Auburn School Opens in Lutherville

At , the ratio of faculty to students is currently 2-to-1. It is perhaps the only school that not only allows its student to chew gum, but encourages it. 

The third Auburn School officially opened its doors to its nine students on Sept. 12 at the .(Although, there is no religious affilitation.) 

Head of school Marjorie Hoffman said the school aims to help students who may be facing social and behavioral challenges optimize their educational experience.

“Our goal really is to make school a happy place,” Hoffman said. “Many of these children—unfortunately—get bullied, because of behaviors that others might find disconcerting, yet academically, they are capable.

“They could be making academic progress, but some are miserable going to school,” she continued. 

The goal is to prepare the students for high school and college with highly individualized curriculums tailored to the children’s unique needs.

“Very slowly, and one goal at a time,” described Nikki Stewart, a behavioral specialist and faculty member. “They gain confidence, and they gain a lot of skills compared to what they came with.”

Stewart is one of five faculty members at the Timonium location, in the renovated basement of the church.

Part of the success of the Auburn School program, Hoffman said, comes from the approach that “every moment is a teachable moment.”

While students learn traditional math and language arts, they also introduced to social concepts, such as having a conversation, looking someone in the eye or ordering off the menu in a restaurant.

Other concepts, such as how to make and keep friends and simply how to interact are pillars of the program.

Students who also may benefit from the Auburn School are children who face sensory integration issues (loud noises) or tactile challenges (touch), Hoffman said.

That’s where the chewing gum comes into play.

“We may be the only school that allows chewing gum because peppermint chewing gum is soothing,” Hoffman said. “We’re trying to create an environment where these kids can thrive.”

The Timonium location is the third Auburn School to open in the region. The in 2009 with 12 students. It now has more than 40, and has opened its own high school.

The second school was opened in Silver Spring, MD in 2010, with five children. It now has 21, and serves grades from kindergarten to eight grade.

An official ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Tuesday Sept. 27, as well as an open house for parents.