Consider the name Meridian. Meridian High School gained its new name on July 1, 2021. Before that, it was known as George Mason High School. The Falls Church City School Board voted to change the name.
The city of Falls Church lies on the original 1791 meridian. This meridian delineates the line between Washington, D.C., and Virginia. The name Meridian also recognizes the school’s dedication to educating global citizens. Meridian High School has a long history with the International Baccalaureate Programme.
Let’s step back in time. Meridian High School first opened its doors in 1952. It stands on land with a history. A single-room schoolhouse once stood here. It tragically burned down in 1857. The land remained empty until Falls Church became an independent city in 1948. Residents then wanted more control over their school system. At that time, schools were segregated by race.
Meridian High School was the first in Virginia to use the International Baccalaureate program in 1981. Think about that commitment to global education.
Imagine the construction. A new main building was designed in 2017. Construction started in 2019. The new building opened in 2021. The original building was then demolished.
Consider the modern design. The six-story high school can accommodate 1,500 students. The design emphasizes flexibility. There is visual transparency and natural daylighting. Sustainability drove the design. It adheres to LEED Gold and Net Zero Ready standards.
Hear the sounds of the game. New tennis courts surround the school. There is a turf multi-purpose field and a softball field. The parking was reconfigured. New walkways connect the middle and high school athletic fields.
Meridian High School ranks highly. In 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked it #16 in Virginia. It was #649 in the United States.
Picture the diversity. In 2020-2021, the racial breakdown was 59% White, 6% Asian or Pacific Islander, 12% Hispanic, and 4% Black. Nineteen percent were two or more races.
Meridian High School boasts many sports and activities. The VHSL Scholastic Bowl Team is impressive. They were Bull Run District champions for 18 of 19 years between 2000 and 2018. They have won seven Virginia A State Championships.
Consider notable alumni. Grant Sabatier, class of 2003, is an author. Nina Willner, class of 1978, is also an author. Molly Henneberg, class of 1991, is a reporter. Hollman Smith played college basketball for James Madison University and Vanderbilt University.
Meridian High School continues to evolve. It adapts to the needs of its students and community. It stands as a beacon of education in Falls Church.