Wallingford

My children look forward to going to school every day, which says a lot. The teachers work very hard. My children participate in the Japanese program, and I am impressed by the level of communication and care from the Japanese teachers as well as the English teachers. The parent community is strong and continuously advocates for the dual language immersion program despite the district’s efforts to undermine it, particularly the Japanese program.

My child’s middle school experience at St Ben’s has been phenomenal. She is thriving academically and socially and our family is supported by a wonderful community.

If you are looking for a school with great community that will give your child a solid academic, social, and emotional foundation, then look no further. Meridian is a school for all types of kids, not just gifted kids of wealthy families. With the help of Meridian’s dedicated and talented teachers, my shy child blossomed into a confident learner by second grade. Meridian is located in the Good Shepherd Center – an elegant, historic building between Wallingford and Tangletown that opens up onto Meridian Park. Highlights of the year include the “Butterfly Ceremony” for graduating kindergarteners, picking up your kids and then walking over to the Wallingford Farmers Market, and Friday Morning Meetings where kids learn how to present their hard work in front of their peers and parents. Meridian also has an excellent extended day and summer camp program – must haves for working families. We couldn’t imagine a better place for our kids.

McDonald’s vision emphasizes inclusion and social justice, but in practice, this is not reflected in the leadership under the current principal, Zoe Facilla. In my experience, her approach toward students and families who do not fit within her preferred “norm” has been biased and unsupportive. She has no interest in meeting the needs of students who require flexibility or who express themselves in ways outside traditional expectations.While students who are quiet and compliant may have a smooth experience, those who ask questions, set boundaries, or need accommodations often find their voices disregarded by staff including the principal, Zoe. The environment is very exclusive, and communication from the principal is performative rather than genuinely collaborative.It’s extremely frustrating and disappointing to see such a disconnect between the school’s stated values and the actual practices under current leadership. Families seeking a truly inclusive, student-centered community may want to explore whether McDonald’s current culture aligns with their expectations.