Questions about Admission

What is the application deadline?
All application materials should be in the Admission Office by January, 12, 2012.

How much is tuition? Is there financial aid?
Tuition at Meridian for the 2011-12 school year is $17,200. Financial aid is available for families who demonstrate need. The financial aid application is separate from the admission process.

What extra costs might we anticipate?
Tuition covers nearly all costs, including classroom supplies, books, and field trips. Extended Day and after school enrichment classes are billed separately. Overnight class trips in grades 3-5 involve an extra fee; however, financial aid for those trips is available.

Does The Meridian School require testing for admission?
No. We do not require any testing. However, if you have tested your child for another school’s process, we always appreciate your sharing that information with us.

How are admission decisions made?
A number of factors contribute the admission committee’s decisions. True to our mission of “balance,” we strive to create classes with an even distribution of gender, personality type, learning styles and ability. There is no “perfect fit” for Meridian, and we look at each child for the unique gifts and talents he or she brings.

What is your age policy?
To be eligible for kindergarten, all applicants must turn 5 years old before September 1 of the upcoming academic year.

What does it mean to be in the wait pool?
Each year we have more qualified applicants than we have space. Our wait pool is typically small and consists of students who we believe would thrive at Meridian but for whom we don’t currently have space. Each year we admit several students from our wait pool, so we encourage you to keep in close contact with us if your child is initially in the wait pool and you desire admission to Meridian.

My child is gifted - is Meridian right for my child?
Many children who apply to Meridian have been identified as highly capable through testing by various educational consultants. While our program is not specifically aimed at gifted children, many identified as such thrive here. As with all of our applicants, our admission process will help you determine if Meridian is right for your child and family.

Is childcare available before and after school?
Our Extended Day program operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to the start of school at 8:30 a.m. The after-school program begins at the end of the school day and runs until 6:00 p.m. After school enrichment classes are available at a modest fee.

Is there a summer program?
Yes! Meridian’s Summer Quest runs for nine weeks and is open to all students in the community, ages 5 through 11. The program offers a range of enjoyable and fulfilling activities based on weekly themes, ranging from the arts, to science, to sports and more.

Can parents volunteer at the school?
We love volunteers at Meridian! Teachers offer volunteer opportunities at all grade levels, ranging from weekly in-class assistance to helping with specific lessons or driving for field trips. The Meridian Parent Association offers a host of opportunities, including positions as classroom reps, coordinators of community building events, and organizers of school events such as the Open House or New Family Social.