Meridian High School

Posted: October 26, 2024

An exceptional school with a top notch teaching and support staff. Meridian teaches the value of hard work and the importance of character and community as students learn to think for themselves, to approach life thoughtfully and creatively. The English Department at Meridian is quite possibly the best in all of Northern Virginia and a model for the rest of the state. The other departments are equally impressive as well.

Posted: October 26, 2024

Posted: October 26, 2024

Posted: October 26, 2024

Posted: October 26, 2024

Posted: October 26, 2024

Posted: October 26, 2024

Posted: October 26, 2024

Posted: September 11, 2023

By far the most excellent school system in Virginia! Caring teachers, bright students and a close community of support remain the best gifts of this small school system. Our children began their exemplary K-12 education in the FCCPS in the 1980s. Now our grandchildren continue the tradition of kindness in our Education City. We’ve been most recently impressed by the emphasis on healing with superior counselors and psychologists during and after the pandemic. The Superintendent is top notch, leading with expertise and hiring dedicated staff. We cannot say enough positive words about this ‘crown jewel’ of a school system!

Posted: September 11, 2023

Posted: September 11, 2023

Posted: September 11, 2023

Posted: September 11, 2023

Posted: September 11, 2023

Posted: September 11, 2023

Posted: September 11, 2023

Posted: March 13, 2023

We've been in FCCPS since Mount Daniel so have seen the education and community for well over a decade. The academics go beyond just the standard courses thanks to IB programing that starts early. My child has special medical needs and we've felt very supported throughout the time in the district. Socially, kids are diverse and inclusive of others as they ask to be referred to. Some of the special programming and atheletics is excellent. You feel that every teacher is passionate to be at the school.

Posted: March 13, 2023

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Posted: April 4, 2019

Posted: April 4, 2019

Unless the victim can hire a lawyer and provide a video of the incident, they will not address bullying - at least not committed by privileged white males. I suspect it would be different if one of the privileged was bullied by an economically disadvantaged person or person of color.

Posted: April 4, 2019

My daughter had a very negative experience at this school. However, I do think it is an academically rigorous, achievement-focused school and there is a lot of opportunity to excel, given the right teachers and circumstances. However, things don't always align perfectly for all students and the school's response to those they do not perceive as empowered is passive at best. There is a clear bias in favor of male students that you may not notice unless your daughter is attacked, but should be worrying to all parents. The school promotes an environment that is a tragedy waiting to happen.

Posted: April 4, 2019

My daughter was there for two years. She had one or two decent teachers and several that were really not great, including a math teacher who essentially refuse to teach her - who only helped the the boys in the class and who, when I met with her at parent teacher conferences, said if my child needed her help, I would have to pay her. She switched schools and easily got an A in the same subject and subsequently did very well on standardized tests - the problem was entirely the teacher. In general, I would say most teachers and administrators are more attentive to students who correspond with a certain socio-economic group. The community has many high-powered, high-income parents and it's primarily their children who are being served by the schools.

Posted: September 22, 2018

Posted: September 22, 2018

Posted: September 22, 2018

Posted: September 22, 2018

Posted: September 22, 2018

Posted: September 22, 2018

Both our sons attended George Mason - one went on to skip a grade when we moved to Japan, our other son was accepted as one of 50 American Juniors awarded a two-year resident scholorship at one of only ten IB high schools worldwide (United World College in New Mexico) for his Junior and Senior years. This is a fantastic school.

Posted: September 22, 2018

Posted: April 8, 2018

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Posted: April 8, 2018

The focus is inspiring and developing students. Mission accomplished.

Posted: February 17, 2018

Posted: February 2, 2018

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Posted: February 2, 2018

Our daughter graduated last year and is enjoying her first year at Boston University. The International Baccalaureate curriculum prepared her well for the rigor of college. The school's focus on "thinking critically and challenging assumptions" has prepared her well for life after school.

Posted: July 20, 2017

Posted: July 20, 2017

Posted: July 20, 2017

Posted: July 20, 2017

Posted: July 20, 2017

Posted: July 20, 2017

My children do not yet attend George Mason but as a community member I have been more than impressed by what I have seen and heard. I had the pleasure of participating in the career fair which was robust with parents and students alike. The children had excellent questions and seemed to have a clear direction for their lives. The strong parental involvement at this school is no doubt one of the reasons why it's so great. Another positive are the ladies' sports teams. The coaches are world class and have built strong athletes out of city's young women.

Posted: September 27, 2015

How can a school having high test scores be rated at two stars (bad)? Because this school focuses on test scores, ONLY.

Over the years the school has deteriorated, as the administration changed, from caring about the students to focusing on what make the school look good.

If we were to go back to 20 years ago, we would not be choosing Falla Cuurch city.

Posted: October 29, 2014

I'm a former student and now a parent of a student. Yes there are drastic difference in student home lives but we have one of the smallest public schools in the area! You have the rich and poor right next to each other and not much between them, however I think it's the parents fault for not teaching their child to respect everyone no matter what. I had a great education without doing any extras really. Yes the teachers push you hard and expect the best but my first year in college was so easy because it was mostly review. It showed how advanced our education can be in the FCCPS school system. I will not move out of this area until my child graduations from Mason because their education is one of the best! Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria or any other close district can't come close to what this school district can offer.

Posted: December 31, 2013

First, the education here is just excellent IF you make it so. I was an IB Diploma recipient here & I cannot stress how easy college feels now because of the workload & types of assignments I received here. Sports teams are demanding and successful. Teachers are EXCELLENT. Great community here ..somehow..despite deep socioeconomic divides among student groups. The administration is so committed, & it shows. IB diploma program is exceptional, but the grade deflation here may hurt students who choose to pursue anything outside of academics, or aren't EXTREMELY organized. Problems: There's a fair share of kids who disrupt classes, make problems bigger, act stupid , etc. as if self-control is a foreign concept. The administration can't do anything much but assign them detentions & leave them to chill with the security guards per usual. College counseling is a JOKE & often does injustice to Mason's caliber of student. I'd suggest getting a private college counselor & pursuing as much IB coursework as you can without getting the full Diploma...the extra stuff only builds unnecessary pressure. In the end, grades matter more & are the stepping stones to "interesting" pursuits.

Posted: May 1, 2013

I'm a current student here, and although I don't like it very much, there's more good than bad. Classes are interesting and challenging; I have harder and more challenging work than any of my friends from other schools, and the classes really make you think. Most teachers are generally helpful and caring, though if you need extra help, you need to ask for it. Going here can be very, very, stressful and not getting enough sleep if a problem. There are definitely a few bad teachers, but studying hard and using the schools many tutoring options can offset that. There is a huge focus on the IB program, and a lot of pressure to do the full diploma. The school has a pretty competitive atmosphere, and a decent amount of cheating, which is really irritating for those of us that are honest. People are welcoming to new kids, and it's easy to find a group you fit in. Some people are definitely snobs and if you don't come from a family with a lot of money, you can feel out of place. There are a lot of chances to get involved, and good variety; join a few things your first year and see what fits you. The principal great and supportive of all the teams, and the counseling department is helpful.

Posted: July 17, 2012

George Mason is an excellent school. Having been in education for over 20 years, I recognize an amazing educational environment. Teachers care about students; the administration works with teachers, parents and students to build a welcoming community; and the IB program is challenging. My only concern is a small group of parents who continue to hound the administration and degrade the school division based on their personal agendas. If you can avoid that group, your children will have a wonderful experience.