Meridian Athletics

Meridian Athletics: Competition, Growth, Community

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 athletics program develops not just physical skills but also teamwork, leadership, resilience, sportsmanship, and personal growth through competitive sports and physical education for students in grades 6-12.

Sports Offerings

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. Athletics provides parallel lessons in teamwork, dedication, handling adversity, and pursuing excellence—lessons that transfer to academics and life beyond school.

"Playing on Meridian teams taught me about commitment, handling pressure, supporting teammates, and bouncing back from losses—lessons I use constantly in college and beyond." — Alumni athlete, Class of 2023

Facilities and Resources

Our campus athletic facilities include a regulation gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, and indoor practice, outdoor soccer field with goals and spectator seating, track for running and field events, and covered areas for outdoor activities during Portland's rainy seasons. We also partner with community facilities for swimming, specialized training, and some competitions.

Financial assistance covers uniforms, equipment, travel costs, and participation fees ensuring cost doesn't prevent athletic participation. All students can join teams regardless of family resources.

Coaching Philosophy

Our coaches emphasize skill development and personal growth, positive team culture and mutual support, good sportsmanship and ethical competition, balancing athletics with academic success, and inclusive participation across skill levels. We compete to win but recognize that the deeper value lies in lessons learned through athletic participation.

Coaches work with school leadership to ensure athletes maintain academic standards, receive necessary support, and develop time management skills balancing practices, games, and schoolwork. Student-athletes in our middle and upper school programs learn to excel in multiple domains simultaneously.

Competitive Success

Meridian teams have earned numerous championships and individual honors, contributing to our tradition of excellence. Recent achievements include state championships, regional titles, individual state qualifiers, and all-conference selections. But we measure success not just by wins but by student growth, team culture, and individual development.

Every season includes athletes at varied skill levels. Some compete at elite levels while others are new to their sport. All contribute to team culture and benefit from participation. We celebrate improvement and effort as much as competitive achievement.

Physical Education

Beyond competitive teams, all students participate in physical education classes emphasizing lifelong fitness, wellness, various sports and activities, cooperation and teamwork, and healthy lifestyle choices. PE classes introduce students to sports they might pursue competitively or recreationally, building skills and confidence.

We also offer outdoor education programs including hiking, camping, rock climbing, and environmental exploration. These experiences build appreciation for Pacific Northwest natural environments and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Spectator Experience

Home games and matches are open to families and community members. Our event calendar lists athletic schedules. Attending games builds school spirit, supports student athletes, and creates community. Many families report that cheering at games helped them connect with other Meridian families and feel part of school community.

Athletes learn to perform under observation, handle pressure, and appreciate supporter encouragement. Public competition provides valuable experience in managing performance anxiety and responding to audience presence.

Learn about our music and arts programs. Review our distinctive educational approach, explore our mission and values, or begin the admissions process.