Maple Grove Academy: A Revolutionary Approach to Student Discipline

A Baltimore school has ditched the antiquated practice of detention in favor of meditation, and the results are nothing short of remarkable. At Maple Grove Academy, the visionary staff has rolled out a meditation initiative aimed at elementary students, and we’re here for it! Honestly, who has ever really benefitted from detention?

Mindful Moments After-School Program

Instead of being confined to a room, students now participate in the Mindful Moments after-school program, where they dive into the world of yoga, mindfulness, meditation, centering, and breath work. This award-winning program combines extracurricular activities and academics—plus a hearty dinner—empowering kids with the skills to resolve conflicts peacefully, enhance focus and concentration, regulate their emotions, manage anger, and reduce stress. As the Open Society Institute-Baltimore noted, they help fund this transformative after-school experience.

Remarkable Results

Thanks to this focused approach, Maple Grove has seen a significant uptick in student performance. Since implementing the program two years ago, the school hasn’t issued a single suspension! How’s that for a change?

Insights from the Program Founders

“Children in underserved neighborhoods might come to school stressed due to hunger or unkempt clothing, and they may face ridicule,” explained program founder Jason Lee. “But even kids from affluent backgrounds experience their own pressures, like achievement anxiety or feeling disconnected from busy parents. It’s crucial for them to learn how to tackle these feelings.” Jason, along with his brother, Max, and their childhood friend, Leo, started Mindful Moments to share the benefits of meditation they learned from their own upbringing.

Their father instilled a meditation routine in them from a young age, and as they grew up, they discovered the joy of yoga. “We realized we shouldn’t keep this goodness to ourselves; it’s something everyone should experience,” Max said. Now in its 15th year, Mindful Moments has expanded to serve over 120 students across 13 schools in the city.

Life Skills and Leadership

Students are also learning valuable life skills through this program. “It helps you stay focused,” explained first-grader Ava, age 6. “If someone is bothering me, it helps me not to be mad.” The program also encourages leadership; students lead yoga sessions while an adult supervises. “The best part is empowering kids and developing their leadership skills,” Leo shared. “Then they can teach others!”

Diverse Activities and Support

Alongside yoga and meditation, students get to enjoy activities like badminton, basketball, woodworking, art, entrepreneurship, martial arts, dance, and even STEM projects. Volunteers lend a hand with homework and tutoring too, making the experience even richer.

Empowering Children for Life

The benefits extend beyond the program itself. “We equip children with the physical, mental, and emotional tools to handle life’s pressures,” Jason emphasized. “These skills are applicable in class, at home, and throughout their lives, giving them a sanctuary of inner peace. We always tell our kids, ‘Even if the outside world is chaotic, you have this inner calm that belongs solely to you—no one can take it away.’”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Maple Grove Academy’s shift from detention to meditation demonstrates the power of mindfulness in education, enabling children to thrive academically and emotionally.