• 美国玛瑞丹学校

II. School Leadership (学校领导)

Meridian School continues in the tradition of a classical education, with a core knowledge and liberal arts emphasis. We expect students to develop themselves in seven key areas: English language, mathematical thinking and problem solving, historical awareness, science knowledge and reasoning, foreign language proficiency, performance and appreciation of the fine arts, and physical fitness. We believe that these content areas are essential to a liberal arts college preparatory education. The curriculum is founded upon the Utah State Core and Core Knowledge, as a general guide for course subject matter, which faculty then enhance to provide more in-depth and dynamic learning experiences.  Teachers give consistent attention to the improvement of curriculum and the incorporation of effective teaching methods and technology to ensure quality educational experiences for all students.  Meridian School’s intensive curriculum, along with innovative learning models and advanced technology, prepares students for post-secondary education and instills in them a lifelong love for learning.

 

1. Educational Philosophy

Meridian School was founded in 1989 as an independent, liberal arts school.  Now, 22 years later, the school continues in the tradition of the liberal arts, classical education with a vision of personalized learning and global perspective.  Meridian School is dedicated to providing students with a learning environment that is engaging, relevant, flexible, challenging, and significant in promoting globally responsible, productive citizens.  A liberal arts education, rich in best practices, technology, methodology and measurement, focused on developing the multiple intelligences of its students, is the foundation for the curricular framework.  The Meridian Curriculum uses the National Common Core Standards as scaffolding from which teachers extend and enrich core subjects, concepts, and learning experiences to deepen student understanding and higher level thinking skills.

• All students are capable of learning and are equipped with innate talents and multiple intelligences (mathematical, artistic, musical, linguistic, interpersonal, kinesthetic, intrapersonal, and naturalist). Recognizing, training, and enhancing these talents empower students to achieve their highest potential in core academic subjects and beyond.

There are essential elements that contribute to the education of a child: namely, attitude and ability of the student; support of home and community; and a nurturing, yet challenging educational environment.

A school should nurture a climate in which the worth of each individual is continually affirmed, and in which students can have meaningful experiences in a stimulating environment where they feel safe, inspired, challenged, and creative.

An educational program must be comprehensive, develop critical thinking skills, foster curiosity and a balanced intellectual appetite, encourage practices for a healthy body and mind, and teach how to cope with a changing and global society.  As part of that comprehensive program, special efforts must be made to ensure that students demonstrate competencies in the critical areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing, mathematical foundations, and computational thinking.  Students should also have an understanding and appreciation for the impact that arts, science, and technology have on each person’s life and the world.

The instructional programs and teaching strategies should be flexible in order to provide for individual exploration and self-expression, be validated by research, and stay abreast of an ever-changing society.  We champion the efforts and expertise of our professional staff as they strive to promote excellence.

A proper education should prepare students to be contributing citizens in our world community in which individuals are constantly engaged in collaboration, problem-solving, and experiential learning.  Educated and prepared students demonstrate a commitment to being positive, involved global citizens who recognize their responsibilities, as well as their opportunities, as a part of the broader community.

2. Curriculum

Lower School (PreK through Class 6)

Grade K Curriculum

Grade 1 Curriculum

Grade 2 Curriculum

Grade 3 Curriculum

Grade 4 Curriculum

Grade 5 Curriculum

Grade 6 Curriculum

Lower School Schedule 2011/2012

Lower School Electives / Mini Courses

Middle School (classes 7 and 8)

	CLASS 7	CLASS 8
ENGLISH	English 7	English 8
HISTORY	Geography/Utah History	U.S. History
SCIENCE	Physical Science	Biology
FOREIGN LANGUAGE	French German	French German
MATH	Pre-Algebra Algebra 1	Pre Algebra Algebra 1 Geometry
FINE ARTS	Drama, Choir, Art	Drama, Choir, Art
PHYSICAL EDUCATION	PE, Health	PE, Health
TECHNOLOGY	Computer Literacy

Upper School (Classes 9 – 12)

Drawing on its rich heritage of student-centered learning and academic excellence, Meridian’s education program has been redesigned for the 21st century.  At Meridian, our students have always had the opportunity to work with exceptional teachers in small classes and a rigorous curriculum.  This has been a formula for success for two decades.  Building on this strong foundation, Meridian’s new program integrates the best in educational technology and online learning within the school’s own academic program.  This approach, called “blended learning,” enhances student performance and facilitates personalized learning to a degree not attainable in a traditional classroom.  Teachers are able to spend more time working with students individually and in small groups to address specific needs.  Students are able to acquire basic subject information through online modules selected by the teacher.  Teachers are then able to orchestrate classroom activities to help students synthesize, apply, and extend foundational knowledge.  Learning in this way promotes deeper understanding and greater retention.

	CLASS 9	CLASS 10	CLASS 11	CLASS 12
ENGLISH	English 9: Language Arts and World Literature	English 10: Language Arts and British Literature	English 11: Language Arts and American Literature	English 12: AP Literature & Composition
HISTORY	Ancient World History	Modern European History	AP U.S. History	Senior Seminar History of Philosophy
SCIENCE	Anatomy & Human Biology	Chemistry	AP Biology	Physics or *Honors Physics
FOREIGN LANGUAGE	Chinese, French, German or Spanish (by level)	Chinese, French, German or Spanish (by level)	Chinese, French, German or Spanish (by level)	Chinese, French, German or Spanish (by level)
MATH	Geometry through BC Calculus (by level)	Geometry through BC Calculus (by level)	Geometry through BC Calculus (by level)	Geometry through BC Calculus (by level)
ELECTIVES	One to two courses per semester (see list of options below)	One to two courses per semester (see list of options below)	One to two courses per semester (see list of options below)	One to two courses per semester (see list of options below)

*Honors means classes are writing intensive.

Elective Courses:

Fine Arts	Physical Education	Technology	Other
Concert Choir Drama & Theater Art	Team Sport Ballroom Dance	Web Design Multimedia Development Yearbook Journalism Computer Science	Creative Writing Japanese Student Council Society On Film College Prep

Clubs/Activities: Student Government, Service Club, Math Club, Shakespeare Festival, Broadway Rocks, Spring Play, and other clubs at students’ initiatives.

AP Exams: Meridian School offers Advanced Placement (AP) exams to sophomores, juniors and seniors in a wide range of subject areas including English, U.S. History, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, AB Calculus and BC Calculus.

Graduation Requirements

English	4 credits
History	4 credits
Math	4 credits
Science	3 credits
Foreign Language	3 credits
Fine Arts	2 credits
Health/Fitness	2 credits
Other Electives	2 credits Total: 24 credits

3. College Advising--American College Preparatory Program (ACPP)

As an academically rigorous, college-preparatory institution, Meridian School produces graduates who are well qualified for admission to the finest, most reputable universities in the world.

The Meridian ACPP offers incomparable advantages for helping students prepare college applications which greatly facilitate admission to top colleges.  The ACPP provides more than exam preparation and application assistance, but also the rich educational resources of Meridian School and its partners, including local universities in the state of Utah, individually-tailored study and application plans, research projects, and training in creativity and innovation.  The program is designed not only to help students get into their college of choice, but also to help them be more successful in their studies.  Students will also have the opportunity to earn college credit through AP courses.  Students will also gain experience and understanding of global cultures and learning methods as they attend school with students from around the world also participating in the ACPP.

The ACPP offers several distinguishing features. First, an individually tailored program designed specifically with the student’s college goals in mind, a strong academic curriculum which includes a large research project designed specifically for top-tiered college entrance, cultural exchange opportunties, and strong guidance during the application and interview process from counselors with credentials unmatched in their field.

We also recommend the following websites for helpful  information:

http://www.collegeprep101.com
www.utahmentor.org/

http://mapping-your-future.org

V. International Admissions Process (国际学生入学申请程序)

Meridian School is excited to receive your application. The following information is needed for the Admission’s Office to make a decision:

1. Submit application form .  Please fill out the whole application form at one time.  There is no way to save a draft and return to it later.
2. Pay non-refundable application fee of $100 USD.  This will be used to process I-20 paperwork.
3. Send Affidavit of Support from bank to admissions@meridianschool.org or fax to 801-374-5491.
4. Send copy of transcript or last two years of school records to admissions@meridianschool.org or fax to 801-374-5491
5. Print and submit complete Teacher Recommendation Form from your English language teacher. Send completed form to admissions@meridianschool.org or fax to 801-374-5491
6. The Admissions Committee will review the information provided and contact eligible candidates.  At the discretion of the admissions director, the applicant may be interviewed via Skype or telephone.
7. If accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter and contract by email.  Please then complete the enrollment process as soon as possible.

VI. Other Information (其他详细情况)

请查看学校网站：www.meridianschool.org