edited3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1691079512/miriamstlorg/pltkzdctzrhn30wt9npv/Edited3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1691079512/miriamstlorg/pltkzdctzrhn30wt9npv/Edited3.jpg","width":1200}])
At Miriam High School, we’re giving our students hands-on, out-of-classroom experiences through our Experiential Learning Program that will set them up for success when they graduate.
![A teen girl holds a flour sack baby she created for Child Development Class]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1690828680/miriamstlorg/md876csojvzemrayxkhu/IMG_7270.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1690828680/miriamstlorg/md876csojvzemrayxkhu/IMG_7270.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1690828680/miriamstlorg/md876csojvzemrayxkhu/IMG_7270.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1690828680/miriamstlorg/md876csojvzemrayxkhu/IMG_7270.jpg","width":1200}])
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The Miriam Essentials Curriculum will address the whole child, ensuring that when students leave Miriam, they are ready to take on the next step of their journeys.
![two graduates give a thumbs up]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695234087/miriamstlorg/iz7hvasdki2j8jdipoif/blog-size-2-1-768x432.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695234087/miriamstlorg/iz7hvasdki2j8jdipoif/blog-size-2-1-768x432.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1695234087/miriamstlorg/iz7hvasdki2j8jdipoif/blog-size-2-1-768x432.jpg","width":768}])
Watching your child walk across the stage in their cap and gown, diploma in hand, is such a wonderful moment for any parent or guardian. But it can also come with a little worry, wondering “what comes next?”