Meridian Academy

“I didn’t learn anything at that school.”

Recently, I had a fascinating conversation with a parent-turned-teacher in our community. Her children have attended alternative education programs for more than 13 years. She shared that her oldest child once said, “I didn’t learn anything at that school.”

Her response?

“Good.”

That child went on to high school, achieved a 90% average, became this year’s valedictorian, and is thriving.

What he meant wasn’t that he learned nothing. He meant he didn’t spend his days sitting behind a desk, memorizing information for a test, or being measured solely by pencil-and-paper performance.

Instead, he learned by moving his body. By working with his hands. By exploring his interests. By asking questions. By collaborating with others. By being known and understood as a whole person—not just a grade on a report card.

He learned confidence.
He learned curiosity.
He learned how to think.

And when it came time to enter a traditional academic environment, he had all the tools he needed to succeed.

Stories like this aren’t uncommon in alternative education. Time and time again, we see children flourish when learning is meaningful, hands-on, and rooted in relationship.

If you’ve ever wondered what an alternative approach to education can look like for your child, we’d love to have that conversation.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming summer open house dates—we can’t wait to share more.

Reminder: Art Show today!

A beautiful day at Meridian Academy!

🌿🪶 Indigenous Culture Day 🪶🌿

What a beautiful day of community, culture, learning, and connection at Prairie Sky School.

A huge thank you to Cattails parent Nick for sharing his knowledge and teaching us how to put up a tipi. Students from every class had the opportunity to see firsthand the teamwork, skill, and cultural knowledge involved in raising a traditional tipi.

The Taproots class guided all the younger classes through a serious of Indigenous games. These included: spear and hoop, run and scream, hand games, stick and hoop, and double ball. We are honored that these games have been gifted to our STEAM teacher Allan who has passed this learning on to our oldest students.

We are also incredibly grateful to Cattails parents Jacob and Anelise for spending the afternoon with us. Together with their son Chaske, they shared teachings about the tipi, culture, and traditional dance. Students were captivated as Chaske showcased his beautiful dancing, while Jacob taught us about the meanings and significance behind different dances and cultural traditions.

To top off the day, a heartfelt thank you to the Delorme family and our own Sara Joy for preparing bannock for the entire school to enjoy. Sharing food together was a wonderful way to celebrate community and connection.

Days like today remind us that some of the most powerful learning happens when families, Knowledge Keepers, and community members come together to share their knowledge, stories, skills, and traditions. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this day possible. 💛

So the classroom-with-desks model isn’t “natural,” it’s engineered…

Important: The road east of the school will still be blocked off for crosswalk painting at pick up. Please give yourself extra time as parking will be difficult.

Mornings don’t have to feel rushed and stressful. School drop offs don’t need to be filled with tears, anxiety, and overwhelm.

Starting our days outside, with fresh air, movement, sunshine, and connection helps ease the nervous systems of both children and educators. ☀️🌿

When children feel calm, safe, and grounded, learning comes so much more naturally. Sometimes the most important part of the school day is simply how it begins.

Remember to send your student prepared for the weather!

Our classroom this morning ☀️

A tarp, fresh air, imagination, and a group of little learners creating their own cozy world beneath the trees. Some of the best learning moments happen outside the four walls of a classroom — where children can slow down, connect, wonder, and simply be kids. 🌿

Fireweeds learning update May 19, 2026

We had an amazing start to our day outdoors this morning! Students welcomed the day with fresh air, movement, and positive energy before heading inside for our learning activities. 🌿☀️

In ELA, we connected our learning with Health Education as we revisited our understanding of body systems, organs, and how they work together to keep us healthy. Students demonstrated their knowledge by writing informational paragraphs explaining different body systems and their functions.
📚 ELA Outcome: CR4.1, CC4.2, CC5.2
💚 Health Outcome: USC4.1, USC5.1

In Math, students continued working enthusiastically on their ongoing geometry/community project. They are applying their understanding of shapes and spatial thinking in creative and meaningful ways while collaborating with peers.
➕ Math Outcome: SS4.6, SS5.4, Shape & Space Outcomes

We also had a special guest visit our classroom today to speak with students about the humanitarian situation affecting people in Palestine. Students learned about empathy, compassion, and ways communities around the world can support others during difficult times through kindness and humanitarian efforts. The discussion encouraged thoughtful questions and respectful conversations about helping others and understanding global communities.
🌍 Social Studies Outcomes: IN4.1, PA5.1, DR5.1
🤝 Health/Wellness Outcomes: Building empathy, social responsibility, and respectful discussion skills

Our afternoon was filled with adventure during our exciting hiking trip to Kondi! Students explored local ecosystems, animal habitats, and different types of trees and plant life. We learned about local vegetation and discussed how some plant life spread through wind patterns from North America. 🌲🦌

Along the trail, students spotted:
• A prairie hawk soaring overhead
• A tree cut down by a beaver
• Fresh beaver teeth marks
• Deer tracks
• Leaves that had been chewed by deer

Our outdoor educator, Colin, helped students identify animal evidence, habitats, and vegetation throughout the hike. It was a knowledge-filled outdoor learning experience that encouraged curiosity, observation, and respect for nature. We ended our day outdoors before heading back to school tired, happy, and full of new learning! 🍃

🌎 Science Outcomes: HC4.1, HC4.2, LT5.1, LT5.2
🏕️ Outdoor Education Outcomes: Observation skills, environmental stewardship, land-based learning, and connecting with local ecosystem