Welcome,  

As I begin my first year as Head of School, at a school I know well and care deeply about, I share in the excitement and joy for the new school year ahead! There have certainly been many changes in my life over the years, and yet Meridian remained a constant. Meridian’s mission and values continue to resonate with me professionally and personally. 

I believe very much in the mission that Meridian espouses, and it is largely that mission which has kept me here. Everyday, our incredible students work collaboratively on rigorous investigative projects, speak about and share their work with our involved parents, guardians, and others, persevere through challenging moments, and find joy in learning. I am so proud of how our current students and our alumni work to better the world around them. And I am thankful for all of our teachers who are at the core of our mission in action.  

We will continue to ground our work in our values. Meridian is committed to equity, antiracism, and economic accessibility, because a more diverse community makes us all better. Meridian students reflect as learners and as community members in order to better understand themselves and their place in the world. Teachers develop projects, choose readings and activities, and plan field trips which help students to make connections not only between the subject areas but also to events and people in broader contexts. We revel in our small-but- mighty attitude. At Meridian, students get to be involved in so many ways, with leadership opportunities, decision-making, and extracurriculars–all because each student is known and loved.

You may be asking, “Why should I choose Meridian for my child?” There are so many schools, but what makes Meridian stand out? Meridian gives students the opportunity to learn about themselves and about the world around them in a safe, diverse, joyful, loving community, and we prepare them for life after Meridian. For us, our mission statement and values are not simply words on a page but are lived, daily experiences. My commitment to Meridian Academy is as strong as it was during my early years here as a humanities teacher. 

Having been part of Meridian’s community for years, this new role will provide an opportunity to view who we are and what we do from a different perspective. Transitions bring forth wonderful ways to honor the past while looking ahead to new opportunities for growth and partnership. I look forward to engaging with all of you and recommitting to our goal to be a home for creativity, curiosity, and community. 

We hope to see you soon at an Exhibition evening, an information session, or an arts event in the coming months. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or just to talk more about Meridian! 

Very sincerely,  

Sarah Parker

Head of School