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Setting |
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 We are blessed with 2,860 acres on our campus, a large percentage of which is relatively untouched. Our property neighbors the Los Padres National Forest, the largest national forest in the state, and we are also adjacent to the San Rafael Wilderness Area, home of the Manzana River and its tributaries. More than just a backdrop, our campus becomes part of the classroom. Science classes camp and learn orienteering as part of the curriculum, English classes search out secluded meadows in which to write, read, and discuss, and the fine arts classes include the landscape and natural materials in countless projects.
Meadows, creeks, cliffs, canyons, and ridgelines; yucca, sycamores, oaks, sage, and poppies; coyotes, wild pigs, wild turkeys, owls, hawks, and eagles. A student at Midland makes a connection with the natural world, something that too many young people across the country do not do. While knowing the difference between a live oak and a valley oak might not get someone into college, the sense of place a student develops at Midland is invaluable and enduring. "Once I saw my first oak tree, I knew I belonged here. I'm living in it, I'm a part of it." ~Megan Smith `08 (Smith College) See Midland on Google Earth
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Facilities |
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 The academic classrooms clustered in Midland's "Middle Yard" are simple and rustic. There are four classrooms, two science labs, one three-walled classroom, a library, a computer lab, music practice rooms, and an art studio with ceramic wheels and kilns, areas for painting, and photography. The barn houses the equestrian, carpentry, and metals programs, along with a pair of owls living in its roof.
Midland is fortunate to have a setting that speaks to the heart through its beauty and solitude and does not distinguish the land from the school's academic facilities. While our facilities are certainly not modern, they do give our students the sense of tradition. The school's buildings adhere to the Midland philosophy that less can be more, and that one not need the newest and latest in order to be successful. As our society continues to exploit and expend natural resources, our campus gives students the opportunity to see how to live simply.
All Midland students board at the school and live with a roommate in small wood cabins clustered in quadrangles by class and supervised by seniors serving as prefects. The cabins, heated by wood burning stoves, are by no means luxurious. Their simplicity speaks of strength and character. Building shower fires is a long-standing tradition in Midland culture, and is a trait students cling to strongly.
At the heart of Midland is Stillman Hall, where the community meets twice daily for assemblies and eats most meals. Meals are served family-style with resident faculty heading each table of eight, and underclass students serving as waiters. Also at the campus's center is Main House, site of administrative services; there is a student lounge, a post office, and a non-denominational chapel.
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Grandparents Lend a Hand During Work Period |
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During a Sunday Work Period in January, grandparents of Miguel Provencio '13, Dave and Linda Bratz, pitched in and helped with campus maintenance. Dave is an electrical engineer, and volunteered to rewire the electricity in Lumberyard. Thank you, Dave!   Dave fixes the wiring (l), while Mr. Graham assists (r) |
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