A Campus Designed for Discovery
Education is more than instruction—it's orientation. At Meridian Charter School, we help students develop the clarity and confidence to navigate an increasingly complex world. Our campus, nestled in Portland's Blue Ridge neighborhood with stunning mountain views, was purposefully designed to support this educational philosophy through flexible learning spaces, sustainable architecture, and thoughtful integration with the natural environment.
Thoughtful Design for Modern Learning
When we moved to our current campus in 2008, we had the opportunity to design facilities specifically for our educational approach. Working with award-winning architects, we created spaces that promote collaboration, support diverse learning styles, and connect students with their environment. The result is a campus that serves not just as a building, but as a tool for learning itself.
"Every space on campus was designed with intentionality—from classroom layouts that encourage discussion to windows that frame mountain views, reminding us we're part of something larger." — Principal Dr. Rebecca Thompson
| Facility | Size/Capacity | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Science Laboratories | 3 labs, 25 students each | Advanced equipment, safety systems |
| Library & Media Center | 5,000 sq ft | 25,000+ volumes, maker space |
| Athletic Facilities | Gym + outdoor fields | Full basketball court, track, soccer field |
| Arts Studios | 2 studios, 1 gallery | Kiln, darkroom, exhibition space |
| Outdoor Learning Areas | 2 acres | Gardens, amphitheater, nature trails |
Sustainable and Environmentally Responsible
Our campus achieved LEED Silver certification, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship. Solar panels generate 40% of our electricity, rainwater collection systems support our gardens and reduce storm-water runoff, and high-efficiency windows and insulation minimize energy consumption. These aren't just cost-saving measures—they're teaching tools that demonstrate our values in action.
Students in our environmental science courses regularly study the campus itself, tracking energy usage, monitoring the rain gardens, and proposing improvements. This hands-on engagement with sustainability principles connects directly to our strategic commitment to environmental education and helps students understand their relationship with natural systems.
Flexible Spaces for Diverse Learning
Our approach combines intellectual rigor with context and reflection. Students don't just absorb information—they learn to question it, connect it, and apply it to the challenges that matter to them and their communities. The campus supports this through varied learning environments: traditional classrooms for focused instruction, open collaborative areas for group work, quiet study spaces for independent research, and outdoor areas for experiential learning.
Our Middle School wing features modular furniture that students can reconfigure for different activities, while our Upper School includes seminar rooms designed for discussion-based learning. The Meridian Art Gallery provides professional exhibition space for student work, and our music rooms offer both individual practice areas and ensemble spaces.
"The campus design recognizes that learning happens everywhere, not just in formal classrooms. Some of my best thinking happens on the outdoor benches overlooking the mountains." — Senior Marcus Johnson
Technology Integration
While we value face-to-face interaction and hands-on learning, we also recognize the importance of digital literacy and technological fluency. Every classroom features interactive displays, the campus has robust wireless infrastructure, and students have access to technology labs equipped with industry-standard software for video production, graphic design, coding, and data analysis.
Our library and media center serves as a technology hub, offering laptops for checkout, a maker space with 3D printers and electronics equipment, and support from specialist staff who help students develop digital research and creation skills. These resources support coursework across all subjects and enable students to express their learning through diverse media.
Community and Gathering Spaces
Meridian serves 400 students in grades 6-12, and our campus includes numerous spaces designed to build community. The commons area serves as a social hub where students gather before school, during lunch, and for events. An outdoor amphitheater hosts performances, assemblies, and informal gatherings when weather permits.
Our athletic facilities include a regulation gymnasium, outdoor track, soccer field, and covered areas for various sports. These spaces support both our competitive teams and our physical education program, which emphasizes lifelong fitness and wellness.
As a tuition-free public charter school open to all students through an equitable lottery system, we're proud that our facilities serve a diverse community of learners. The campus belongs to all of us, and we work together to maintain and improve it. Learn more about our leadership team, explore admissions opportunities, or read about our history and growth.
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