Message from Head of School

Dear Prospective Parent and Student,

Why private schools?  I have encountered this question many times since returning to Utah County where there is not a long or strong tradition of independent education.  In fact, I sometimes think that charter schools in Utah, which have been given strong support but little authentic independence, have had early success because families believe they are getting a “private school education.”  I support the charter movement and think it is a hopeful sign of reform in public education but still think it falls short of serving the greatest potential of our students’ minds and character.  My school administration degree is specifically for independent schools and I have attended and worked primarily at private schools for nearly 17 years now.  So the question remains, why have I taken the path of private education and what does it say about my vision for Meridian?

I actually spent some time wrestling with this question on my own.  After finishing my teaching degree at Columbia University and student teaching in New York City public schools I was faced with a dilemma.  I became a teacher to provide the type of dynamic and eye-opening experience I had at Meridian, an environment that was possible primarily because of its independence.  On the other hand, I was somewhat enchanted with the fight to change the inner city system and continue in the schools I had been working in as a student teacher.  Specifically, I had job offers at an innovative public high school in South Harlem and another at a traditional private school among the golf greens and gated estates of Long Island’s north shore.

Remembering the direction and foundation that I received at Meridian and had not found in my public school I decided to continue with my intention to be an independent school educator.  Teaching at an independent school and studying other similar schools closely at the Klingenstein Center has confirmed my conviction that we have a very important mission.  Many students do very well in large public schools and some students might come to independent schools for the wrong reason but I feel strongly that a school like Meridian offers an opportunity unique among all other private, charter, and public schools in the valley.  Part of it is an edge in academic success, outstanding college preparation, and strong test scores but there is more to it than that.  We are not about attracting the smartest kids around but finding the students who want to be challenged, are willing to work hard, and have an authentic curiosity about the world around them.  Building on these qualities means we are not about having the brightest students but bringing out the greatest light that already exists within them.  Our independence gives us the time to build relationships, find unique talents, and foster individual character among a student body that graduates with a broad set of knowledge, skills, and an ability to be life-long learners.  I chose private schools because we can take the time to seek this goal with every student and I believe Meridian has been such a place and will continue to be the leader of true independent education for years to come.

I invite you to search this website and contact me to arrange a tour of Meridian.  I think you’ll find it to be a truly unique and remarkable school.

Sincerely,

Daniel Smith

Head of School