In August 2011, Meridian World School, an International Baccalaureate (IB) school that encourages both inquiry and focus, opened its doors as a tuition-free school. Now, in 2024, the school has developed a rich history, starting with a simple idea and growing into a school known for its culture and educational excellence.
The creation of Meridian began with Karalei Nunn, now the founder and CEO, who worked with several families who shared a vision: to build a school that fosters a love for learning in every student.
The foundation of Meridian’s development was built on a singular goal: to “create citizens who could artfully navigate our complex world and enjoy a good life with others.”
When asked about her passion for Meridian, Karalei Nunn said, “I like assessing the needs of our students and staff and working with other leaders to creatively address those.” This statement reflects how deeply the school has impacted not just students, but also Karalei herself.
Nunn’s journey to founding Meridian began when she sought a quality education for her eldest son after he left Montessori school. She realized that the available options—public or private schools—did not offer the kind of innovative education she was looking for. With her connections to local city and county officials, Karalei was able to navigate the complex process of establishing a charter school. The planning began in 2007, but even after opening its doors in 2011, Meridian’s development efforts have continued.
Building Meridian wasn’t without its challenges. Nunn and the other founders needed to design a curriculum that met Texas state standards while also embodying their unique educational philosophy. They also had to secure salaries and a location for the school, even though they hadn’t yet been guaranteed a spot in Round Rock.
One of the greatest hurdles came near the end of the planning process. The city of Round Rock was initially unsure about turning the warehouse that would house Meridian into a school. This uncertainty led the founders to seek legal assistance, arguing that they had the right to use the building for educational purposes.
“I came to Meridian in third grade, and I feel like it prepared me academically for college while allowing me to experience a small school environment,” said Julius Cruz, a former Meridian student who joined in 2012.
In 2008, after extensive communication with the Texas Public Charter School Association and State School Board representatives, Meridian was approved as a charter school. It started with just 680 students in grades K-8, but has since grown into a K-12 school that has graduated close to 600 students, most of whom have earned an IB diploma.
Meridian, like other IB schools, emphasizes the IB Learner Profile Traits, which guide students to become well-rounded individuals who are capable of giving back to their communities. “We wanted a school that would use an inquiry-based style of teaching,” said Nunn. “The more we investigated IB, we discovered the learner profile and knew this was what we wanted!”
To this day, the IB Learner Profile continues to shape Meridian’s students. Teachers incorporate traits such as risk-taking, open-mindedness, and balance into their lessons, while still covering rigorous academic content. Over the years, Meridian has expanded its elective offerings, adding classes like public speaking, newspaper, and yearbook.
These new electives have been a positive addition for students. “I love being able to take classes like theater that let me explore topics I’m interested in while teaching me valuable life lessons like risk-taking,” said Kate Linscombe, a Meridian student.
As Meridian continues to grow, its foundation remains strong—rooted in a love for learning and a supportive school community. As the school’s motto proudly states: “Hand in hand together we can fill the earth with love. Our world, our school, Meridian!”