About maplebrook
Maplebrook School was founded in 1945 by three bold women empowered by a vision of an inclusive boarding school community dedicated to educating students not well-served by the mainstream educational system. Sunny Barlow, Serena Merck, and Marjorie Finger had a vision and for 75 years, Maplebrook has become one of the premier boarding schools for students who learn differently.
Maplebrook students have great potential who need a different approach to learning: one that recognizes their identities as individual learners, each with their unique strengths as well as teaching them how to overcome their learning challenges. Maplebrook as the school has developed from its beginnings on an old farm to what is today a fully accredited, New York State registered high school offering a
comprehensive academic program and a unique postsecondary program.
Maplebrook School has remained true to the original vision of its three founders. Maplebrook School is not only a place to learn—it is a place where students and faculty can experience a home away from home, and each one of us is a welcome and valued member of the Maplebrook family. We recognize that without the solid foundation laid by Sunny Barlow, Serena Merck, and Marjorie Finger, and without the diligent work given by so many others to this community over the years, we would not be where we are today. Ours is a long legacy. We remember, and at the same time, we look ahead. And in the present, we carry on, continuing Maplebrook’s work of fostering excellence, independence, and friendship in diverse learners, knowing that for our students as well as the school, the present follows the past, and the future begins here.
Maplebrook students have great potential who need a different approach to learning: one that recognizes their identities as individual learners, each with their unique strengths as well as teaching them how to overcome their learning challenges. Maplebrook as the school has developed from its beginnings on an old farm to what is today a fully accredited, New York State registered high school offering a
comprehensive academic program and a unique postsecondary program.
Maplebrook School has remained true to the original vision of its three founders. Maplebrook School is not only a place to learn—it is a place where students and faculty can experience a home away from home, and each one of us is a welcome and valued member of the Maplebrook family. We recognize that without the solid foundation laid by Sunny Barlow, Serena Merck, and Marjorie Finger, and without the diligent work given by so many others to this community over the years, we would not be where we are today. Ours is a long legacy. We remember, and at the same time, we look ahead. And in the present, we carry on, continuing Maplebrook’s work of fostering excellence, independence, and friendship in diverse learners, knowing that for our students as well as the school, the present follows the past, and the future begins here.
Maplebrook School Statement on Diversity & Inclusion
At Maplebrook School, we believe in the acquisition and manifestation of core values that transcend race, color and creed. It is a time to examine the balance of school programming and ethics in our school community in order to ensure that our young people of today grow up as responsible citizens of tomorrow. We want our students at Maplebrook to live their lives unencumbered by what they look like, where they come from or what faith they practice, if any. This generation should grow up to be custodians of equality and fairness so that each individual can aspire for the best irrespective of their background or culture. In order for this to be achieved, there needs to be a strong partnership between home and school, where a culture of tolerance and trust can be fostered and celebrated from the Board of Trustees to the students, their families and staff.
At Maplebrook, we are a school committed in this respect. Furthermore, our admissions policy is broad, open-minded and welcomes applications from families of all backgrounds. As a community that actively celebrates diversity, we firmly believe we are making a positive difference. However, we are passionate and reflective about listening, learning and better understanding the views and experiences of others. It remains our fundamental aim to promote a happy, fulfilling school culture where every person is treated with equal kindness, patience and understanding.
At Maplebrook, we are a school committed in this respect. Furthermore, our admissions policy is broad, open-minded and welcomes applications from families of all backgrounds. As a community that actively celebrates diversity, we firmly believe we are making a positive difference. However, we are passionate and reflective about listening, learning and better understanding the views and experiences of others. It remains our fundamental aim to promote a happy, fulfilling school culture where every person is treated with equal kindness, patience and understanding.