The Madeira School
The Madeira School General Information
About (Overview)
The Madeira School is a distinguished, all-girls private boarding and day college-preparatory institution located in McLean, Virginia. It educates students in grades 9 through 12 and is known for combining rigorous academic programs and a values-driven, global focus. The school emphasizes experiential learning through its unique Co-Curriculum program, which gives students opportunities to engage in internships, service, leadership, and real-world projects beyond the classroom. Set on a scenic 376-acre campus overlooking the Potomac River, Madeira integrates strong academic disciplines with a modular scheduling system designed to optimize student focus, depth of learning, and balance. The school’s mission is to “launch women who change the world,” and it cultivates intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and independence. With small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and a highly selective admissions process, Madeira provides a personalized environment in which each student’s potential is nurtured. The institution also attracts a diverse student body from across the United States and internationally, contributing to a rich learning environment infused with global perspectives.
Contact Informations
Address: 8328 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Virginia 22102, USA
Phone Number: (703) 556-8200
Email Address: admissions@madeira.org
School Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1906 |
| Founder | Lucy Madeira Wing |
| Type | Private, all-girls, boarding and day, college-preparatory |
| Grades | 9 – 12 |
| Campus Size | 376 acres |
| Student–Teacher Ratio | Approximately 6.4 : 1 |
| Motto (Latin) | Festina Lente (“Make haste slowly”) |
| Mascot | Snail |
| Colors | Red and White |
The Madeira School Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position / Rating |
|---|---|
| Best Boarding School in Virginia | #1 among Virginia boarding schools |
| Best Girls’ High School in Virginia | #1 among girls’ high schools in Virginia |
| Niche Private School Rating | “A” rating and top ranking in the D.C. area |
| Selectivity among Girls’ Boarding Schools | Among schools with acceptance in the 35%–40% range |
The Madeira School Academics
The Madeira School Faculties / Departments
- English / Humanities / Literature
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- World Languages
- Social Studies / History / Government
- Fine Arts / Visual Arts / Music / Theater
- STEAM / Innovation / Design
- Physical Education / Wellness
- Co-Curriculum / Internship / Experiential Learning
- Academic Support / Learning Resource / College Counseling
The Madeira School Courses and Programs / Majors
Because Madeira is a high school, it does not offer “majors,” but it offers an array of rigorous courses and academic tracks, including:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses across multiple disciplines
- Honors and advanced-level science, math, and humanities
- Modular scheduling courses (blocks of time for in-depth work)
- Co-Curriculum internships in service, civic engagement, and career exploration
- Elective courses in arts, innovation, design, and STEAM
- Independent study or research projects
- Language and global studies tracks
- Leadership development and seminar courses
Online Learning
While Madeira emphasizes in-person instruction, it leverages digital tools and blended learning to support coursework, research, and cross-campus collaboration. In periods of transition (such as global disruptions), the school has capacity to provide hybrid or remote learning modules to maintain educational continuity. Online platforms supplement classroom learning, allowing students to access resources, collaborate on projects, or engage in virtual seminars and internships beyond the physical campus.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Reported Average / Typical Range | Notes / Comments |
|---|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | Not publicly disclosed by school | Madeira students typically score well above national averages, given its selectivity and college-preparatory focus |
| AP Exam Pass Rate | Historically, 87%–94% of AP exams taken by Madeira students score 3 or higher | Madeira’s students perform strongly on AP exams, reflecting rigorous preparation |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Madeira has a strong retention and graduation record, with nearly all enrolled students progressing through graduation. Due to its selective admissions, supportive environment, and strong student-faculty relationships, attrition is low. The school’s focus on student engagement, holistic development, and leadership growth helps ensure students remain actively involved and empowered to complete their secondary education on track.
The Madeira School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Madeira does not publicly publish a strict GPA cutoff or required SAT/ACT ranges. However, admitted students generally have exceptional academic records in rigorous preparatory programs, often ranking at or near the top of their previous classes. Their standardized test performances, when submitted, tend to demonstrate strong college-readiness and competitive scores given the school’s selective nature.
The Madeira School Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 35%–40% |
| Selectivity | Highly selective for an all-girls boarding/day school |
The Madeira School Application Requirements
Applicants to Madeira must submit a complete application including school transcripts, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (often ISEE or SSAT), and essays. An interview or admissions meeting may be required for further insight into the student’s character, goals, and fit with the Madeira community. The admissions process seeks students who exhibit intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, integrity, and a willingness to engage in Madeira’s unique Co-Curriculum. The application also includes any additional evaluation materials, such as writing samples or a supplemental questionnaire to understand the applicant’s educational philosophy and aspirations.
Application Process
- Submit the admissions application and required documents (transcripts, recommendations, testing)
- Complete required standardized testing or evaluation (ISEE / SSAT)
- Participate in an interview or admissions meeting
- Provide essay(s) or personal statements
- Optional campus visit or shadow day
- Admissions committee reviews applicant materials holistically
- Notification of acceptance, waitlist, or denial
- If accepted, confirm enrollment and attend orientation
The Madeira School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Deadline / Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | January 15 | Primary deadline for entry in fall semester |
| Financial Aid / Scholarship Application | Concurrent with application deadline | Families must submit financial documentation on time |
| Interview / Meeting Period | After application submissions | Scheduled by admissions office |
| Notification of Decision | Late winter / early spring | Accepted and waitlist notifications sent |
| Enrollment Confirmation Deadline | Shortly after notification | Families must commit to attend |
| Orientation / New Student Welcome | Summer before school year start | Introduces new students to campus and community |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
An illustrative prompt might be: “How do your passions, values, and ambitions align with The Madeira School’s mission to launch women who change the world? Describe a moment when you took initiative, overcame a challenge, or contributed to your community.” This essay allows applicants to showcase intellectual maturity, character, and alignment with Madeira’s vision and values.
The Madeira School Scholarships
Madeira offers need-based financial aid and merit scholarships to support access and diversity within its community. The school awards grants to qualifying students based on demonstrated financial need, as well as merit aid for outstanding achievement, leadership, or unique contributions. More than one-third of students receive some form of financial support, with average grant amounts varying by day or boarding status.
The Madeira School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding Tuition (2024-25) | $71,600 (comprehensive) | Includes room, board, meals, and core services |
| Day Tuition (2024-25) | $55,800 | Includes tuition, meals (for day schedule), and core services |
| Application Fee | $75 (domestic) / $125 (international) | Nonrefundable fee for processing applications |
| Other Fees | Textbooks (~$800), international student fee, optional activity fees | Additional charges for electives, horseback riding, insurance, etc. |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Madeira is all-girls, so gender is uniformly female. Students typically range from ages 14 to 18, depending on grade level. In terms of racial and ethnic composition, Madeira enrolls a diverse cohort: White students make up a plurality, with significant representation of students identifying as Asian, Black, Hispanic, and multiracial backgrounds.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A subset of Madeira’s student body qualifies for financial aid, reflecting its commitment to socioeconomic diversity. The school accommodates students with learning differences through academic support, individualized learning plans, and resources within its learning support department, ensuring that all students have access to rigorous coursework and a supportive environment.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Metric | Value / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~338 students |
| Boarding Percentage | ~44% boarders |
| International Students | Represented from many countries (20+ nations) |
| Faculty (Full-time) | ~50.3 |
University Diversity
The Madeira School fosters a rich and international community. With students drawn from over twenty states and multiple countries, the school is committed to cultural and intellectual diversity. More than a third of its student body identifies as a person of color, contributing a broad spectrum of perspectives. Madeira intentionally supports socioeconomic diversity through its generous financial aid and scholarship programs. The school cultivates an inclusive environment where students are encouraged to share their heritage, global viewpoints, and unique experiences in the classroom, extracurriculars, and in leadership forums. The co-curriculum program further reinforces connection: through internships, civic engagement, and experiential learning, students engage with communities and cultures beyond the campus. This emphasis on global awareness and diverse representation strengthens cross-cultural dialogue, empathy, and student readiness to engage in a pluralistic world. Madeira’s commitment to diversity aligns with its mission to prepare graduates to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully in an interconnected global society.
Average Earnings
As a secondary institution, Madeira does not directly publish alumni earnings data. However, given its reputation, rigorous academic training, and exceptional college matriculation outcomes, many graduates go on to attend selective colleges and universities, enter leadership fields, and contribute to high-earning sectors. The school’s integration of real-world experiential learning, internships, and leadership development likely supports strong long-term career trajectories. Alumni who have progressed through rigorous undergraduate and professional training often achieve significant career success, and Madeira’s focus on character, leadership, and global perspective likely enhances earning potential. While precise numbers are unavailable, graduates of elite college-preparatory boarding schools like Madeira tend to command competitive salaries over time, influenced by strong networks, high achievement, and leadership preparation.
The Madeira School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Madeira employs approximately 50 full-time teachers, supported by staff in academic support, college counseling, dormitory supervision, administrative roles, and student services. With a student–teacher ratio of about 6.4:1, the faculty engages closely with students in both academic and personal development. Faculty serve as advisors, coaches, mentors, and dorm supervisors, integrating into the whole student experience.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Madeira are selected for academic excellence, pedagogical skill, and alignment with the school’s mission. Many hold advanced degrees and bring diverse professional or research backgrounds in STEM, humanities, arts, global studies, and educational leadership. Teachers lead students in project-based inquiries, mentor interns, supervise student-led research, and guide co-curriculum experiences. Faculty have been recognized for scholarship, innovation in education, conference presentations, and publications. They also participate in ongoing professional development in gender-focused pedagogy, leadership education, and experiential learning strategies.
The Madeira School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Madeira’s boarding students live in one of six dormitories centrally located on campus, each housing around 25 students. Dorm rooms are a mix of singles and doubles, fostering community and personal space. Each dorm is overseen by a dorm team—faculty or staff who live nearby, supported by resident advisors who help build culture and community. The dorm life promotes connection, well-being, and academic balance. As a day student, one may still participate fully in campus life, athletics, clubs, and evening activities. The campus includes academic buildings, science labs, libraries, art and performance spaces, athletic complexes, riding facilities, and outdoor learning areas. Madeira does not offer off-campus housing beyond its dormitories; the residential model is the core of its boarding identity.
Transportation
The Madeira campus is accessible by roadway, with shuttle or bus services available for commuting students. Day students may use local transit or private transport to reach campus. The campus layout features pedestrian pathways, landscaped trails, and internal connectivity between dorms, classrooms, and student common areas. Because of its rural-suburban setting, the school coordinates pick-up/drop-off logistics, shuttle routes, and safe pedestrian access within campus. Students also walk or bike across campus paths to move between academic, residential, and recreation spaces, promoting an interconnected student experience.