School System Organization

Central Office (703) 248-5600

Dr. Peter Noonan Superintendent

Dr. William Bates Chief Academic Officer

Ms. Kristen Michael Chief Operating Officer

Ms. Julie Macrina Director of Curriculum and Instruction 

Ms. Rebecca Sharp Executive Director of Special Services 

Ms. Angelina Prestipino Director of Special Instruction and Behavioral Services

Dr. Jennifer Santiago Director of Equity and Excellence

Dr. Peter Weilenmann Director of Assessment and Accountability

Ms. Amy Hall Director of Human Resources

Ms. Jennifer Fessenden Pre-K-12 Mathematics Coordinator 

Mr. Steve Knight Pre-K-12 Educational Technology Coordinator  

Ms. Morgan Occhuizzo PreK-12 Advanced Academics Coordinator 

Ms. Sally Larish Curriculum Specialist 

Ms. Leah Kirk Data Information Specialist 

Mr. Adam Amerine Division Testing Coordinator

Ms. Patricia Minson Chief Legal Service Officer

Administration (703) 248-5500

Mr. Peter Laub Associate Principal

Mr. Dave Serensits Assistant Principal

Ms. Hillary McDuff Assistant Principal

Ms. Shakita Fox-Billingslea Special Education Administrator

Mr. Robert Carey Assistant Principal of Student Support 

Athletics (703) 248-5598

Mr. Brian Parke Athletic Director

Mr. Niklas Axelson Assistant Athletic Director

Student Service Department (703) 248-5525

Mr. Matthew Sowers Director of Secondary School Counseling

Ms. Sia Bryant Assistant Director of Secondary School Counseling

Ms. Dana Quirine Counselor (A-F)

Mr. Brad McAdam Counselor (G-Mc)

Ms. Lindsey Jacobs Counselor (Me-P), Multilingual Learners (MLs)

Ms. Valerie Chesley Counselor (Q-Z)

Ms. Robin Fenwick Social Worker

Ms. Jessyca Norwood School Psychologist

Ms. Sheri Mural College & Career Specialist

Ms. Lynette Kemp Student Service Administrator Assistant

Ms. Debra Newman Registrar

IB Coordinators (703) 248-5525

Mr. Josh Singer IB Diploma Programme Coordinator (DP)

Mr. William Snyder IB Career Related Programme Coordinator (CP)

Dr. Rory Dippold IB Middle Years Programme Coordinator (MYP)

Parent Resource Center (703) 720-5739

Marina Hauber Parent Liaison

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES/NONDISCRIMINATION 

Equal educational opportunities shall be available for all students, without regard to sex, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disability, ancestry, or marital or parental status. Educational programs shall be designed to meet the varying needs of all students.

No student, on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender, shall be denied equal access to programs, activities, services or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege or advantage or be denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.

The School Board shall

• provide facilities, programs and activities that are accessible, usable and available to qualified disabled persons;

• provide a free, appropriate education, including non-academic and extracurricular services to qualified disabled persons;

• not exclude qualified disabled persons, solely on the basis of their disabilities, from any preschool, daycare, adult education or career and technical education programs; and

• not discriminate against qualified disabled persons in the provision of health, welfare or social services.

Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate in a program or activity sponsored by the Falls Church City Public Schools should contact Ms. Rebecca Sharp at (703) 248- 5630. We request that you provide 48 hours’ notice so that the proper arrangements may be made.

Introduction 

The purpose of the Program of Studies is to provide information for parents/guardians and students about Meridian High School, course offerings, academic programs, and graduation requirements. Course descriptions and recommendations are intended to help students and parents/guardians make decisions about a program of studies appropriate for each student’s needs. Students should review the Program of Studies and consult with their parent/guardian, school counselor, and teachers in planning their individual course of study.

Meridian High School (MHS) serves students in grades 9-12 living in the City of Falls Church. Its predecessor, George Mason High School opened in 1952, three years after the founding of Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS). The school offers a wide range of educational options to a diverse student body. Student enrollment during the 2023-24 school year is 895 students.  

During the 2020-21 school year Meridian High School (MHS) moved into a long-anticipated state-of-the art building. The school is between Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School and the MHS athletic complex, with an address on Mustang Alley. The new school building includes an arts wing, with state-of-the-art auditorium and theater, black box theater, choral and band practice rooms. The new building is energy efficient: net-zero ready and LEED Gold Certified. Geothermal heating systems and photovoltaic panels provide a portion of the energy required to run the school.

The new building takes the stellar academic program at Meridian High School to the next level. All ninth and tenth grade students participate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP). Eleventh and twelfth grade students are able to enroll in the IB Diploma Programme (pursuing the full IB DP) or the Career Related (CP) Programme, or complete individual certificate courses. In 2021-22 school year, more than over 90% of the junior and senior students enrolled in one or more IB courses.

The inquiry-based approach in the IB philosophy emphasizes reading and writing across the curriculum, Socratic thinking, and high level analysis, encouraging students to question respectfully, and thoroughly probe for answers.

MHS is proud of our 98.8% on-time graduation rate, one of the highest in the state. With the intent of ensuring success for each of its students, Meridian participates in the Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) process, which encompasses academics, behavior and social emotional learning. This dynamic process ensures that every student has the tools to succeed. The school provides 1-to-1 computer access and technology is thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum. All students are assigned a Macbook Air that they keep throughout the school year.

Thirty MHS students can attend classes at the Arlington Career Center (ACC) to study specific Career and Technical Education (CTE) areas. In recent years, MHS has added CTE courses/pathways onsite for students interested in Computer Graphics, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Sports Medicine and Athletic Training, and Emergency Medical Technology.

Students can participate in the Hybrid Classroom (HY-C) program, which allows them to complete coursework online with teacher support. Students can access Hy-C courses in person or virtually (with approval from counselors and administrative staff with extenuating circumstances). School Counselors can provide additional information on how to sign up for a Hy-C coursework during the school year. Students may enroll in Personal Finance and Economics through the Hy-C classroom to satisfy both the requirement of Personal Finance and Economics and  the  graduation requirement of taking an online course. 

The MHS English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program provides specific English Language Development (ELD) support via leveled classes. The ESOL program aims to provide structured English Language Development as well as access to core content area conceptual understanding.

MHS serves students with special needs through a Special Education program designed to offer an inclusive education while providing specific support for students to successfully access the curriculum. Special education, related, and post-secondary transition services are provided to students with disabilities in alignment with their Individualized Education Plans (IEP). The Special Education team at MHS works to ensure that students with disabilities are supported to effectively be positioned to achieve their post-secondary education, career, and independent living goals.

To encourage post-high school education for all students, MHS partners with the George Mason University Early Identification Program (EIP). The EIP program identifies students starting in 7th grade that are 1st generation students to apply to EIP to assist with academic support and opportunities for STEM enrichment. Students that are admitted to the program are required to attend academic tutoring sessions after school in the fall/spring and commit to parent nights and Summer enrichment opportunities.   

MHS offers students a robust array of extra and co-curricular activities. An active member of the Virginia High School League (VHSL) MHS is in the Class 3, Region B, Northwestern District. The Mustangs are an award-winning student body on almost every front, including Lasso Online student newspaper, fine and performing arts, FIRST Robotics, CyberPatriot, and athletics.

Meridian High School takes pride in helping all students achieve balance in their pursuits, in preparation for a successful life after graduation.

Registration 

Courses listed may be offered at Meridian in the 2024-2025 school year. The teaching of a particular course will depend on the number of students who select that course and the availability of staff. It is not anticipated that every course described in this book will be taught. In some instances, it may be necessary to combine classes so that desired courses can be offered. Grade levels listed for courses indicate the grade(s) in which the course is typically taken. All students will be expected to maintain a schedule of classes required to meet the minimum standards necessary for graduation and Virginia Board of Education regulations.

Please Note: In accordance with School Board Regulation 6.5, MHS will not be able to offer courses that do not meet minimum enrollment numbers at course selection time.

School Day 

Classes alternate daily between odd and even days with a block 3 that meets daily on Mondays-Fridays. Stable Block is held on Mondays for assigned Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and advisory activities following blocks 1 or 2. Odd days feature blocks 1, MB (Mustang Block), 3, 5, and 7, and even days feature blocks 2, MB (Mustang Block), 3,  4, and 6. The school day for students begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. Opportunities for club/activities and extra help occur each day from 3:10-4:30 p.m or during Mustang Block for some clubs/activities. Students not engaged in scheduled, planned student activities, or the learning lounge (in the library) must exit the school campus while administrators help with dismissal. Students are dismissed at 12:30 p.m. on early release Wednesdays, which occur once a month.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS 

Arlington Career Center (ACC) Program

The Falls Church City Public Schools support the enrollment of a limited number of students in a career preparation program of studies in the Arlington County Public Schools at Arlington Career Center (ACC). Registering for coursework is prioritized to 12th and 11th grade students for graduation purposes, and 10th grade students when remaining seats are available. Both Barbering and Cosmetology course sequences will be offered to 10th grade students in order for students to be eligible for the state certification exam. The ACC is designed to serve as an extension of the program at MHS. The ACC provides educational experiences and vocational programs for 10, 11 and 12th grade students. The ACC’s purpose is to provide educational experiences in the areas of occupational exploration, career preparation, and enrichment to those students seeking a “hands-on” learning style. The ACC faculty assists students in job placement upon successful completion of their program. In many instances, the completion of an ACC course provides students with the opportunity for advancement in post high school programs, especially those of Northern Virginia Community College. Interested students please see the ACC course listings at the end of this Program of Studies for more information. ACC determines how many seats are available in each course and MHS is responsible for assigning students to each course until courses are at capacity. School counselors will notify student(s)  when course(s) have reached full capacity to determine an alternate elective choice.  

English Learners Program (EL)

The English Learners (EL) Program courses are designed for the non-native speaker of English with limited English proficiency. Screening tests determine student placement in the program. Exit testing, teacher recommendation, and administrative approval are required before a student exits to mainstream classes. High school credits toward graduation are provided upon successful completion of each EL class for ninth through twelfth grades. ELs no longer are eligible for ESOL Services after earning a 4.4 overall score or higher on the WIDA (World Class Instruction and Design Assessment). 

Special Education

MHS serves students with special needs through a Special Education program designed to offer an inclusive education while providing specific support for students to successfully access the curriculum. Special education related services are provided to students with disabilities in alignment with their Individualized Education Plans (IEP). The special education team at MHS works to ensure that students with disabilities are supported to effectively be positioned to achieve success at MHS and beyond. The services follow the multi-categorical resource model. Students study in specific content areas or receive credit for basic study skills and tutorial support for general education courses. Please contact the High School Special Education Administrator (703-720-5725) or the Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services, at the Central Office (703-248-5630) for information concerning Special Education services.

Program of Study Course Sequence 

The majority of Meridian High School graduates successfully matriculate to four-year or two-year post­secondary institutions throughout the United States and abroad. Most students at Meridian follow a program of study that prepares them for college. Such courses are found in one of two major programs of study: College Preparatory and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Many colleges and universities expect students to take the most rigorous courses available in which they can be successful. At Meridian, the most rigorous courses are the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme classes, Advanced Placement (AP), and Dual Enrollment (DE) classes.

College-bound students should seek to meet these typical college preparatory guidelines: 4 credits of Language and Literature (English), 4 credits of Mathematics (to include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II), 3-4 credits of Individuals and Societies I&S (Social Studies), 3-4 credits of laboratory Science (which may include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), 2-4 credits of Language Acquisition (World Language), and 2-4 credits of elective study. However, individual college requirements vary, therefore students should always check with prospective colleges about minimum entrance requirements for both the college and interested major or career pathway. Students are advised to consult their counselors when considering colleges and universities. The following shows an example of a general college preparatory program of study. Students work with their counselor to develop an individualized four-year plan of study to meet their specific needs and goals.