Madison High School

Political correctness and AP classes seem to be the only things this school cares about. It's also a very cold atmosphere where us parent have no input. However, the sports are alright and while my daughter is struggling here, my son is doing well.
—Submitted by a parent

We hand picked Madison when we learned that we were moving to the area. I must say that all the hype is undeserved. Fairfax County schools, and Madison in particular, are focused exclusively on test scores. Students do not have to learn, simply regurgitate for the test and move on. Teachers are for the most part unimpressive and the school is dangerously overcrowded to the point where teachers are pushing carts from room to room because there aren't enough classrooms to go around. The administration is unresponsive at best. Teachers can choose whether or not to show daily announcements so students are uninformed. The course offerings are excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a freshman at Madison, and this is what, the second week of school. I must say that I have not been there long, but I love it. The teachers are tough,and overall great. Kids, sports, teachers are great. And trust me the school is lookin good after the renovations. :)
—Submitted by a student

Madison has proved to be a very tough school academically, although it's emphasis on AP classes is way too large. It's definately not an 'easy-A' type of school, you really have to work hard for the grades that you get. The music department is also incredible, they have a wonderful marching band and concert bands as well, although the emphasis placed on sports is crazy. From what I've seen of my daughter's school, it seems to be very much a 'preppy' school.
—Submitted by a parent

This small community school can offer much more to the promising students it serves if the administration would hire qualified teachers. Some of the academic classes are taught by teachers with little or no experience or training. The science department lacks equipment and supplies to meet today's technology and advances especially in the living sciences.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Madison all 4 years - she loved it. I have to say that she always did feel like a poor person in comparison to the other families in the area, but all-in-all she received a good education which prepared her for college in a safe environment. Thank you Madison HS.
—Submitted by a parent

A 'hometown' school, well supported by the community. Individual teacher quality varies. Only one out of four teachers of Honors classes for my ninth grader has gifted certification. Twice-exceptional children not well served. Principal not agreeable to providing supports to disabled children in Honors classes. One size fits all approach to meeting individual child's needs. Parents not encouraged to participate in planning successful IEP's. Little understanding or tolerance of individual differences and how they affect a child's ability to 'access' the curriculum. Teacher training optional. No accountability for qualifications of those who are in control of the curriculum. Adherence to Special Education regulations questionable.
—Submitted by a parent

Madison has some wonderful teachers, but the administration is a pain, very rigid, lots of dumb rules. Political correctness has a firm grip and forces kids to waste time doing silly things that prepare them for nothing.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe that the school is much better than many of the other schools in the area because of the enviroment the community gives the school. The school also has done a wonderful job of giving students a wide variety of electives, including Combating Intolerance, which has helped my class and I notice the problems that people have faced and face today, and is not just an easy A class.
—Submitted by a staff

For good or ill, the curriculum at this school tends to be skewed heavily toward Advanced Placement courses. Very few academic courses besides AP courses compliment the base math/science/english/history curriculum. For example, no British Literature elective, no Geography elective, no European History elective. College-bound students, in order to be competitive for top universities, must take AP courses, beginning in 10th grade. Not all counselors stress this fact to their students, much to my surprise. For ill to be sure, political correctness has made inroads into the curriculum. For as I point out that there is no Geography or European History electives in the social studies department, there is a course called 'Combating Intolerance.' Give me a break. For the athletically inclined, the school invests very heavily into its athletic teams.
—Submitted by a parent

We had 4 graduate from this school and each was given exceptional opportunities to learn through academic courses, clubs and sports. All 4 graduated from college and their only common complaint was that h.s. chemistry did not prepare them for college chem. Their mutual compliments go to the math and English departments--one of the kids took his degree in Applied Mathematics.
—Submitted by a parent