My DD attends Madeira and is a Junior. She is in a very academically rigorous program. She is taking four APs. The stand out thing about Madeira is their co-curriculum program. They have amazing opportunities to participate in five weeks/full time in community service (sophomore), work on the Hill alongside senators and congressman/woman (junior) and engage work in a area of their passion or interest (senior). As far as I am aware about 1/4 of the seniors this year were accepted ED, several to Ivys. Though I agree with a prior responder who said this is not the primary focus of the school. They very much are assisting girls in finding the "best fit" not the "best." We have been happy with the modular schedule and the diversity of activities and opportunities available.

I thought Madeira was quite diverse when my DD was there, certainly more so than my DSs wealthy public school. There are quite a few international students (many from Asia), as well as boarders from other parts of the country. Her friend group was more than 50% non wasp (including my DD who is white, but not asp).

The admissions office can provide you with diversity stats.

My daughter ended up at Potomac but I was very very impressed with Madeira. Very classy place and though we didn't go there, it did seem to focus on the whole girl. At the end of the day, DD decided she didn't want an all female school.

We have acquaintances with a daughter there. Socially, she has always been a little quirky. Back in the day when I was young and mean, she probably would have been classified as kind of a dorky kid. She doesn't listen to popular music or do the stereotypical teen things. She's more into opera and not into clothes, makeup, sports, etc. That's great for her and she's been happy there.

I'm sure there are other girls who are the opposite with different interests, just like any other place.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People who send their kids there love it, but it's not a complete experience. Athletics there are a complete joke.

That's not true. Swimming and equestrian are excellent.

LOL.

My DD has a friend who is there now. She LOVES it! She is not white but, I don't want to out her but, she really enjoys the academics and loves living there. Go visit and see for yourself

Anonymous wrote:We live in northern VA - thought about having DD apply to Madeira and it's merit scholarship - assume the latter is quite hard to get - but upon looking at college acceptances and NMSF stats in the past, I was not as impressed as I thought.

Any feedback on the level of academic rigor/challenge there? Also, looking at the videos/photos on the website - there were zero south asians with some east asians and some AA girls. Is this a very WASP school?

If you look at any of the privates in this area, none have a truly impressive list of colleges. Every single one is on par with a decent public so if you choose private, you need to do so for the experience that it will afford.

Yes, Maderia has some diversity. You actually need to visit to see it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People who send their kids there love it, but it's not a complete experience. Athletics there are a complete joke.

That's not true. Swimming and equestrian are excellent.

+1

Anonymous wrote:People who send their kids there love it, but it's not a complete experience. Athletics there are a complete joke.

That's not true. Swimming and equestrian are excellent.

Anonymous wrote:People who send their kids there love it, but it's not a complete experience. Athletics there are a complete joke.

Why is it not a "complete experience?"

Friends of ours sent their daughter there. She was very into horses and riding. Went on to UVA.

Anonymous wrote:We live in northern VA - thought about having DD apply to Madeira and it's merit scholarship - assume the latter is quite hard to get - but upon looking at college acceptances and NMSF stats in the past, I was not as impressed as I thought.

Any feedback on the level of academic rigor/challenge there? Also, looking at the videos/photos on the website - there were zero south asians with some east asians and some AA girls. Is this a very WASP school?

Our neighbors in Vienna sent their South Asian daughter to Madeira. She didn't get into TJ and they were very vocal that they would not send her to Marshall (which they said in front of other parents with kids at GCM).

People who send their kids there love it, but it's not a complete experience. Athletics there are a complete joke.

As a school, the focus is on the whole girl. Plenty of high flying academic types, but you don't have to be a superstar to find your place there. I would not describe he student population as WASPy now.

We live in northern VA - thought about having DD apply to Madeira and it's merit scholarship - assume the latter is quite hard to get - but upon looking at college acceptances and NMSF stats in the past, I was not as impressed as I thought.

Any feedback on the level of academic rigor/challenge there? Also, looking at the videos/photos on the website - there were zero south asians with some east asians and some AA girls. Is this a very WASP school?