At Meridian, students don’t just focus on math, reading, or science—they also spend time learning how to learn. ATL Day, short for Approaches to Learning, is a special event where students step away from their regular classes and focus on skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and communication.
ATL Day comes from the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which goes deeper than just academics. The day is designed to help students build life skills that prepare them for college, careers, and challenges outside of school.
It’s important because it gives students a chance to practice teamwork, organization, and reflection in a hands-on way. Many IB schools in the U.S. hold ATL Days to encourage growth beyond the classroom and to help students see how their education connects to the real world.
Martha MacFarland, the college readiness teacher, explained, “ATL Day builds confidence because we all want to be successful learners. We reflect on how we are learning and put those ATL skills to use.”
Students also recognize the importance of the event. Dina Daniel, a tenth grader at Meridian, shared, “I think ATL Day is about being able to learn and discover skills needed throughout the school year and throughout your life.”
Each ATL Day at Meridian includes unique activities aimed at building collaboration and leadership. Students might participate in team-building games, creative problem-solving challenges, group discussions, or workshops tied to themes such as leadership or global citizenship.
Dina also reflected on one of her favorite memories: “My favorite activity from ATL Day was when we did the skit in history. I enjoyed it because it was not only important but funny. My class had a good time seeing all the different groups presenting their skits, and I liked watching them since they were not only educational but also showed situations that happen in everyday life.”
These activities not only make learning more enjoyable but also give students practical experiences they can carry into everyday life.
ATL Day is more than just a break from classes—it’s a day dedicated to learning how to learn. Rooted in the IB program’s goals, the event has become an important tradition at Meridian, reminding both students and teachers that education is about more than grades—it’s about preparing for real-life skills.