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. Guided by decades of experience within a variety of educational settings and supported by a wide network of specialists, we are happy to pave our own way.
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, 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.
How can I trust a model so new?
The model isn’t new; it has been reimagined and renewed for the 21st century. An examination of the history of schooling in America will reveal that at one time not that long ago many children were educated in single, multi-age schoolhouses, and the results of that schooling were considered exceptionally good by old and new standards.
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 classroom celebrations 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 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 depends on the number of days attending and program options. Contact us for current information. Please also inquire about financial aid offerings and multi-sibling discount; the availability of financial aid depends on number of students enrolled and financial aid already allotted at the time of inquiry.
Do you participate in the EdChoice program?
Currently, the EdChoice program does not include schools like ours, as well as most schools that operate outside of a public school model. A new ESA program has been proposed, and Meridian will consider participation if it aligns with our school mission and philosophy. Please contact us for more information.
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.