In January 1971, founders Shirley Meredith and David Dunn, both special education teachers, began the program with tutorial services for three part-time students. Services quickly expanded to include evaluations, tutoring, Saturday classes, and a summer program. By 1978, a full-day private school program was operational.
In 1980, Meredith-Dunn acquired the former Melbourne Heights Elementary School from Jefferson County Public Schools. The building required significant restoration, accomplished largely through volunteer efforts. The program at that time included 37 full-time students and limited support services, as well as Meriday Preschool, an early childhood developmental program.
A generous benefactor purchased the school building in 1982 and donated it to Meredith-Dunn, with the mortgage forgiven over the following ten years. This contribution became the foundation for sustained growth and expansion.
In 1995, the staff and administration undertook a comprehensive self-study to qualify for full accreditation through the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS). Accreditation was awarded in 1997, and Meredith-Dunn subsequently became a member of the Kentucky Association of Independent Schools.
Meredith-Dunn School has continued to grow over the years to meet the needs of its students and families. In 2015, the school expanded with the addition of a new gymnasium/multi-purpose space. This project also converted the former gym space into four new classrooms, giving students additional room for learning. The new gymnasium expanded opportunities for sports, clubs, and the arts. This expansion was made possible through generous contributions from various foundations, private donors, and Kosair Charities.
After a comprehensive capital campaign fundraising effort, the school’s most recent expansion was completed in 2025. This project added new administrative office space, a cafeteria, along with dedicated areas for special classes, including a library, science lab, STEAM lab, art studio, and music room. This expansion reflects the continued growth of MDS and the school’s ongoing investment in its future.
Today, Meredith-Dunn School is a nonprofit organization serving students in grades 1–8 who have been identified as having specific learning disabilities and/or other learning differences. Approximately 10% of enrolled students would qualify as learning disabled under federal guidelines. Because MDS receives no federal or state financial assistance, the program depends on tuition, grants, private donations, and fundraising.
