During the 1991-92 school year, a system-wide committee studied the problems presented by a growing school population. At the conclusion of their year long investigation, their first recommendation was to develop a "New Concept School" to be housed in the Merriam building beginning in the 1993-94 school year. A large group of self-selected staff from all four Acton elementary schools met in the spring of 1992 to begin plans for the new school. During the summer, a smaller group of interested staff members participated in a research and development project to continue planning. Their subsequent report and plans were recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the School Committee on November 12, 1992.

All Merriam staff members have a wide range of expertise - in subject matter, pedagogy and teaching experience. The number of classroom teachers has grown two and a half times since 1993. As we hire new faculty, the APS mentoring system, Merriam triads, grade level teachers and new teacher's groups are structures in place to support new members of the faculty. Most teachers admit to never having worked so closely with colleagues for such an intensive period as they have since they came to Merriam. Teachers believe this close collaboration encourages their best work and ongoing development as professionals. The school's design purposely supports this type of collaboration.

The ideas and programs at Merriam School are not experimental in nature, but represent a synthesis of practices and research. All are based in the staff's commitment to provide stimulating, relevant learning experiences which are responsive to student interest while also meeting the curricular guidelines of the Acton Public Schools.

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