Strategic Plan

Charting Our Future: The 2025-2030 Strategic Vision

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 strategic plan represents a collaborative vision developed with input from over 200 faculty members, students, families, and community partners through town halls, surveys, and focus groups conducted throughout 2024.

Strategic Priorities for 2025-2030

After eighteen months of community engagement, data analysis, and collaborative planning, our Board of Trustees approved a comprehensive five-year strategic plan built on four interconnected pillars that will guide our decision-making and resource allocation.

"This plan doesn't just describe what we'll do—it articulates why we exist and how we'll continue evolving to serve our students and community in an ever-changing world." — Maria Rodriguez, Board Chair

Academic Innovation and Excellence

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 strategic plan invests significantly in expanded STEM offerings, enhanced arts integration, and new pathways in environmental science and social justice studies.

We're launching new courses in data science, environmental policy, and digital media production. Our Middle School program will expand project-based learning across all subjects, while our Upper School will offer more dual-enrollment opportunities with Portland State University, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.

Equity, Inclusion, and Access

Meridian serves 400 students in grades 6-12 at our Portland campus. We are a tuition-free public charter school open to all students through an equitable lottery system. Our strategic plan commits to actively removing barriers to participation, ensuring every student has access to enrichment opportunities regardless of family income, and supporting diverse learning needs through enhanced support services and specialized staff development.

New initiatives include expanded wraparound services, additional counseling support, and culturally responsive teaching training for all faculty. We're also investing in accessibility improvements to our campus facilities and ensuring our curriculum reflects diverse perspectives and voices.

Community Partnerships and Family Engagement

We're expanding partnerships with Portland State University, OMSI, local arts organizations, and environmental advocacy groups. These collaborations provide authentic learning experiences where students engage with real-world challenges alongside professionals and community experts, reinforcing our commitment to purposeful education.

"The strategic plan recognizes that student success requires strong home-school partnerships. We're committed to making every family feel welcomed and heard." — Dr. James Morrison, Superintendent

The plan prioritizes family engagement through new communication systems, expanded family education programs, and more opportunities for parent involvement in school governance. We're also enhancing our news and communications to keep families informed and connected.

Financial Sustainability and Stewardship

Financial sustainability remains central to our planning. We're diversifying revenue streams, investing in development capacity, and stewarding resources responsibly to ensure Meridian remains strong for generations to come. Planned improvements will enhance learning spaces while reducing our environmental footprint through solar installation, improved insulation, and energy-efficient systems.

Learn more about our Leadership team implementing this vision, our history of innovation, and explore opportunities to join our community.