The Meridian School

We could not be happier with Meridian. With 2 kids now enrolled, we are seeing our older child absolutely blossom and looking forward to the younger one finding her place in a great group of smart, enthusiastic kids. Contrary to the comment below (granted she's not a boy), our daughter *adores* the art program and does it in the summer, too. It is a fantastic resource and has added tremendously to her experience. I don't know others that were made to dislike art by the very kind and encouraging teacher-couple. Science: the head of school is a scientist by training who is pushing science boundaries and the recent auction raised $10s of thousands earmarked for science. My daughter loves math; her teacher approaches it from so many angles (traditional paper/sensory/manipulatives/games) that it's hard not to find something to like! Both of our kids are "gifted" by testing standards, but Meridian's down-to-earth attitude doesn't make anyone feel excluded from a learning or social standpoint. Meridian is understated and doesn't go for glitx -- more like a Swarthmore than a Stanford (where I went) -- high achievers with an independent streak; parents are the same.
--Submitted by a parent

We had both boys at this school starting in 1999, and have transferred our second to public school. Tuition has almost doubled since then, and the new head of school has used that money to make physical improvements that frankly, weren't that important for education. The final straw was the art school that Meridian contracts with: the teachers clearly view boys as "stinkers" and made my children and others hate art. The community service is now lip service, and many of the good teachers have left. If you have money and your children didn't get into UCDS, this is the school for you.
--Submitted by a parent

Super math program! The school has a great math specialist who in addition to supporting all the classes also runs the 4-5 grade math team. About 40%(!) of the 4 and 5th graders (along with a number of 3rd graders) are on the team and compete at Math is Cool and Math Olympiad. The school regularly places at these events. My son is gifted in math and has been well-served at Meridian via the schools philosophy of challenging and supporting all student (whatever their level might be).
--Submitted by a parent

We were new to Seattle this year and nervous about placing our second grader--he's thrived at Meridian and we couldn't be more pleased. Previously he was at a strong, small-town public school in Massachusetts.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids in Meridian (5th and 2nd). My kids love the school. Here are some of the things I like: small classes, warm-nurturing environment, chess club, math club, science club, lots of field trips, circus club, fantastic art program, situated in a big park, regular Tilth classes, friendly parents, and good after-school program.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is amazing. We have 2 kids there and have been more than impressed in all aspects of the academic curriculum, social and creative events. The children are very bright and caring. The only issue is the price of tuition. They really need to put a cap on it especially in these uncertain economic times.
--Submitted by a parent

The Meridian School instills children with a true sense of community--they do service projects all around the neighborhood & city. Great park playground too! New principal has vision.
--Submitted by a parent

a warm and nuturing environment..with solid academics. great specialist classes: spanish, art, music, computers. well rounded students....nice kids..character counts here. beautiful campus with green fields and a great playground. great community spirit and parent involvement. new head of school is making some great changes. our kids LOVE it.
--Submitted by a parent

Unicycle program, fun sports.
--Submitted by a parent