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?
We don’t believe the factory model of schooling is appropriate for the education of children in the 21st century and beyond (a large and growing number of scientists, teachers, technologists and others agree). According to Albert Einstein, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
Are you a homeschool cooperative? A charter or private school?
We are a microschool, a one-room schoolhouse for the 21st century. We offer a more personalized learning experience than most private schools with significantly lower tuition. Currently, students may register as homeschoolers with the state or enroll in our full time program, which fulfills state compulsory school requirements. We provide “in-house” digital portfolios and end-of-year assessments for families who are required to submit these to their district superintendents.
How are you different from Montessori schools?
Most Montessori schools operate from a single perspective. They follow the Montessori establishment and one another. We believe an integrative approach to learning is the one most appropriate for a dynamic world and the children in it. 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. However, as a modern one-room schoolhouse, we are not equipped to meet every type of support need. We work closely with families to understand each child’s needs 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 seek 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 strongly encourage families to explore whether a more specialized environment might better meet their needs. Meridian is committed to providing a stable, consistent learning community, and that requires thoughtful placement for every child.
What about tests and grades?
Rather than testing, we use careful, methodical observation as means of assessment. Unlike standardized testing, this method is rooted in science. We utilize technology in a meaningful way to track student interests, goals and progress, to design meaningful hands-on learning, and to facilitate progress reporting and parent communication.
How will my child make friends in a class so small?
Our classes are intentionally small so that children can develop meaningful relationships within an invested learning community. Additionally, our small size enables us to maintain flexibility, creativity and authentic autonomy, marking an unparalleled return on investment for the families we serve.
Doesn’t my child need several hours of schooling five days a week?
Focusing on quality over quantity, we accomplish in three hours what most schools accomplish in six. When invited to examine a typical school day in a typical school, you might discover children spend only 20 to 30 percent of the day engaged in meaningful learning. Classroom management and test preparation consume a great deal of time in many public and private schools. However, we do offer a full time program, which fulfills compulsory school requirements and serves as an additional option for families who seek it.
What kind of parent participation do you expect?
We view your child’s education as a collaborative effort; thus, parent participation is encouraged and expected. We ask parents to bring snack on a rotating basis and occasionally assist with other duties such as planning field trips. Additionally, we hope parents will join us for Meridian community meetups and parent education events. Research suggests that children are increasingly oriented to peers over parents, a modern phenomenon resulting in numerous social-emotional issues. It is part of our mission to be a model for learning which supports parental empowerment and encourages the strengthening of the family system, where all learning begins.
How much is tuition?
Tuition for the 4-day program is $700/month for the 2026-2027 school year. A 15 percent sibling discount is available. Please contact us regarding current enrichment fees and financial aid. Financial aid is limited and awarded based on enrollment and funds already allotted.
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, all 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.