The Madeira School

As an alum I couldn't wait for my daughters to go to Madeira, but right now the school is going through a downswing. I think that it probably relates to the change of leadership- starting in the couple of years before the old head left, and carrying over into the beginning of the new heads tenure. New head shows a lot of promise, but there is a lot of work for her to do. A lot of the really good teachers bailed toward the end of the old regime, leaving a lot of mediocre ones behind. It will take her time to correct this, and to change the seige mentality that set in amongst some of the long-time admin during the transition. The co-curricular program is still the most amazing thing going in a secondary school. Once the teaching staff gets strong again, Madeira should rise back to it's former glory.

I am a former student of Madeira and I can honestly say that my experiences there were incredible. The co-curriculum program alone is worth every penny of the tuition and both the community and campus made the entire 4 years an absolute dream (although at the time as a high school student, I definitely had my..."moments"). The transition to college was smoother than I (and my family) could have hoped and I would recommend this school to any and everyone. I would not be the person I am today without having gone to Madeira.
--Submitted by a student

Madeira is clearly an outstanding school. The demanding academic program and the overall pace of the school - including academics, co-curriculum, and activities - can only be managed by very talented and capable girls. The incoming freshmen quickly develop into capable leaders - in whatever areas they choose. There is no other place like Madeira. Truly amazing school, truly exceptional students, faculty, and administration. And the girls love it!
--Submitted by a parent

Madeira is a fabulous school . They focus on teaching the "whole girl" and focus on learning and becoming a valuable member of society.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a sophomore at Sarah Lawrence College and will be studying in Japan next year. Madeira prepared her for college so well that most of her freshman professors thought she was a senior! It's expensive and demanding, but the education she received was worth both her efforts and our money.
--Submitted by a parent

Good school, but not the best value for the money. The tuition is outrageous and continues to increase each year. The academic program is okay, the co-curriculum program is disorganized and the sports program is sad.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Madeira. I think it gives me a great education and has wonderful extracurricular activities. Go go escargots!
--Submitted by a student

Our daughter is a freshman at Madeira and we asked her if she would like to transfer to another school or a Public School. her response was 'no way', I have never been challenged academically as I am at Madeira'. That being said, we are sending her back September 2009 for her Sophomore year.
--Submitted by a parent

I am entering my 3rd year at Madeira and have few complaints. The teaching and attention that each girl is exceptional. The Headmistress is phenomal. She encourages us to be strong, independent and thrive in what ever we do. The small classes allow for extra help and attention. The Co-Curriculum program speaks for itself. If I had to sum up my Madeira experience I would say that Madeira has given me opportunities that I would have never experienced, like the friends and Co-Curriculum, as well as encourage me to find and develop what interest I may have. I would definately consider sending my daughter to Madeira!
--Submitted by a student

It was horrible. The school and headmaster claims to foster individuality and leadership: it does niether of these things. Complaints are ignored and the administration is very rude. Do not send your daughter here.