Education is not preparation for life; Education is life itself.

– John Dewey, philosopher and education reformer.

Dear Friends,

Since Meridian Academy’s journey began in 2005, it has embodied Dewey’s message that authentic and sustained learning is at the heart of a purposeful, productive, and well-lived life. It is not enough to learn about subjects when you are young and then do something with that learning years later. Young people can engage in original and active exploration and creation in the present. Their efforts applying their skills and knowledge build upon prior learning and inspire new understandings. When students’ curiosity, research skills, and strengths communicating ideas have been cultivated as defining habits of their education, they become lifelong learners with deep insights, varied interests, and goals that help them thrive in a changing world. They are empowered leaders in their communities. I invite you to read about life at Meridian throughout our website and to come visit us to meet our students, faculty, and families, to see classes in action, and to learn even more about the ambitious work that our students carry out.

Meridian was founded on four mutually interdependent themes: Social Justice; Making Connections and Exploring Perspectives; Student Agency and Growth; and the Power of Small Communities. As Meridian has grown and changed over the years, these pillars have been sustaining and continue to focus our efforts.

As a school in the wonderful and diverse heart of Boston, Meridian welcomes families reflecting the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and identities from across our city and region. Genuine diversity, however, is only achievable when families have access. So, our entire design was built around ensuring economic equity. Meridian backs up our commitment to economic diversity with our distinctive Matched Tuition program; we dedicate a greater percentage of our budget to reducing tuition than 99% of tuition-charging day schools in the country! This covenant with our families and our partner schools and programs (including The Steppingstone Foundation, Beacon Academy, and Alexander Twilight Academy) means that Meridian’s education is available to all regardless of income. One measure of our success is that 71% of our students attended public schools prior to coming to Meridian.

Central to Meridian’s understanding of diversity is the uniqueness of each person. Our curriculum is designed to help students pose questions that interest them, to expand their horizons regarding the ideas that can be investigated, and, as young-adults-in-the-making, to get to be their authentic selves and have the freedom to change who they are. One of the delights of spending my days here is how dependably students appreciate their classmates for who they are without the peer pressure to conform. Meridian’s curriculum is centered around long-term, rigorous, creative projects. Projects come in many forms (visit these pages to see numerous examples), but they all allow for student choice, initiative, and opportunities to make connections between different aspects of our world. This openness means that the work is relevant to all students. It helps them understand themselves, their world, and how they want to contribute to it. Each student’s perspectives matter and influence the direction of our conversations and actions. How our courses work and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion are inextricably linked – we know that deep learning happens within a collaborative community built upon respect and trust.

I look forward to meeting you at Meridian events, to welcoming you into our community, and to celebrating your contributions here.

Yours in Joy and Discovery,

Joshua Abrams

Founder and Head of School