English 9: World Literature   

• Objective: This course is designed to fulfill three specific goals: to establish critical thinking/reading/writing skills, to begin preparation for college boards (e.g. the ACT, SAT), and to present various world cultures to the student through literature. Students are required to complete regular grammar assignments to enhance critical and creative writing skills. Vocabulary lists are drawn from the reading and SAT lists to increase vocabulary usage and prepare for advanced testing. The bulk of class time however, is spent in dialogue with the students regarding the literature they're studying. Throughout the year, students study novels/epics, plays, essays and short stories from all over the world.
• Relationship to other courses: This course prepares the student for the intense reading and writing that will be expected of them throughout their studies at Meridian and future academic endeavors. Many of the texts will correspond to material studied in the students' World Cultures course.
• Required reading: The texts used represent literature from various cultures including Greek/Roman, Asian, African, Latin American, Russian, French, British, and American. It will include novels/epics such as and ; drama such as ; and a selection of short stories and essays. For a complete reading list please see the registrar.

History 9: World Cultures   

• Objective: This course will survey the history and diversity of people and cultures throughout the world. Students will examine and analyze the commonalities and differences of human experiences and its influence on various spheres of human activity including: social, scientific & technological, economic, religious, philosophical, geographic, and political. Specifically, the Ancient World, Asia, India, Latin American, Russia and Africa. It is designed as a humanities class, covering not only the history of cultures outside the Western experience, but also their customs, mores, art and literature.
• Relationship to other courses: This course is designed to cover world contributions outside the Western experience and their growing importance to our international understanding.
• Required text and reading: .

Math: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2   

• Algebra 1: In this course, students progress through quadratic equations, linear functions, radical algebraic expressions, inequalities and end with beginning trigonometric functions. by Paul A Foerster is the textbook. This class is taught prior to geometry.
• Geometry: This course is designed to teach deductive reasoning to students. The application of this skill will be used in recognizing valid and invalid deductions. Once this concept is mastered, deductive reasoning is used to write geometric proofs. The course covers the use of definitions, postulates, and theorems to study properties of equality and inequality in angles, triangles, polygons and other geometric figures. Students in this course will use by Harold R. Jacobs as their textbook. Geometry is recommended after the completion of Algebra 1 and before beginning Algebra 2.
• Algebra 2: This course covers intermediate Algebra, Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry. Students learn the concepts and skills needed to be familiar with solving problems on their own enable the student in future math course work. Computers as well as graphing calculators will be introduced in Pre-Calculus and Calculus. Students use , by Paul A. Foerster.

Science 9: Human Biology and Anatomy   

• Objective: In this class students study the human body, its structure and function. They become familiar with the terminology used by the medical profession. Our units of study include: chemical basis of life, cells and metabolism, tissues and the skin, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, digestive system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, and the senses.
• Relationship to other courses: This class is a full-year study of the human body. It is an integral and required part of the upper school science program which includes introductory chemistry and physics.
• Required text: by John W. Hole, Jr.

Languages: German, French or Spanish   
Students advance in foreign language based upon their aptitude for the language. Meridian School requires that each high school student complete three years of study in a foreign language or complete the AP course which is usually offered at level 5 of their language. Since the study of foreign language begins in Middle School, many freshmen will begin their high school study at the 3rd or 4th level. This will give them the opportunity to learn more than one language if desired. However, students must complete two consecutive years of one language to fulfill their language requirement.

• Languages: German, French & Spanish
• Objectives: There are two objectives to learning a foreign language. The first objective is to provide the student with an appreciation and ability to speak another language and learn about a different culture. The second objective is to enhance the students understanding of their native language by studying the differences and similarities in grammar, structure and vocabulary in other languages.
• Required text and reading: The level of language studied will determine the textbook. Students in an advanced level may be required to read essays and novels written in their language of study.

Elective Courses   
Students will supplement their core curriculum with elective classes in fine and dramatic arts, physical education and humanities. Students will have the choice of two electives per term.