FAQs
What grades does your school cater to?
K - Grade 8
Does my child have to be designated gifted to attend Madrona?
No, however, we are a school for bright and gifted students, so all of our students have strengths in certain areas. The strength doesn't have to be an official designation, nor does it need to be in either Math or Language Arts. It could be that the student is very creative, artistic, kind, etc
Does my child have to have a psych ed before applying to Madrona?
No, a psycho-educational assessment is not required before applying to Madrona.
Do you offer one on one EA support for children at Madrona?
No, we have EA support for classrooms, but we do not offer one on one support.
What is your low student to educator ratio?
Our student-to-teacher ratio is mainly10:1. Additionally, many classrooms also have an educational assistant providing extra support.
What time does school start and end?
Monday to Thursday 8:40 - 3:30
Friday's 8:40 - 12:35
Do you offer before or after school care?
Yes, we offer both before and after school care. The cost for before school care is $200.00 per month, and after school care is $350.00 per month. If you choose both services, the total cost is $550.00 per month.
What are the times for before and after school care that you offer?
Before school care is offered from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM. After school care is available from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM on Fridays.
Do you offer any clubs?
Yes, we offer a variety of clubs each term. Some meet during lunchtime, while others are held after school. Examples include the Board Games Club, Dungeons & Dragons Club, Rainbow Club, Chess Club, Art Club, and more.
How long has Madrona been in operation?
Madrona has been around for approximately 30 years, having been established in 1993
Does Madrona follow the BC Curriculum?
Yes, Madrona follows the BC Curriculum. As a Group 2 independent school, we adhere to all provincial learning standards and requirements set by the BC Ministry of Education. Our curriculum is designed to align with these standards while offering additional enrichment opportunities to support diverse learning styles and needs.
What is included in the tuition? Are there additional fees?
Tuition generally covers all standard costs associated with attending Madrona. However, there may be occasional additional fees for certain activities, such as overnight field trips or special events, which are not included in the regular tuition.
What happens to my child after grade 8? What options are available?
Students complete their education at Madrona after grade 8 and typically move on to other private or independent schools, or mini school programs within the Vancouver School Board (VSB). We work closely with families to support this transition, and with our deep understanding of each student, we help guide parents in selecting the best fit for their child’s continued education.
What are your intake years?
Madrona offers ongoing enrollment throughout the year, subject to availability in each grade. We continuously accept new students as long as there is space, allowing for flexible entry points based on openings and the specific needs of each student.
Do you have an athletic program?
While we do not have a formal athletic program or dedicated facilities, we offer a robust Physical and Health Education (PHE) program and utilize our teachers' expertise to provide engaging opportunities. We frequently offer clubs such as Outdoor Club and Multi-Sport Clubs, which allow students to participate in a variety of physical activities and sports.
Do you offer financial assistance? What are the options?
Yes, we offer financial assistance options. For detailed information on our financial aid, please visit the financial aid section of our website. Additionally, parents may explore other financial support opportunities, such as disability tax credits and assistance through the Variety Club. These resources can provide further help in managing educational costs.
How do students travel to field trips?
We primarily use our own school bus for field trips, which was funded through a successful fundraiser supported generously by our parent community. Additionally, students may occasionally travel to field trips using public transportation, such as the bus or SkyTrain.
What sort of support do you have for gifted/advanced students?
What is the enrollment process?
To start the enrollment process, we recommend that families first book a phone call with our Admissions Advisor to discuss our school and its programs. After this initial conversation, please submit an inquiry form. Following that, you can attend a school tour or open house for a closer look at what we offer.
Finally, submit your application through our application portal. Please note that there is a non-refundable application fee of $350. Our Admissions team will review all applications, and families of shortlisted students will be contacted for an online interview. Additionally, Experience Days will be arranged for your child to spend a few days experiencing life at Madrona.
Do you accept children on the autism spectrum?
Yes, we accept children on the autism spectrum. At Madrona, we understand that bright and gifted students can also face additional challenges and may be diagnosed with exceptionalities such as dyslexia, ADHD, learning disorders, ASD, anxiety, and more. These students, known as twice-exceptional or 2e, may sometimes go undiagnosed if their high abilities obscure their challenges or if their challenges hinder their ability to demonstrate their exceptional skills.
I want to book a tour but there's not an option for my preferred tour time, what can I do?
If you want to book a tour but don’t see an option for your preferred time, please email admissions@madronaschool.com. We are flexible with tour scheduling and will be happy to set up a date and time that works for you.
Is there a way to pay for/subsidize tuition with the government ministry of education ASD funding?
Students with specific designations, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), may be eligible for government subsidies to help cover tuition costs. For detailed information on how to apply for these subsidies and how they may affect your tuition payments, we recommend consulting with an accountant or financial advisor who can provide guidance based on your specific situation.
No. The money that the government sets aside for certain designated students goes to the school. Please reach out to us for more information.