This video features the Transcendental Meditation® (TM) technique and Quiet Time program that began in 2012 at Aspire Ollin Preparatory Academy. The program’s goal is to reduce stress and improve learning ability. Here’s what administrators, teachers, and students said about it:

Jennifer Garcia, Principal: “All schools should be like this. This shouldn’t be an exception.”

Keith Drucker, 8th-Grade Humanities Teacher: “Kids have a lot going on these days. Stress is definitely a factor in whether they’re learning or not learning. Our goal is to show that our students are as capable as any other individual.”

Betzaida, student: “My anxiety has reduced, and now if you look at my grades, I have As; mostly As and one or two Bs.”

“Since I learned TM, I feel peaceful and calm and safe. I’m participating now.” —Darnell, student

Andrea, student: “I used to get very nervous for tests, and headaches. With TM, I see a difference. I’m calmer; I feel better.”

Dalilah, student: “I do dance, I sing, act, model. TM helps me manage all that because I get the rest I need, and it helps me focus in class.”

Darnell, student: “I used to feel like people will mess with me, and I get distracted. Since I learned TM, I feel peaceful and calm and safe. I’m participating now.”

Keith, teacher: “Since they started TM, they get our goal, and they want to do their best.”

Katie Spencer, 7th-Grade Education Specialist: “Having a calmer class, and having a calmer teacher is always good.”

Timothy Gomez, 9th-Grade Writing Teacher: “Anyone will tell you, behavior has been amazing since they brought the Quiet Time program.”

Watch the video here ►

Learn more about the work of the David Lynch Foundation here ►