A Century of Change and Continuity
In 1932, amid the worst economic crisis in American history, Paul Squibb wrote a letter to friends announcing his intent to start a school. There would be no kitchen staff. No janitors. No luxuries. Just students, teachers, and a stretch of wild California land. Squibb wasn’t looking to start a school in the usual sense. He was building a place to teach the values of self-reliance, community, and simplicity. He called it Midland. The first seven students lived in the Main House with the faculty. They chopped wood for heat, hauled water by hand, constructed board and batten classrooms and cabins, and built timber desks to sit solid on a gravel floor. In the century since, much has changed.
The 1940s welcomed electricity to campus; in the 1970s we became co-ed; the 1980s brought computers; the 1990s, our farm and garden; in the 2000s Midland installed its first solar panel array and protected 95% of its 2,860 acres in a Land Trust; the 2010s challenged us to think deeply about who we are and our commitment to accessibility to best fit students of all backgrounds. Through it all, our founding beliefs still hold: that young people are not only capable of meaningful work, but that such work is essential to their growth. Today, our school carries that essential spirit, developing academic excellence alongside life skills that matter: curiosity, communication, critical thinking, and the confidence to lead.
Founders: Paul & Louise Squibb
“He was a man of principle. You’ve got a lot of respect for a person like that. We were in awe of him… he was constantly a surprise.” – Louis W. Dowes, Midlander and student of Paul Squibb.
Cattle Ranch to Boarding School
When the Squibbs—excited to start a school founded on the values of uncluttered lives, hard work, and character—found a ranch for rent in California’s “midlands” between Los Angeles and San Francisco, they knew they had found the perfect location for their school.
Midland Mirror Archives
Current and historical archives of the Midland Mirror, Midland’s student-run newspaper, which has chronicled our school’s stories since our founding in 1932. Special thanks to David Levasheff, who lovingly spent fourteen years creating this digital archive, and to all those who contributed to the Mirror over the years.
MIDLAND TRADITIONS
Thanksgiving
If you’ve been to a Midland Thanksgiving before, you know how special it is: experiential learning opportunities, performances, more turkey than you’ve ever seen in your life, and a whole lot of love and gratitude. Thursday is a community event where alums, parents, and friends are welcome. View this year’s Thanksgiving dates and details.
Alums, Parents & Friends Day
A spring homecoming for Midlanders from near and far, this special day features the John Dreyfuss ‘52 Distinguished Alumni Ceremony. Join us for experiential activities throughout campus and a current student vs. alums soccer game. View this year’s APF dates and details.
Decades Reunion Weekend
A specially curated reunion weekend for Midlanders across the decades. Each year, we invite all alumni to join us for a weekend of festive Midland activities, with a special emphasis on gathering the class years of 5 and 10 year graduation milestones. Cabins available on a first-come, first-serve basis. View this year’s Reunion weekend dates and details.
In their own words Read more stories
Cosby Award Scholars 2025 – Five Juniors, Five Paths, One Midland Spirit
From sea turtle research in Guatemala to hospital wards in Kenya, from botanical labs to Paris design studios, this year's recipients came back with clearer goals, deeper resilience, and a stronger sense of who they are and how they want to contribute.
Cosby Award Winner Cathy '24 Studies the Art of Perfumery in France
We learned about the three main types of perfume. These are called accords. The first type is chypre. Feminine perfumes tend to be based on this accord. The second type is called fougère - masculine fragrances tend to be based on fougeres. The last one is called amber oriental, this can be feminine or masculine and is more of a warmer fragrance.
On Horsemanship and Student Leadership: Interview with Emma '23
I came into grade 9 knowing I was a pretty independent person. I could have responsibilities and be able to handle it. I‘ve been able to grow into that and grow more that part of myself. I learned how to balance work responsibilities with academic responsibilities and being a role model and leader for other students.
Discover if Midland is right for you
Midland offers what few schools can: the combination of academic rigor, outdoor life, and genuine community that gives young people the space to discover what they are truly capable of.