The Madeira School

The Madeira School, founded in 1906, is located in McLean, Virginia, enjoying a prime location close to Washington D.C., just a 30-minute drive from the White House. The campus boasts a beautiful environment, spanning 375 acres with views overlooking the Potomac River. "Launching women who change the world" is the school's mission, aiming to cultivate women who can truly change the world and lead innovation in girls' education.
The school offers over 70 courses, including 12 AP courses, and also features its unique Co-Curriculum program. Established in 1966, this program received the "Leading Edge" award in 2003 from NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) in the United States. It is an experiential learning curriculum designed to provide students with practical experience and applied learning. This includes a 5-week community service placement, internships at the Capitol, and career-oriented internships for every student. Madeira's interdisciplinary STEAM program encourages students to engage in design and production through creative, collaborative, and hands-on activities.
The school has 12 varsity teams and 7 junior varsity teams. The school's equestrian program has a history of over 70 years, featuring its own outdoor and indoor riding arenas. Riders of all levels can participate in various competitions, including USEF-rated and IEA equestrian events. Additionally, Madeira offers equestrian summer programs during the summer break.

Principal Zhan's Review: The Madeira School has been rated as the best boarding school in Virginia. The school's MOD curriculum model and unique 3-year internship opportunities fully help students excel in their preferred fields. Madeira boasts a strong academic program and pays special attention to students' social development, making it highly suitable for girls who have a preliminary plan for their future and are willing to continuously try and progress. In terms of cultural heritage, Madeira is dedicated to cultivating women who can change the world, and it is the only school in the United States where 100% of students graduate with three internship experiences. For five weeks each year, girls learn in environments outside the classroom, helping young women understand the changing world and confidently create their own lives! Regarding academic development, the school places great emphasis on academics, adopting a unique MOD model to structure students' academic pursuits. The MOD model divides the semester into several modules, with each module focusing on a few courses, allowing students to delve deeper. This model gives students more time and energy to concentrate on each course, thereby better understanding and mastering knowledge. In community building, the school places great importance on communication and care among students, as well as between students and teachers. Students receive prompt replies when they contact teachers, and teachers also provide ample time for students to choose from, ensuring every student receives full support and care. For emotional support, the school has professional mental health counselors who, in conjunction with mentors, help students address personal, social, or emotional issues in individual and group settings.

Due to its advantageous proximity to Washington D.C., Madeira benefits from surrounding art resources such as the Shakespeare Theatre, Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Museums, Corcoran Gallery, Hirshhorn Gallery, The Phillips Collection, and the National Portrait Gallery. These are places Madeira students visit on field trips and during weekends. In Madeira's visual arts program, students are exposed to a wide variety of art-making techniques and media. Through this discipline, students can explore and develop their ability to reflect and express their understanding of the world and themselves. Madeira's weekend trip program provides students with more opportunities to visit galleries, museums, and art centers in Washington D.C., as well as artists living and working in the region. Art courses include painting, sculpture, photography, film, ceramics, and graphic design. In all courses, students are exposed to a wide range of art styles and media through visits to guest artist galleries, museums, art centers, and by viewing slides and films.

Data for Madeira School for Girls: 336 students, student-teacher ratio 1:4, 13% international students, 52% boarding students, 91% faculty with advanced degrees. Madeira School is a top boarding school for girls located in the Washington D.C. area. The school offers a comprehensive and complete curriculum. Many children of world dignitaries attend here. A distinctive program is STEM, with a particular emphasis on fostering leadership and independence. In the arts, specialized courses in dance and film production are offered. The school has international exchange programs, leading students to visit different countries annually, including France, Spain, Chile, etc. Excellent indoor and outdoor sports facilities are available. The sports center includes a gym, side-by-side volleyball and basketball courts, a weight room, a competitive swimming pool, a dance studio, locker rooms, an athletic training room, and teaching and coaching offices. There is a 25-yard swimming pool and a Duraflex diving board. Outdoor facilities include three full-sized athletic fields, six tennis courts, and cross-country trails. Equestrian Sports: For over 70 years, the equestrian program has been an important part of Madeira's athletic curriculum. Madeira's equestrian level is very high, having won numerous competition medals. Madeira School provides each student with a 5-week community service opportunity, a Capitol Hill internship, and a career-focused internship opportunity.