Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Our Commitments to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At The Meridian School, our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is woven into the fabric of our program and community. We believe that fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all individuals feel seen, valued, and respected is essential for meaningful learning and personal growth. Our DEIB commitments span three levels: institutional, programmatic, and community-wide.

Commitment to Equity

The Meridian School has been a trailblazer in work on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) among Seattle’s independent schools.

As an organization, Meridian strives to proactively identify challenges and address bias and inequities to support DEIB in our programs and community. Our institutional practices reflect and advance our vision of DEIB within the school. From content to delivery, our faculty work to view and develop Meridian’s curriculum through this lens, teaching critical thinking skills, empathy, free and open inquiry, and global citizenship while fostering a sense of belonging where all students can thrive.

Inclusive Program

Throughout the year, we offer opportunities for faculty, students, parents and guardians, and administrators to develop the skills and competencies needed to cultivate a culture of self-reflection, awareness, and growth. We partner with local and national experts to bring meaningful topics that promote our growth as an inclusive and equitable community.

Our intentional, integrated curriculum strengthens academic skills and nurtures empathy, critical thinking, and leadership by engaging students in deep exploration of identity, perspectives, global issues, innovation, and collaborative action. Our goal is for Meridian Monarchs to become capable and confident global citizens who care for themselves, others, and their communities.

Community of Belonging

Excellent education happens when students are connected to, collaborate with, and learn from their local community. For this reason, we develop and sustain meaningful partnerships with numerous organizations, ranging from national experts to those within the Seattle area, our local Wallingford neighborhood, and 我们的校园 at the Good Shepherd Center.

We commit to fostering a culture of belonging in which everyone is recognized as a valued contributor, has equitable access to opportunities, and is supported in fully engaging academically, socially, and professionally. We believe that embracing the integrity of individual identities allows for authentic sharing of personal stories, experiences, and perspectives.

Meridian Cares: Our Values in Action

Resources and Community Impact

“I have been very impressed with The Meridian School’s efforts to create a caring and safe environment where students are celebrated for their cultural, racial, socioeconomic, and gender diversity, as well as their unique strengths. It makes my family proud to be part of a school that is committed to equity and inclusion in both word and action. By participating in the Equity and Inclusion Team, I’ve gained confidence that my family’s goals for our daughter are fully supported by Meridian. The thoughtful efforts behind every event and discussion this year have made a lasting impact on my child. She is proud of her ethnic heritages and understands the value of community—a lesson she will carry for life.”

– A Meridian Parent