FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fairfield school also ranks No. 1 among Iowa’s private K-12 schools and climbs 35 places nationally
FAIRFIELD, Iowa (Sep. 30, 2026) — For the ninth year in a row, Niche.com has ranked Maharishi School as the No. 1 private high school in Iowa. The school also holds the coveted top position on Niche’s 2027 list of Best Private K-12 Schools in Iowa — another ninth-year run. Maharishi School also holds A+ grades, leading in academics, college prep, diversity, along with clubs and activities. See the full rankings here.
Nationally, Maharishi School jumped 35 places up to No. 142 of 4,672 on Niche’s 2027 Best Private High Schools list — ahead of 96% of all other ranked schools. It ranks No. 12 of 114 for Best Boarding K-12 Schools in America, and No. 68 of 2,848 Best Private K-12 Schools in America. Maharishi School is also No. 1 on Niche’s Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa — a spot it has held for four years in a row — and has earned Niche’s A+ overall grade every year since 2020.
Niche leans heavily into college enrollment for its ranking criteria — how well are students prepared for life after high school? According to Niche data, 100% of Maharishi School graduates have gone on to enroll in four-year colleges. School records show that one out of three of those graduates from the classes of 2020 through 2026 have enrolled at a top-50 college or university, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Families rate the school highly, too. On Niche, parents and students give Maharishi School 4.76 out of 5 across 129 reviews.
“Maharishi School is proud to be a model for how to succeed the right way,” says Brett Potash, Head of School. “In a world where we’re constantly told to speed up and do more, our students achieve more by finding balance: a clear mind, and a comfort with who they are first. These traits are so rare in today’s world, and are at the core of our educational success. Being named Iowa’s top private high school for the ninth straight year reflects that.”
Brett Potash, Head of School
Maharishi School couples project-based learning with a stringent preparatory program. The schooldays are built around finding focus and calm first. Classes average about 12 students. They teach restorative practices (conflict deescalation and resolution). The schooldays are phone-free. In addition, students practice a research-backed mental technique twice a day — a practice whose published studies have linked to lower stress and sharper focus.
Thanks to the state’s Students First Education Savings Account (ESA), a private education at Maharishi School is within reach. The ESA provides $8,148 per student in 2026–27 regardless of household income. At Maharishi School, the ESA covers full kindergarten tuition and greatly reduces tuition costs for higher grades. Families can schedule a visit or call 641-472-9400 ext. 5076.
About Maharishi School
Maharishi School is an independent K-12 preparatory academy with day and boarding options, located in Fairfield, Iowa. It serves students from preschool (age 3) through grade 12. Founded in 1974, Maharishi School is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). Learn more at maharishischool.org.
Media contact: Gabriel Renfrow, Digital Marketing Manager · marketing@maharishischool.org · 641-472-9400
