Madison High School

My daughter thrived through 4 years of Art and Academics at Madison to graduate with the skills to be accepted into one of the most demanding private colleges in Oregon. Along with excellent offerings in the "3 Rs", Madison sports more Art classes than any other Portland high school. Madison is Portlandia at its most creative. I've been particularly impressed with Madison's theater department including all ages, abilities, body types and sexual identifications in its productions. To call Madison's music department "inspiring" would be just beginning a conversation about its worth to the students, their parents and NE Portland. Madison is the real world with dozens of languages, skin colors, interests and opportunities to grow. I'd give 5 stars if there was greater parent involvement plus I leave room for growth as my other daughter progresses through Madison.
—Submitted by a parent

Madison is a great school that is on an upward path thanks to the PPS High School reorganization including common core curriculum district wide. This has been a perfect match for my Son who would get lost in the shuffle of a large, more crowded school. Strong core programs and plenty of AP courses available for everyone. I think of Madison as a phoenix rising from the Gates Foundations ashes.
—Submitted by a parent

As my oldest child approached the end of eighth grade and we were considering his options for high school (magnet school, private vs. public, etc.), I was hearing a lot of positive buzz about Madison from both parents and students. This usually took the form of "Portland's best-kept secret", attributed to various factors, including the largest number of AP courses of any Portland high school, an engaged and energized new principal, excellent teachers who are truly invested in their students' success, a "rock-star" music educator, and an overall vibe of community, camaraderie, and optimism that extends across a diverse student body. I'm happy to report that after repeated visits to Madison over the past six months (orientations, back-to-school night, concerts, parent-teacher conferences, PTA) I have found all of these assessments/characterizations to be right on. My over-achieving, easily-bored son is very happy to be there. His teachers recognize his gifts and have pushed him accordingly. And, fortunately, there are ample opportunities at Madison for him to excel. For these reasons, I now count myself as a Madison "fan", and I'm elated that it's our neighborhood school.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are amazing, they are truly dedicated and excited about teaching. The class sizes are very reasonable and my daughter who is a freshman was able to take all the classes she wanted. She would do well at any school, but she will shine here because of the wonderful teachers who take the time to get to know the students and really care.
—Submitted by a parent

Madison is definitely one of Portland's best kept secrets. With its dedicated teachers, outstanding principal, and diverse student body, Madison provides an excellent academic and social education. Our daughter, currently a freshman, has always been a curious, motivated student. After meeting the principal and several teachers, and knowing the studious nature of my daughter's peers from middle school, my husband and I had no hesitation about sending her to Madison. Her classes are challenging and, after only a few months, her teachers know her strengths and weaknesses, when to push her and when to give her extra support. She's also meeting people from a wide variety of economic and ethnic backgrounds, which we consider to be an invaluable part of her education. I encourage all families to look beyond the test scores (which represent a stunningly diverse student body, including many students who have only recently immigrated to the U.S. and who combined speak 40-some languages) and walk into the Madison building. You'll be impressed by who and what you encounter.
—Submitted by a parent

Madison is a great school if you like going to one that is broken, run down, dirty, and doesnt have classes that provide high levels of learning. I love my school, yes, but I'd rather go to one that helps me keep me challenged, Madison does not do this

madison itself is not bad. there are good people there, but with my experience , nothing really good comes from there. most of people i know there are not the best people.i did not want to go to this school and i regret going. if it would add a few more courses and straighten up its students it would be fine.

The speech program (under my favorite teacher, Gonzo) is the only thing that worked in conquering my shyness. I developed confidence and made great friends.
—Submitted by a student

I would love to see more parent involvement - better communication with administration and staff...I love the positive attitude and energy that students have toward Madison HS !! Go Senators!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Madison High School becuase it is a safe school.The teacher's are very nice and keep on striving to help the children of madison graduate on time and help them pass their classes.The teacher's stay after school and try to help them sometimes they are busy but if they can't help them after school then they help them during class.
—Submitted by a student

Because it gives all kids from all walks of life a chance and getting out and doing something bigger with their life.
—Submitted by a teacher

They have lots of programs that bring the students parents and community together working on common goals. Lots of Love.
—Submitted by a parent

Madison has excellent teachers, staff and parent volunteers who spend endless hours in improving academics, promoting excellence in student performance and creating a supportive environment of inclusiveness.
—Submitted by a parent

As an elementary school teacher, I know that my students will have caring, supportive educators working with them at Madison.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Madison High School because it is truly rich with positive energy, dedicated staff, and an amazing student body that makes the Madison experience unbeatable.

Diverse population and caring and involved parents, administrators and teachers provide a wealth of opportunities for students.
—Submitted by a parent

madison is the best school when it comes to music our drumline rocks!..and so does the choirs
—Submitted by a student

Madison High School has terrific teachers who really love and care about educating our children! Our counselors and support staff are terrific, too!
—Submitted by a parent

Madison, often described as 'ortland's best kept secret', is filled with kind, warm-hearted students from families whose origins run the spectrum - Tibet to Thailand, Somalia to Serbia. We're a diverse community, and also the primary location of at least two recent movies (the film Twilight, as well as Gus Van Sant's Paranoid Park). Even Hollywood loves us!
—Submitted by a parent

I am the new health sciences teacher and am looking forward to working hard with the community to provide excellent opportunities and experiences for these wonderful students. This is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent