Meridian PCS

2120 13th Street Northwest

Washington, DC 20009

School District

Meridian Pcs
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

charter

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by other on August 04, 2023

There are some aspects of Meridian that are positive. The salary is comparable to that of public schools in DC. There is generally no more than about 20 students per class.However, the school is lacking in internal structure, disciplinary consistiency, and measures put in place are often reactive opposed to proactive. Policies and procedures have been created as a "last-minute" decision and reaction to egregious behaviors by students and emergency events. There isn't school wide structure of behavioral expectation and parents aren't made aware of student conduct expectations and policies. In most school districts things like bullying policies and student personal safety policies (suicidal ideation, unsafe behaviors) are well communicated to staff and made explicitly clear. This is not true for Meridian. As a staff member I had to hunt for this information, which in some cases didn't exist. There are staff members in roles they are not qualified for. Roles that typically require higher level degrees, licensure, and certification were given to individuals who have not completed such qualifications. Students display unsafe and disrespectful behavior and language at the middle school on a regular basis. There are constantly students leaving class without permission, cursing and being vulgar, verbally threatening other students and adults, with little consequences. Sometimes the consequences didn't match the severity of the behavior. The expectation is often that behavior plans or plans for accomodations to take place with students that aren't effective or even possible, given the wide range of disrespectful and inappropriate behaviors that are constantly taking place throughout the building. Upon departure from the school, I gave 2 weeks notice and was swiftly given a letter by an individual in HR that stated that my last date of employment would be the day before I gave my notice. The letter almost was gaslighting in nature; making it seem like I chose the much earlier date and that I wouldn't be paid for time after that date. I was not given an explanation. Staff morale was low almost from the beginning of the school year. Staff appreciation events were hosted, but was never followed up with real staff support and school wide restructuring. At last I was aware, there are no plans to improve anything as far as foundation or structure for the upcoming year in spite of negative feedback Meridian has recieved from staff.
Submitted by other on October 23, 2018

Excellent staff. Seem to be caring about the students. Ms. LEWIS is an absolute blessing to students and parents.....Thumbs Up
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2018

10 out of 10 Great school! And Ms. Lewis is an Angel on Earth!!!Teachers are fantastic! shout out to Mrs.Smith with Pk4
Submitted by other on June 16, 2016

I am a former teacher of Meridian. I would never under any circumstance send my child to this school. Chances are, your child has great teachers. However, there are serious and disturbing problem with administration. Teachers are disposable to administration , and are often fired for without reason. It is not normal for students to cycle through this many teachers in the school year. Students do not receive the services that they are supposed to receive. Students here are under stimulated, And over tested. There is a lack of accountability and high standards for the students. There are a lack of resources available for students. Ultimately this hurts the students. Please reconsider all other options before sending your student here. I would absolutely not recommend working here.
Submitted by other on June 16, 2016

My child has been in preschool at Meridian for 2 years. The preschool teachers and specials teachers are excellent. The program is very good. Some of the food and snacks served are good and some are not. The administration leaves a lot to be desired. They do not communicate well with parents as to what is going on/special events, etc. They continually say they lack parent participation and yet they hold parent meetings at 11:00am making it difficult for parents to attend. Children are often missed when they hand out flyers regarding events such as field trips, concerts, etc. They are not very good about updating their website calendar or the bulletin board in the preschool with this information. The assistants and admin staff that greet parents at the door and answer the phones are all very nice, but never know what's going on and cannot answer questions about events. The administration attempted a couple of not very well thought out field trips that didn't happen in the end. They continually want to take the kids to expensive places that serve no educational purpose even though 87% of the students are considered low-income (and we have the Smithsonian in DC which is free and educational). I have talked to administration numerous times and they always listen and act grateful for the input and yet nothing has changed. With that said, overall we have been very happy there (in the preschool), but are changing schools for kindergarten.
Submitted by teacher on December 01, 2015

I'm very worried about the students who go to this school. They seem stressed and unhappy. They are over tested and under challenged. The overall environment is chaotic and disrespectful. Parents, I would think twice before sending my children here. Do your background research diligently.
Submitted by other on December 26, 2014

I have great concerns related to the current status of MPCS and its ability to deliver a good educational experience to its students as well as its ability to create a caring environment for its staff and the students' families. From firsthand experience, I have found the current Head of School to be a divisive and disingenuous school leader who has done much to destroy the "caring and family-oriented" nature of the school. She has surrounded herself with a number of (though not all) mediocre school administrators and has totally erased much of the collegial atmosphere that existed among staff before her tenure; largely brought about as a result of her dismissing from employment about half the school staff at the conclusion of her first year at the school. What is particularly disconcerting is the fact that I have heard from a number of students, staff, and parents that the school is not responsive to their needs, that school administrators do not return phone and email messages, that the school lacks a nuturing environment, and cases where parents have recently withdrawn their children from the school. Please investigate other school options that may be more suitable.
Submitted by parent on March 19, 2014

I really like Meridian, however to be fair this is the only school my kids have ever attended. Like all schools, they too have some issues, but over all I'm very comfortable leaving my kids in the hands of the staff for the day. Believe me when I say that's not a comfortable task, I'm now looking for schools in our new zip code and its quite challenging.
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2013

Very disappointed. This school was unable to provide alternative lunch for my child with milk and cheese allergies. My child was unable to experience the educational program at this school because he was feed fruit for lunch and sent to the water fountain if thirsty while the rest of his class enjoyed a hot meal.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2012

We have our 3-year old in the program here and couldn't be more pleased. The teachers are excellent, the principal and vice-principal are out in front every morning greeting the children and parents, and there when we leave. The school is communicative, committed to an open, nurturing environment that celebrates the individual as well as community, and high standards of education. If I had any issue, I have no doubt it would be addressed thoughtfully and thoroughly by the staff. The new facility is absolutely beautiful, and I think it has given the school a renewed sense of pride. My sole complaint is class size - there are three teachers for 25 children. Hoever, the teachers manage the classroom so ably, it didn't take us or our child long to adjust.