The Meridian School

We have two very different children currently at Meridian (4th and 1st). Our oldest is introverted, with a desire to please, and some learning issues. The younger is sharp, boisterous, and extroverted, and can be authority-challenging. I have watched the faculty, head of school, and staff at Meridian come to know both of my children deeply, and handle the social/emotional and academic needs of each with great care. We are very happy with the school. Our children are growing into wonderful people there.
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred from public school. Two things have stood out for me this year. The school community has been so warm and extremely supportive. My son had a passion for learning and took an interest in every subject because the peer to peer learning model and our teacher, the school, presented the work in an engaging way.
—Submitted by a parent

We love having our daughter at Meridian. We've been there for two years, having just completed the first grade. What makes Meridian special? At a high level, it's their emphasis on getting the kids to love learning. So while there's emphasis to to have students excel in math, reading, and Spanish - perhaps more important is that the school is striving to have kids be confident to tackle math problems, eager to pick up a book, and excited about different cultures. In regards to the classroom, we have watched our daughter achieve incredible heights both socially and academically. With class sizes not being above 16 students, a full time teacher, a shared grade-level aid, and ever-present parent volunteers - we feel like there is plenty of support and help where it's needed. Today our daughter loves reading and this year alone she's gone from reading Level 1 primer books at the beginning of the first grade to enthusiastically reading chapter books at every opportunity. In regards to the parent community, there's a continuous stream of opportunities to get involved with the school and other parents. The on-site afterschool program is another Meridian strength.
—Submitted by a parent

We had two kids at Meridian our oldest went on to middle school with severe deficits in her education and we are now pulling our youngest for similar reasons. The education at Meridian is terrible it has been a total waste of our money. My oldest child can barely add and she's in 6th grade the math program at Merdidian is very very weak!
—Submitted by a parent

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