Madrona School Society was established in 1993 as a non-profit independent school with charity status. Our school is unique because we offer a challenging academic program that children find particularly enjoyable and motivating because it is project based. Our small, supportive environment brings out the best in bright, curious, and often sensitive, students. Our dedicated teachers take the time to get to know each child as an individual, and design assignments based on interest, as well as learning style.  No two students have the exact same program. For example, the entire class might be given an assignment about ancient cultures, but the criteria for each child’s project will be different.  Many of our projects are collaborative. Group projects are common in high school, and we want our students to be ready. Having the necessary communication skills for good teamwork is not only important for high school, it is important for future employment and personal relationships.  We all know bright, highly educated adults who don’t have the social skills to work as part of a team, so this is a top priority at Madrona.

And of course, critical and creative thinking are important skills that our teachers work on in all areas of the curriculum. Our student body tends to be highly verbal children who love to discuss and debate, and always have a different way of looking at things. We have fascinating discussions each day.

Why are students and families happy at Madrona?

One-on-one Attention

We offer a very small class size, and also have wonderful volunteers from UBC and SFU who assist the teacher. Our high teacher student ratio is ideal for learning. The one-on-one attention makes a big difference.

Bully Prevention

Madrona screens students for behaviour problems to ensure a motivated, co-operative class that enjoys learning. Students are closely supervised at all times. This keeps stress to a minimum and learning to a maximum. Some of our students felt excluded and socially isolated in public school. At Madrona, the class is more like a big family. Teaching the students good social skills is a top priority.

Individual Programs

Our individual programs allow students to work ahead in subjects in which they excel, yet offer plenty of extra help in areas of difficulty. Many of our students have tested as gifted, but have mild written output learning disabilities. Our project-based curriculum gives students lots of opportunities to choose areas of study and demonstrate verbal strength. Self-esteem goes up immediately when students excel academically.

Challenging Academic Program

Madrona follows BC Ministry of Education curriculum requirements. We also offer plenty of enrichment, including fabulous field trips every month. Our goal is to prepare students to be successful in any high school program that they choose to attend. Visit our testimonials page to learn how our programs have helped students with a wide range of abilities.

Convenience

Madrona is centrally located on Vancouver's west side. We are a block from Broadway and Arbutus, meaning we are less than 15 minutes from most any Vancouver neighbourhood. We are located on the 10th Avenue bike route, and have a bike rack in front.

Are you unhappy with the education your child is receiving at school? Maybe your child’s learning style just doesn’t match his/her school’s approach to teaching. Madrona students are excited to go to school each day. Our project based philosophy is so motivating and stimulating, that children who often under-achieve in a traditional classroom turn into high-achievers with us. Now is the time to prepare your child for high school success in our positive learning environment. We still have a few remaining spaces for students in grades 4 to 7. Your child is welcome to attend Madrona for a day or two to see if it is a good fit, with no obligation. Just fill out the application form and he/she can visit this week! Because our program is so unique, we have students from a variety of neighbourhoods. Many live near the school, but others come from Surrey, Richmond, East Vancouver, Yaletown, Kerrisdale, Dunbar, Mackenzie Heights, and the UBC area.