news Archives - Meridian Learning

Distinguishing the Grassroots Microschool Movement from the “School Choice” Movement

Posted: March 26, 2024

The microschool movement is focused on sustainability, not “school choice.” “School choice” is largely being funded by billionaires with a goal to privatize public schools. The grassroots microschool movement, which evolved from the desire to incorporate the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling with the benefits of traditional schooling, operates outside of any movement to privatize public schools or shift funding to private schools. We have never needed public schools to “fail” in order for grassroots microschools to succeed, and we never will.

Meridian Learning supports educational options and continues to advocate for long-standing microschools, as well as new and aspiring alternatives with a focus on sustainability.

Visit our grassroots microschools directory to discover microschool options near you or join our network of grassroots microschools — of the people, by the people, for the people.

Meridian Micro Farm Launching Spring 2024

Posted: July 30, 2021

Meridian Learning is excited to announce our adolescent program, Meridian Micro Farm, launching in 2024. This student-run micro business, learning lab and urban Erdkinder completes our family of lab schools and extends our commitment to meaningful, whole-student learning in the 21st century. Follow along here and on social media as we prepare to open enrollment in Spring 2024.

Meridian Learning Seeking Presenters for Grassroots Microschools Conference

Posted: January 26, 2021

Ready to join the grassroots evolution?

Meridian Learning is seeking presenters for this summer’s online grassroots microschools conference. Presenters with direct experience leading or teaching in a grassroots microschool are preferred. We are especially seeking leaders and teachers from microschools that serve underserved communities, international microschools, secondary microschools and specialized microschools ie arts, technology etc. Presenters will be paid for their time.
Our previous conference in 2016 (the first ever microschools conference!) was focused on the administrative, marketing, legal and financial aspects of building a microschool (check our community resources page for this recording). While these continue to be areas of interest, this conference will be focused on sustaining a microschool. What do you wish you knew two, five, 10 years ago that would have made today easier or better?
Inquiries should be sent to info@meridian-learning.org before February 15th.

Response to COVID-19

Posted: April 17, 2020

While pandemic wasn’t necessarily a part of our emergency preparedness plan, Meridian Learning has a high level of expertise in navigating unique circumstances. Part of planning for unseen events is the ability to anticipate changes, as well as the ability to execute new plans quickly. Our organization utilizes a network of national and international experts to guide decision-making. Additionally, our micro model, which Meridian has pioneered in the education industry, enables us to remain highly flexible when most other schools cannot. Our organization is guided by the Montessori philosophy, rooted in science and research-based practice. Our efforts to advance this practice continue. Here are some specific ways we have accommodated concerns regarding COVID-19.

1. Meridian has implemented an effective remote learning plan, which includes both at-home materials and interactive virtual lessons. We will be able to recall this plan efficiently should future social distancing periods become necessary.

2. Meridian has an established hand-washing protocol, which remains an important piece of our focus on grace and courtesy. This protocol is presented and practiced during our preschool prep and elementary orientation programs, as well as on a daily basis. Additionally, we require at all times the removal of shoes when entering our learning studios. Please contact us regarding current protocol surrounding the use of masks in our learning environments.

3. Meridian has an established and rigorous cleaning schedule, which we have enhanced to accommodate the specific tools and ingredients to aid the prevention of COVID-19.

4. Our in-person classes, even prior to COVID-19, never exceed 15 children and frequently do not exceed six. We can easily adjust class sizes to adhere to gathering size limitations.

Our response will evolve as the pandemic and corresponding data evolves.

Meridian Micro School Seeking Founding Teachers

Posted: January 20, 2020

Meridian Micro School is seeking founding teachers for our grassroots hybrid elementary program. Candidates seeking an autonomous, meaningful opportunity to help start, shape and grow a new learning studio, as well as build upon our well-established early learning studios will be given priority consideration. Flexibility exists around days and times, but all positions are part time. Montessori 6-12 certification or certification in progress is preferred. Please send cover letter and resume to join@Meridian-Learning.org.