Education

From pre-school to graduate school, Meridian offers quality education, including four nationally recognized Schools of Excellence and one of Mississippi's most highly acclaimed public school systems. Institutions of higher learning include Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University – Meridian Campus. The Meridian Community College Foundation underwrites the cost of four semesters of study at MCC for any graduate of a Meridian or Lauderdale County high school or any person residing in Lauderdale County who is home schooled. By enrolling in the fall following their spring graduation, students retain the Tuition Guarantee for four semesters, providing they maintain a 2.00 GPA and maintain at least 12 hours each semester.

In 2007, citizens of Meridian overwhelmingly approved a $19.5 million bond election for the Meridian Public School District. This High School Redesign request came from a year long study of the district's future needs by the "Framing the Future" taskforce composed of nearly 60 parents, teachers, principals and a diverse cross-section of citizens. Specific recommendations for capital improvements to Meridian's public schools are designed to ensure that all students meet the most rigorous standards in an excellent learning environment. Major areas targeted for funding include: physical renovations to schools; implementing small learning communities at Meridian High School; and a new, separate, state-of-the-art building for the ninth grade on the campus of Meridian High School that will provide more opportunity for effective and expanded learning.

Education and technical skills are a must in today's workplace. So, too, are the intangibles or soft skills that lead employees and their employers to greater success. In 2005, the EMBDC implemented School Counts as its leading education initiative. This education enhancement program targets the behavior skills of students and works in partnership with the business community. All businesses are encouraged to learn more about School Counts and how they can play an important role in the continuous improvement of tomorrow's workforce.

  • Meridian Education Honors
  • Meridian Education Student Achievement
  • Meridian Education Teacher Honors
  • Meridian Education Honors
  • Meridian Education New Facility
  • Meridian Students

Local Schools

There are three major initiatives that the EMBDC is continually working to make sure education in Meridian and Lauderdale County continue to progress. Those initiatives include: Workforce Development, Student/Teacher Achievement and Business Orientation.

Workforce Development

  • Helping to keep the schools' curriculum current with the local and regional industry standards
  • Working hand in hand with community colleges to create dual credit courses for high school students
  • Working to update our vocational programs in schools

Student/Teacher Achievement

  • "Head of the Class" Awards in 10th, 11th and 12th grades sign a commitment card to have 97% attendance, at least a C average in every class, no more than 1 discipline referral and to be on track to graduate. If this is achieved, businesses in our community have signed commitments to offer these students preferential job interviews.
  • Parents for Public Schools: A national organization dedicated to getting parents back involved in the schools. Meridian/Lauderdale County will now have its own chapter to serve the parents of our area.
  • Public Relations: Each school in the Meridian and Lauderdale County Public School Districts has identified a Public Relations representative. This person can easily collect and distribute information about special events, recognition and "Spotlight Your School" forms to the EMBDC which distributes this information to the media.

Business Orientation