Ordinary kids do extraordinary things at Meridian.

by Donna Allen

M eridian School is an accredited, private school located in Provo, Utah, approximately 40 miles south of Salt Lake City, Utah, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Meridian accepts students from pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade, including local and international English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) students. Meridian was founded in 1989 by a group of parents who wanted a school that would provide an excellent education for students, focusing on four main points: individual attention, small class size (9–12 students per class), high academic standards, and an appropriate moral climate.

Meridian School encourages diversity among its students. Currently there are 20–30 international students from six different countries. International students with F1 visas come to Meridian to learn English, prepare for the TOEFL exam, and obtain a high school diploma, which will allow them to apply for entry into colleges and universities in the United States. Students in the ESL programs at Meridian are in small classes with other ESL students, and also receive individual help, as needed. ESL students also have the opportunity to study English during the summer in four-week blocks. When students have mastered English, they move to the regular classes where there are opportunities to take Advanced Placement courses, which allow students to gain college credit while still in high school. The Advanced Placement courses taught at Meridian include: English, U.S. government, German, French, calculus, biology psychology, and statistics.
All Meridian students are expected to develop in seven key areas: (1) English language proficiency—including reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking; (2) mathematical thinking and problem solving; (3) historical awareness; (4) science knowledge and reasoning; (5) foreign language proficiency; (6) fine arts performance and appreciation; and (7) physical fitness.

Dr. David Hennessey, Headmaster at Meridian, says, “Ordinary kids do extraordinary things at Meridian. Because of small classes, our teachers know each student well, and they are able to help the students become confident communicators and clear-thinking young adults. Learning should be fun, and it is most effective when you know that you are valued by your teachers and accepted by your peers.”

The teachers at Meridian are highly trained and qualified. Eighteen percent of the faculty hold graduate degrees, and another 14% are working on their Masters' degrees. Teachers at Meridian spend time with students before and after school. With only 154 students in the school, there are many opportunities for students to interact with teachers and staff.

Meridian School achievements and honors include:
Utah State Math Competition (1A):
First place for five years
Utah State Choir Competition (1A):
First place with perfect scores
Utah's American Chemical Society:
Outstanding Chemistry Teacher and
student awards
Model United Nations Competition
Superior and Excellent
Brigham Young University (BYU)
Language Fair:
French—Grand Prize and Prix d'Excellence
German—Outstanding and Superior
Utah Shakespeare Competition:
First place Sweepstakes for the
Westminster Division

Students may visit Meridian at 931 E. 300 N., Provo, Utah, USA, or phone 801-374-5480. To get more information please check the Meridian School website at www.meridianschool.org.