Where are you located?
Meridian Micro School is located in the historic district of Mt. Washington in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Your school doesn’t look like school. Why not?
Meridian Micro School is designed as a modern one-room schoolhouse: a small, mixed-age learning environment where children learn together, build real relationships, and engage in meaningful, hands-on work. Our size allows for individualized guidance, consistent peer relationships, and a strong sense of belonging. Rather than moving children through rigid schedules and standardized pacing, we focus on curiosity, developmental readiness, and sustained engagement within a stable learning community.
Are you a homeschool cooperative? A charter or private school?
We are a microschool, structured as a modern one-room schoolhouse for today’s families. We offer both homeschool-support and full-time enrollment options. Families may choose to register with the state as homeschoolers or enroll in our full-time program, which fulfills Ohio’s compulsory attendance requirements.
How are you different from Montessori schools?
Meridian is guided by Montessori philosophy, but we are not bound by institutional models designed for large schools. We adapt Montessori principles to a small, mixed-age microschool environment, emphasizing relationships, real-world learning, and flexibility. Our approach honors tradition while evolving to meet the needs of today’s children. Read more about our approach here.
Do you welcome children who are neurodiverse?
We value neurodiversity and welcome children with a variety of learning profiles. As a modern one-room schoolhouse, however, we are not equipped to meet every type of support need. We work closely with families to understand each child and determine together whether Meridian is the right fit. If a child has an evaluation, ongoing therapy, or recommended supports, we require open communication and collaboration with families and providers. If families are unwilling or unable to share evaluations, connect us with therapists, or pursue recommended supports, Meridian may not be the right fit. Additionally, if a child has experienced multiple school transitions due to ongoing challenges with regulation, functioning, or group learning, we encourage families to consider whether a more specialized environment might better meet their needs. Meridian is committed to providing a stable, consistent learning community, which requires thoughtful placement for every child.
What about tests and grades?
Rather than relying on standardized tests and traditional grading, we use careful observation, ongoing documentation, and digital portfolios to understand each child’s growth. This allows us to track interests, goals, and progress over time, design meaningful hands-on learning, and maintain clear communication with families.
How will my child make friends in a class so small?
Because we operate as a modern one-room schoolhouse, children spend sustained time with the same peers and guides. This consistency allows friendships to develop naturally and deeply, without frequent reshuffling. Our small size supports connection, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging.
Doesn’t my child need several hours of schooling five days a week?
No. Children benefit most from focused, meaningful learning rather than long days shaped by transitions, downtime, and standardized test preparation. At Meridian, we offer an intentionally designed work cycle that supports deep engagement, along with collaboration and individualized guidance within a focused school day. We also incorporate Field and Forest Fridays, which extend learning beyond the classroom through time outdoors, community exploration, and hands-on experiences that support social, emotional, and real-world learning.
What kind of parent participation do you expect?
We view your child’s education as a collaborative effort. Families participate through a rotating snack schedule and occasional support with activities such as field trips, and we invite parents to join Meridian community meetups and parent education events. Children learn through relationships with both peers and trusted adults, and as a modern one-room schoolhouse, Meridian is designed to support strong peer connections while maintaining close partnerships with families. We see parents as essential partners in their child’s learning and growth.
How much is tuition?
Tuition for the 4-day program is $6300 annually. A sibling discount is available. Please contact us regarding current enrichment, registration and materials fees.
Do you participate in the EdChoice program?
The short answer: no. Please see our detailed message to families here.
Do you follow the public school calendar?
We begin our regular school year shortly after Labor Day and end classes just before Memorial Day. Typically, public school holidays are observed.
Do you offer a summer program?
We offer a series of themed summer camps. Please see current camp information here.