Approach to Learning
Enhancing Academic and Social-Emotional Growth
At Meridian, teaching is grounded in evidence-based practices and informed by ongoing assessment. Our classroom teachers and learning specialists work closely together to understand how each student learns, using data to shape instruction, adjust groupings, and create opportunities for every child to grow. Through flexible learning groups, support from our learning specialists, and intentional social-emotional learning, students build strong academic foundations during dedicated daily practice and carry those skills into the hands-on, experiential learning woven throughout our program.
Flexible Learning Groups
Flexible learning groups are designed to allow students the chance to learn in smaller, focused settings. Teachers partner with learning specialists and use pre-assessments, classroom observations, and regular progress checks to form groups that respond to students’ strengths and areas for growth.
Across grade levels, students engage in activities such as:
Early literacy skills (phonemic awareness, handwriting, vocabulary, decoding, fluency)
Word study and spelling patterns
Reading comprehension, close reading, reader’s theater, and book clubs
Skill-aligned math games and activities, number talks, and challenge “Concept Quests”
Independent tasks that promote confidence, responsibility, and problem-solving
Groups shift throughout the year as students grow, giving children the right level of support and challenge at the right time. This dynamic model helps students build independence, collaborate with classmates, and take ownership of their learning.
Learning Specialists & the Teaching Team
Our learning specialists partner closely with classroom teachers to support student growth from PreK through 5th grade. Working as part of the full teaching team, they:
Lead targeted small-group instruction during flexible learning time
Support early literacy, decoding, phonics, writing habits, and reading fluency
Collaborate with teachers to review student data and adjust instruction
Provide additional check-ins for students who benefit from extra practice or enrichment
Help design learning routines that build strong academic habits
In PreK–2nd grade, flexible learning groups include handwriting, phonics, emergent reading skills, and early math. In 3rd–5th grade, learning specialists help guide word study, close reading, spelling patterns, math problem-solving strategies, and structured practice that prepares students for more advanced work. Their collaboration with classroom teachers ensures aligned, responsive instruction across the school.
Social-Emotional Learning & the School Psychologist
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is integral to our approach and is supported by our school psychologist, who works with students, teachers, and families. SEL is embedded throughout the day, and students build skills such as emotional awareness, self-regulation, collaboration, and problem-solving.
The school psychologist:
Leads classroom lessons and small-group SEL sessions
Partners with teachers to support positive classroom communities
Helps students practice skills like communication, flexibility, and resilience
Provides guidance to families and collaborates on individual student needs
In PreK, SEL is especially supported through play-based small groups focused on turn-taking, sharing, communication, and cooperative play. As students move through the grades, SEL becomes increasingly integrated into academic routines, helping them work independently, collaborate with peers, navigate challenges, and build confidence as learners.
Supporting a Wide Range of Learners
Meridian welcomes a broad range of learners, including gifted students ready for advanced challenge and students with mild learning differences who benefit from additional support. Some children have formal evaluations; others simply show us what they need through daily learning. In all cases, our goal is for each student to feel known, supported, and fully engaged in our program.
Meridian teachers, learning specialists, and our school psychologist work together to understand each child through assessment, observation, and ongoing communication with families. This collaboration helps us tailor instruction, adjust groupings, and provide targeted support or enrichment during the school day.
While we are not a specialized program, our evidence-based teaching, flexible learning structures, and commitment to belonging enable us to serve students with a variety of learning profiles. We are not equipped to meet high levels of academic or behavioral needs, but we can effectively support students who benefit from mild accommodations, scaffolding, or increased challenge. Students build confidence, experience success, and apply their skills in the experiential learning that connects their academic work to the world around them.