Madeira is an independent boarding and day school educating 340 girls in grades 9 through 12.
Our 376-acre campus is located 15 minutes from Washington, DC in McLean, Virginia.
Madeira's challenging academic programs and experiential learning opportunities, like the award winning Co-Curriculum internship program, cultivate women leaders who are ready to make positive impacts in their local and global communities.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 340 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $71,600
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $55,800
- Acceptance rate: 37%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Madeira School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 307 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Faculty Education
Student Test Scores
Student Test Scores
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12
9-12
Year Founded
1906
1909
Campus Size
376 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
340 students
300 students
% Students of Color
40%
25%
% International Students
15%
20%
% Students Boarding
51%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
10
17
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
91%
70%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$80 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$71,600
(Comprehensive Fee)
(Comprehensive Fee)
$59,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$55,800
(Comprehensive Fee)
(Comprehensive Fee)
$33,500
% Students on Financial Aid
37%
40%
Admissions
Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
37%
58%
Director of Admissions
Emily Reynolds
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
10
17
Courses
Art HistoryBiology
Calculus ABCalculus BC
Chemistry Comparative Government & Politics
English LanguageEnglish Literature
French LangaugeFrench Literature
Latin LiteratureLatin: Vergil
Physics BSpanish Language
Spanish LiteratureUS Government & Politics
US History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
19
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
39
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Arts CouncilAsian Club
Biodiesel Production ClubBlack Student Union
CampaignersChemistry Olympiad
Chinese Language & Culture ClubClassics Club
Community Service CommitteeCum Laude
Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)Innovation Club
Marine Biology ClubMental Health Awareness Club
Model UNMuslim Student Association
Neuroscience ClubNewspaper
Peer TutoringPetition Club
Pi-Landers Junior Math ClubPi-Landers Senior Math Club
Riding ClubScience and Engineering Club
Slam Poetry ClubSpanish Club
Student Diversity BoardStudent Government
ThespiansTV Talks Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Campus Entertainment Committee (CEC)Yoga
College Matriculation
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
University of Virginia
20
College of William and Mary
19
Syracuse University
10
The George Washington University
9
Carnegie Mellon University
8
Dickenson College
8
Cornell University
7
Boston University
6
Bucknell University
6
Colgate University
6
School Notes
- The campus, which overlooks the Potomac River from 376 scenic acres, is a place for study, play, and competition, home to superior academic, athletic, riding, and arts facilities. Sports facilities include a 32,000 square foot sports center with basketball and volleyball courts, indoor competition size pool, dance/aerobic studio, and strength and conditioning room. There are also eight hard-surface tennis courts, three playing fields, 49 stall barn, indoor riding arena, and extensive riding and hiking trails. The arts facilities includes a 500-seat proscenium theater, drama rehearsal space, scene shop, dance studios, private vocal and instrumental studios, and an art gallery.
- Madeira's curriculum is grounded in deep learning that crosses disciplines, connecting STEAM with the humanities, language with the arts, and classroom instruction with real-world experience. It's an innovative, rigorous, and girl-centric curriculum that builds critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
- Our personalized, college-like modular academic schedule incorporates three classes at a time during the day, with 7 mods per school year, allowing for more focus on ambitious learning and retention.
- Our renowned four-year internship program gives every Madeira student experience in a community organization, on Capitol Hill, and in a career interest or passion. Girls participate in immersive, 5-week internships, graduating with a solid resume that rivals that of college students. The unique grade-level objectives of the Co-Curriculum program progress from learning about identity and community during freshman and sophomore years to experiencing "real-life work" and leadership training during junior-year internships in Capitol Hill offices and student-selected internships during the girls` senior year.
- Our teachers are subject experts and scholars who bring creativity and innovation to the classroom, creating courses found only at Madeira.Small class sizes, which average 12 girls, and a low 4:1 student-faculty ratio, make learning highly interactive and collaborative.
- Our diverse student body, spring break trips, summer exchanges, and international "learnerships" build girls' cultural knowledge and understanding.
- Madeira has 13 inter-scholastic sports, including an equestrian team, as well as instruction in music, dance, film, visual and performing arts, which give students competitive and creative outlets.
- With Washington, D.C. is 15 minutes away, students take advantage of shopping in Georgetown, movies at Tysons Corner, and dim sum in Chinatown. The 20 other independent boarding and day schools (including all-boys and co-ed schools) nearby provide plenty of social opportunities on the weekends.
- The Madeira School accreditations: NAIS, VAIS, TABS,
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Katherine Graham - Publisher, Washington Post
- Mika Brzezinski - News Anchor
- Alice Rivlin - Former director, Office of Management and Budget
- Stockard Channing - Actress
- Brooke Astor - Philanthropist
- Francis Sternhagen - Actress
- School Motto: Festina Lente
- School Mascot: Snail
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Madeira School cost?
The Madeira School's tuition is approximately $71,600 for boarding students and $55,800 for day students.
What schools are The Madeira School often compared to?
The Madeira Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Foxcroft School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of The Madeira School?
The acceptance rate of The Madeira School is 37%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 58%.
Who are famous alumni from The Madeira School?
The Madeira School famous alumni include: Katherine Graham, Mika Brzezinski, Alice Rivlin, Stockard Channing, Brooke Astor and Francis Sternhagen.
What sports does The Madeira School offer?
The Madeira School offers 19 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Diving, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Riding, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Volleyball and Winter Track.
Does The Madeira School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Madeira School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is The Madeira School's ranking?
The Madeira School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percent faculty with advanced degrees, High average SAT scores and High SSAT scores.
When is the application deadline for The Madeira School?
The application deadline for The Madeira School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Madeira has a Co-curriculum program which allows students to take 5 weeks and immerse themselves in an internship. Sophomore year is about community service, Junior year is about citizenship, and Senior year is about career. . .
Of course, the two most obvious aspects of Madeira that set the school apart are the single-sex education, and the co-curriculum program. Learning with a group of all girls takes the competitiveness out of education. . .
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: The Madeira School vs. Foxcroft School
People that viewed The Madeira School also viewed these schools: Foxcroft School, Chatham Hall, Garrison Forest School, Grier School and Miss Porter's School.
The nearest boarding school to The Madeira School is Georgetown Preparatory School (8.1 miles away)
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