Meridian Academy

54 BROOKSIDE AVE

Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

10 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 17, 2021

Meridian Academy advertises itself as a place that attempts to "foster community" and "act with integrity and perseverance". In our experience as parents of a Meridian student, nothing could be further from the truth. The faculty and leadership do not provide a welcoming and accepting environment to all students (there are favorites), show limited countenance for students that challenge or question certain values or actions (force conformity or face punishment), and do not live up to the stated goal to act with integrity toward all students. Indeed, we heard at least one senior teacher state (proudly) that he bullies students to get them to conform to Meridian norms.We thought a small, independent school would be a wonderful place for our bright, hardworking, and creative child, but Meridian does not offer an accepting or nurturing environment. Fortunately, out child is a successful student at a selective college but this success was achieved despite Meridian, not because of it.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2021

I wish more schools were like Meridian
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2019

GREAT. We love Meridian and are happy we found it.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2019

Best decision we could have made.Real family/community environment. Younger kids have older mentors.As a 7th grader, he is already learning about Physics & engineering. He says these classes are the best ever. Math, Science, Technology classes are so hands-on! Additionally, they learn the reason for math like Algebra. Most schools teach subjects as unrelated silos of info. At the Meridian, the subjects are INTEGRATED.The school customizes learning (e.g., very small advanced Spanish class or coding class). Languages are 1 of 3 pillars of learning, so learning a foreign language is paramount every year.No loud bells going off, teachers are great, & students are able to be totally involved in their learning. They don't need an external reward system like grades. They want to learn & do their best. You don't just slack off & write a report to get by w/ a C. You actually learn to write, revise & master your topic. It is not about tests & grades; it is about learning!Afterschool environment rich with hiking club, rock band on Tuesdays and Thursdays, theater every day. You can also just hang out on the sofas or play with the lizards Afterschool. You don't have to leave until 4:30 or 4:45 or so.
Submitted by student on May 02, 2018

Meridian has made me a better learner, leader, and has given me more confidence in and outside of the classroom. The courses that Meridian has are something that is very hard to find in other school. The courses share different perspectives and are cross disciplinary.
Submitted by student on May 02, 2018

The community at this school is really wonderful. Students are passionate and driven, so it's easy to find others with similar interests as you and/or that you get along with really well.
Submitted by student on May 02, 2018

Meridian has shaped me positively in so many ways, both emotionally and academically. It is a truly unique place in which the students have a voice—where we can express ourselves, question the world around us, and engage in dialogue with our teachers. In addition, I feel that Meridian has prepared me very well for college and life beyond. I have a firm grasp of how to write, think critically, participate in academic discourse, and be a responsible and compassionate member of a community.
Submitted by other on August 18, 2016

My son has attended Meridian since 6th grade. He is now in high school. The school has been everything we hoped for. The curriculum is sophisticated, cross-disciplinary, and challenging, but presented in a way that is always engaging and doesn't leave anyone behind. At the same time, there are lots of opportunities to explore further and dig deeply into an area of interest. The classes are small, so the teachers really know when a student is having trouble or when a push will get someone motivated to do more. Students do a lot of writing, in a variety of forms, and learn to revise their work. The math and science are very hands-on, and so difficult concepts are meaningful and really stick. I have no doubt that Meridian has prepared my son very well for college.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2016

Meridian Academy has transformed our son into an engaged student passionate about ideas and eager to go to school each day. For our particular kid, this is nothing short of a miracle. The integrated curriculum and emphasis on applied learning has made what is happening in the classroom genuinely meaningful to him, and his relationship with his teachers has also made a tremendous difference. They have gone way out of their way to meet him where he is and bring him into the deep end of complex ideas and analytic thinking.
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2014

My son gets to go to school each day knowing he will be intellectually and creatively challenged in a supportive peer culture. He gets to apply his learning in myriad ways that show him the beauty and utility of his learning. The teachers mentor the students enthusiastically and thoughtfully as they grow academically and as involved members of their community.