Middle Way School

Middle Way School An independent school in the Hudson Valley, infusing modern education with Buddhist wisdom and compassion.

We lead with loving-kindness to transform how children relate to learning, cultivating minds that aspire to benefit all beings and the world.

As summer draws to a close, we’re grateful for its gentler pace—time to pause, to slow down, to simply be. We look forwa...
08/27/2026

As summer draws to a close, we’re grateful for its gentler pace—time to pause, to slow down, to simply be. We look forward to welcoming the school year ahead, carrying some of that spirit with us: new opportunities to connect with the natural world we are all a part of, and space to notice all of the wonder that awaits.

May the upcoming school year hold both curiosity and connection in balance. We’re looking forward to all the discoveries ahead!

A few spaces remain in our Bunnies (threes-turning-four) and Wild Horses (first grade) classes for the upcoming school y...
08/27/2026

A few spaces remain in our Bunnies (threes-turning-four) and Wild Horses (first grade) classes for the upcoming school year—which begins Wednesday, September 9. It’s not too late to find out more!

MIDDLE WAY SCHOOL is an independent school in the Hudson Valley, blending comprehensive academics with timeless Buddhist wisdom to cultivate compassionate, curious, and creative learners.

Our forested campus offers an abundance of outdoor learning and opportunities for inward reflection. Students learn through hands-on exploration and play. They spend time in the woods, care for farm animals, build fires, and plant gardens.

Using hands-on exploration and critical thinking, each child is encouraged to follow their own natural wonder to develop a deep understanding of the world and our capacity to care for it. Rooted in contemplative practices that benefit learners of all backgrounds, we’re preparing students with the awareness, knowledge, and skills to create a more thoughtful and compassionate world.

If you’re still exploring your options, we’d love to talk with you!

Reach out with any questions or curiosity—we’re happy to chat.

To explore our forested campus, learn more about our unique curriculum, and get a sense of our supportive community, schedule a tour today!

https://middlewayschool.org/admissions/

07/26/2026

This week, we were pleased to welcome Khenpo Choying Dorjee back to our campus — an esteemed scholar who has spent many years practicing and teaching on Buddhist perspectives.

First visiting in 2019, Khenpo was impressed to tour our campus just a few years later, noticing all of the growth and changes that have taken place. He strolled through the forest and offered his blessings for our newest structure on campus — a traditional yurt that will serve as a special gathering space for students, staff, and family.

He also took the time to meet with teachers and administrators, and answer the delightful questions of children on campus. From insightful and deep to light and silly, each question was met with cheerful and sincere wisdom. He also learned a little about life at Middle Way School!

Many thanks for sharing your time, insight, and best wishes for our community, Khenpo. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

And a special thanks to our 12-year-old student photographer who volunteered to capture the fullness of the day. Great job!!

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We’re celebrating CHRISTIE BARRON in her new role as Human Growth and Development Educator for grades K through 8. Chris...
07/25/2026

We’re celebrating CHRISTIE BARRON in her new role as Human Growth and Development Educator for grades K through 8. Christie first joined Middle Way in the 2021–2022 school year as a Lead Teacher, and has since brought her gifts to humanities, math, and science classrooms — becoming an anchor not just for students, but for the whole staff.

With nearly 20 years in progressive education across NYC and NYS public and private schools, an MSEd in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders and Special Education, and six years in private practice as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner™, Christie brings a rare depth of care to her work. She is a consent-oriented, trauma-informed educator, mother, mover, and maker who believes deeply in our essential need for connection — to our own hearts, to nature, and to each other.

This year, Christie steps into a new role at Middle Way as our Human Growth and Development teacher, guiding students from kindergarten through middle school through an age-appropriate, evolving curriculum. From body awareness and belonging in the early years, to consent, identity, and healthy relationships as students grow. At every stage, the goal is the same: helping children build a strong, curious relationship with their own bodies, feelings, and each other.

Christie holds space for students to sense into, and stay curious about, all the parts that make us tenderly human. She has witnessed time and again the power of play as a pathway to embodiment, and a foundation for learning motivated by wonder.

Learn more about the people of Middle Way School on our website:
https://middlewayschool.org/about-us/people/

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Final notes on a wild week of musical harmony! Our Summer of Wonder “JAM!” session adventurers explored the four pillars...
07/25/2026

Final notes on a wild week of musical harmony! Our Summer of Wonder “JAM!” session adventurers explored the four pillars of music—rhythm, melody, harmony, and songwriting—playing with strings, percussion, keys, and more. From counting out beats to composing as a group, it all came together with plenty of laughter and creativity. We even closed the week with a family dance party!

One week remains in our Summer of Wonder program:
FARM! (July 27 - July 31, 2026)

Join us in partnership with Napping Horse Farm as adventurers build connections with rescued animals. We’ll learn how to notice and listen to the feelings and needs of our animal friends. There will be mud on our shoes and joy in our hearts! 

Open to rising 2nd–7th graders.

https://middlewayschool.org/summer/

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We’re welcoming new faces this summer! Meet KIRK WEILER, Math Teacher for grades five through eight. Kirk is widely know...
07/25/2026

We’re welcoming new faces this summer! Meet KIRK WEILER, Math Teacher for grades five through eight. Kirk is widely known and celebrated across the Hudson Valley for his unique style of inspiring students to form a deep connection with math — built on not only a comprehensive understanding of the concepts, but also on genuine enjoyment!
 
He has taught courses ranging from introductory algebra to advanced placement calculus over the span of nearly 20 years. Along the way, he also launched and sold eMATHinstruction, a vibrant math curriculum company, with his wife and partner. This led to 10 books over 500 instructional videos covering grades from sixth through eleventh.
 
Kirk is a big believer in an active role for learners of mathematics. He feels Math is not a spectator sport nor is it simply a collection of algorithms and formulas for students to memorize. Fluency in basic math skills is critically important for children, but becoming good problem solvers is even more so!

Kirk is committed to creating a learning environment that is respectful, nurturing, and diligent — one where students explore and discuss concepts at a deep level, while having fun at the same time.

Learn more about the people of Middle Way School on our website:
https://middlewayschool.org/about-us/people/

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https://www.emathinstruction.com

This spring, sixth-grade students extended their classroom by traveling to the High Line in New York City for a walk thr...
07/24/2026

This spring, sixth-grade students extended their classroom by traveling to the High Line in New York City for a walk through art and ecology.

Once a stretch of abandoned freight rail, the High Line was reimagined by community advocates and designers into a diverse and ever-changing garden pathway — a reminder that forgotten spaces can hold the potential for renewal.

One stop that stayed with them: Tuan Andrew Nguyen’s newly installed sculpture, The Light that Shines Through the Universe. Look closely at the hands: the right forms the Abhaya mudra, a gesture of fearlessness, while the left forms the Varada mudra, a gesture of compassion — two qualities we hope our students carry with them long after our visit.

Just steps away, Onur’s mural Beacons, part of the High Line’s Climate Action Outdoor Museum, added another layer to the day by honoring young global climate change leaders.

With chances to pause and discuss along the way, we all left inspired that art and ecology can hold big ideas about our planet and our place within it.

Field learning like this is part of what makes our school experience so connected and embodied. We take the time to step outside the familiar, encounter new perspectives, and stand in front of ideas that asks us to slow down and really look.

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The High Line
Tuan Andrew Nguyen
ONUR

It’s time to rethink middle school so that students are supported as both emerging scholars and kind-hearted humans.Here...
07/23/2026

It’s time to rethink middle school so that students are supported as both emerging scholars and kind-hearted humans.

Here, learning isn’t confined by classroom walls. Students study science, math, creative writing, and more in the forest, along the stream bank, and on the animal sanctuary farm. 

Each day begins with a gathering that centers wisdom, compassion, and care for others — not a lesson, but a guiding rhythm. Students take an active role in shaping their own learning, expressing themselves with awareness and consideration for others.

Grades 5 through 8 now have a schedule with that same intention: extended blocks of time let growing minds settle into real understanding instead of rushing between short periods.

Small class sizes offer real one-on-one guidance from skilled advisors, with assessment designed to help students understand their own growth rather than rank it against others.

Real-life skills are connected with genuine responsibility through student-led service learning projects arcing throughout the year. Young minds notice where help is needed, respond to it thoughtfully, and see the real difference their effort can make. 

Every scholar receives personalized support to build self-awareness, somatic noticing, and executive functioning skills to become stronger, more confident learners throughout life.

Students engage deeply, think for themselves and for the benefit of others, and often go further than expected, with many graduating beyond their designated grade level in one or more subjects.

Does this sound like a good fit for your family? Find out more about our campus, our curriculum, and our community — schedule a tour today!

Now enrolling for the 2026–2027 school year. 


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Curtain call on a magical week of theatre! Our Summer of Wonder “PERFORM!” session actors conceptualized, wrote, and sta...
07/18/2026

Curtain call on a magical week of theatre! Our Summer of Wonder “PERFORM!” session actors conceptualized, wrote, and staged their very own performance of the folk tale “It Could Always Be Worse”—a story that reminds us how much lighter things feel with a little perspective and gratitude. From improv games to costumes, set design, and blocking the show, it all came together for one unforgettable final performance.

Up next: JAM! (JULY 20 - JULY 24, 2026) 
One spot left for our music-themed week, open to rising 2nd–7th graders. Join in the fun!

https://middlewayschool.org/summer/

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Some days we’re puddle-jumping and pausing to learn about the insect we see crossing the trail. Other days we’re making ...
07/14/2026

Some days we’re puddle-jumping and pausing to learn about the insect we see crossing the trail. Other days we’re making a new friend, sharing wild giggles, and building something amazing together. This week, we’ve been diving deep into a folk tale that we’re developing into a theatrical performance.

Surrounded by nature, our summer is both slow and full all at once.

And there’s more to come! Up next? Music jam sessions and farm animal adventures!

A few spots remain for rising 2nd–7th graders:

Session 4: July 20–24 — Jam! (1 spot)
Session 5: July 27–31 — Farm! (2 spots)

Reach out:
middlewayschool.org/summer

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Address

268 West Saugerties Road
Saugerties, NY
12477

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 3:30pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18452465006

Website

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