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Transcript of Inside Madeira
Inside MadeiraA Guide for Prospective Students and Their Parents
MADEIRA GIRLS have something
to say
”“
Thank you for your interest in Madeira. We realize that selecting a school is a major
decision — one that will affect the rest of your life. Madeira provides girls with both
academic challenge and an environment that fosters independence of thought and
action. It is our goal that students emerge from their time at Madeira with confidence
and conviction, with something to say.
Your Madeira experience will have many dimensions. It begins with getting to know us
and completing the application process, and continues through learning what it’s like to
be a first-year student and ultimately preparing for life after Madeira. We hope this guide
will provide you with some insight into how Madeira works and what you can expect
throughout your experience. We also encourage you to visit www.madeira.org for more
information about many aspects of the school. What’s the best way to truly understand
the Madeira that we, and our 6,000 alumnae, know and love? Come visit! You are always
welcome here, and we look forward to meeting you.
MADEIRA GIRLS have something
to say“”
Table of Contents
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 1
Our Mission 2
Our Profile 2
Arranging a Visit—Timing and Process 3
What a Day and a Week Look Like—A Snapshot 4–5
What a Year Looks Like—The Calendar 6
Resources and Facilities 7–8
Guidance and Support Offerings 9
Athletic Options 10
Clubs and Activities 11
Dorm Life 12
The Academic Program 13–17
Co-Curriculum—Why and How it Works 18–19
Life after Madeira 20–21
Applying for Admission 22–23
Tuition and Financial Aid 24–27
Our Mission
Our Profile
The mission of The Madeira School was clearly envisioned by founder Lucy Madeira in 1906. She believed that
it was both our duty and our privilege to help young women to understand their changing world and to have
the confidence to live lives that are of their own making, their own passions, their own dreams.
At The Madeira School, we believe that the most effective and ethical leaders for tomorrow, whether academic,
artistic, athletic, political, social, or professional will be those possessing a clear sense of self, of community,
and the world, as well as a strong commitment to lifelong learning and social service.
Madeira provides a rich and varied community that appreciates the distinctive social, emotional, and academic
needs of young women. In our commitment to the mission of Lucy Madeira, we strive to empower and encourage
the Madeira student to explore her interests, develop her abilities, act with self-confidence and compassion,
and assume responsibility for her actions in the global community.
• One of the country’s leading boarding and day programs for girls in ninth to twelfth grades
• Educating 300 girls from throughout the United States and abroad in an academically rigorous college
preparatory program
• Nationally recognized Co-Curriculum Program of weekly internship opportunities
• Located on a 376-acre wooded campus 12 miles from Washington, DC; campus includes 34 buildings,
48 classrooms
• 100% of our students attend college
• Average class size: 12
• Our students take an average of 200 Advanced Placement exams a year, 70% of whom earn a score of 4 or better
• 20% of Madeira girls receive financial aid
• 13 sports teams; 65% of all girls play on at least one team
• 33% students of color; 13% international students; 55% boarding and 45% day
• 43 faculty members (34 with master’s degree or higher)
2 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
Arranging a Visit—Timing and ProcessThere are many opportunities to visit Madeira. You can arrange your visit simply by calling our Admission Office
at 703.556.8273. Your interview and tour can be scheduled on most days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday)
that school is in session. Tours and interviews are scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Please allow two
hours for your tour and interview. A class visit may be scheduled on Tuesday or Thursday when school is in ses-
sion. For more details on the school calendar, including days when school would not be in session, please see the
calendar section of the website.
We encourage all applicants to attend an Open House program (see schedule below). Boarding applicants often
choose to return the next day for their interview and class visit.
The Admissions CalendarPlease use this calendar as a guide for planning your application process.
September and October: Attend an Admissions Open House
Schedule your campus visit and interview
Submit your application
Register for November, December, or January SSAT
November: Begin to distribute the required recommendation and
transcript release forms to your current school, and submit your application
as soon as it is complete
December: Check the status of your application on the Madeira website
Follow up with your current school as needed
January: Submit your application by January 31
February: Submit all Financial Aid material by February 15
March: Admissions decision letters mailed
April: Accepted student enrollment decisions due
Visit www.madeira.org/admissions for more information on visiting campus and forupdated calendar information.
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 3
A SnapshotIt is difficult to convey how much occurs in a day or a week at Madeira. From classes and Co-Curriculum projects
to a range of athletic events and outings, it all makes for an intense but fulfilling schedule.
A typical weekday begins with breakfast served in the Dining Hall between 7:00 and 7:45 a.m. Depending on
your grade level, you may be expected to sign-in at breakfast. Classes begin at 7:50 a.m. and conclude by
4:00 p.m. every day. But the day is hardly over here. After classes, you will practice with your team, meet with
your piano instructor, ride your horse, take after-school PE, or confer with your teacher. Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m.
(seniors get to come to dinner at 5:30 p.m.!), and by 6:30 you will be studying in the dorm, attending a
student government or other student group meeting, working on the yearbook, or attending a musical
Soiree. Boarders check-in at their dorm at 7:30 p.m., and then depending on your grade level you might
attend Study Hall. You are back in your dorm at 10:00 p.m., and for an hour you can visit with friends until
lights out at 11 p.m. (for ninth and tenth graders—upperclasswomen do not have lights out).
There is no typical weekend, either! On Friday night, school busettes take boarders to the mall or a play—or
girls stay on campus for karaoke in the Student Center. Saturday morning is very quiet, as most girls like to
sleep in or study, and Bessie’s brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon, you will study,
or take a trip to DC for skating on the Mall, visit a museum, or attend a sporting event at one of the area’s
other boarding schools. There is something planned every Saturday evening, and day girls often come back
to campus for these events—a mixer, a party at a faculty member’s home, a play at the Kennedy Center, or
movies and popcorn in the dorm. On Sunday morning, and throughout the weekend, school busettes take
girls to religious services, and then on Sunday afternoon, there is another outing to Washington or to a cultural
event. Throughout the weekend, when girls are finished with homework, campus adults are driving busettes
full of girls to the mall, on Target runs, and on trips to “downtown” McLean!
What a Day and a Week Look Like
4 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
Weekly HighlightsOn Mondays and Thursdays, girls attend an All School
Meeting featuring a special speaker or general school
announcements. Wednesdays are Co-Curriculum days,
allowing every Madeira girl to explore the real world
via study, internships, and community service (see
Page 18 for more information). Athletic contests are
usually scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Friday
evening girls begin their weekends, which may include
sleeping at the home of a day girl or inviting her to
stay with you.
How do the schedules of day students and boarders
fit together?
During the school week, you can hardly tell the difference
between day and boarding girls. Day girls are visiting
with boarders in their rooms, or both boarding and
day girls are working in the library or visiting in the
Student Center. In the evening, day girls often stop by
the Dining Hall for dinner after a game, practice, or
other activity. Once Study Hall begins, things quiet
down considerably, and while day girls are invited to
attend Study Hall whenever they would like (indeed,
are required to attend if they are still on campus)
many go home at that point.
What do the weekends feel like at Madeira?
Weekends really begin on Friday evening, with busettes
of boarding and day girls taking off in many different
directions to take advantage of the various activities
the Washington, DC area holds. The House Adults
plan a wide range of activities every weekend,
including a variety of co-ed activities, athletic events,
cultural outings, and regularly scheduled trips to
shopping malls and movies. Girls take advantage of
what the city has to offer, including performances at
the Kennedy Center, ice skating on the Mall, exhibits
at the Smithsonian, and professional sporting events.
Some boarding girls also spend the weekend at the
home of a day girl friend. Most Madeira girls will do
some homework during the weekend.
How much freedom do boarding students have in
terms of leaving the campus?
Madeira has a parent-based permissions policy
designed with three goals in mind: 1) your safety;
2) teaching the importance of planning ahead and
budgeting time accordingly; 3) teaching the necessity
of making appropriate choices. Parents decide with
whom you may leave the campus, where you are
allowed to go, and how you are to get there. The
school takes every necessary step to ensure your safety
while allowing you to explore the Washington, DC
cultural opportunities and to gain considerable
independence in the process.
Does Madeira hold chapel services? What about
moral and ethical education?
Madeira is a secular school and does not promote the
religious beliefs of any one denomination or faith, nor
does it hold chapel services. Girls are encouraged to
attend religious services of their own choosing at area
churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses
of worship.
Madeira fully supports and values personal beliefs.
The Dean of Students Office is responsible for a yearly
curriculum that focuses on ethical and moral growth.
All School assemblies, select advisor meetings, and
informal seminars deal with the life issues facing young
adults of today. The goal of the program is to help girls
make educated and responsible decisions.
Madeira ninth graders take an Ethics course as part of
their Co-Curriculum experience.
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 5
What a Year Looks LikeThe CalendarThe following is a general overview of the Madeira school year. For specific details, please check the online
calendar at www.madeira.org.
August: New and returning students arrive for orientation: Labor Day weekend
September: Opening convocation: Tuesday after Labor Day
Classes begin Wednesday after Labor Day
October: Parents’ Weekend: Friday–Saturday of Columbus Day weekend
No classes on Monday and Tuesday of that weekend
International Week: Monday of week containing October 24
Halloween: October 31—a special class schedule is set for Halloween parade
November: Fall Play: first weekend in November
Thanksgiving Break: begins the Friday before Thanksgiving
Classes resume the Tuesday following Thanksgiving
December: Winterfest: Thursdays before mid-term exams
Mid-term exams: four days preceding the Friday before Christmas
Winter Break: Friday before Christmas to following New Year’s Day
January: Martin Luther King Jr. weekend: No classes on Monday of this weekend
February: Parents’ Weekend II—College Counseling: Saturday before Presidents’ weekend
Winter Weekend: No classes Friday or Monday of Presidents’ weekend
March: Spring Break: A two-week vacation that begins on the second Friday in March
May: Graduation: Saturday of Memorial Day weekend
June: Last day of exams: generally two weeks after graduation
6 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
Resources and FacilitiesIt Starts with a Superior FacultyMadeira’s superior academic reputation is a consequence of com-
mitted students and an equally committed and experienced faculty.
Your teachers at Madeira, who teach in an environment where the
average class size is 12 students, will be on the sidelines at your field
hockey game, attend your play, perhaps serve as your House Adult,
and join you for Wednesday Seated Dinner. Adult involvement with
nonacademic activities on campus ensures that you will be known
both in and outside the classroom.
Access to the Nation’s CapitalJust fifteen minutes from the political center of the United States,
Madeira is situated so girls are able to access all that Washington DC
has to offer. In addition to frequent visits to Washington for your
Co-Curriculum placement, you and your friends will have the oppor-
tunity to go into the city to visit museums such as the Smithsonian
Institution, attend theatrical and musical performances at the Kennedy
Center and other venues, dine out and shop in Georgetown, or visit
the other landmarks, including the White House, Supreme Court,
and world-renowned National Zoo.
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 7
A Campus Equal to Many CollegesMadeira’s 376-acre campus has as much space and resources per student as many colleges. The 46 classrooms
are housed principally in three spaces: Schoolhouse I, a traditional classroom building; the Science Building,
which includes fully equipped research and photo labs; and the newly renovated Schoolhouse II, which features
the expanded Academic Skills Center and a 100-seat theatre-style classroom. The Art Building/Studio has facilities
for painting, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramics. Performing arts courses are held in the Auditorium, which
consists of a 500-seat theater with professional lighting and scene shop, voice and instrument practice rooms,
rehearsal space, a costume room, the art gallery, and one of two dance studios. All physical education classes
and athletics are housed in the Hurd Sports Center. The entire campus operates on a fiber-optic-based computer
network, with a broad complement of services designed to facilitate communications and information gathering,
including wireless Internet service in most classroom buildings and all dormitories. There are more than 75
networked PC and Macintosh computers on campus accessible to all students.
Some of Madeira’s other resources:• The Student Center/Dining Hall was expanded and renovated in 2004, and includes a 300-seat dining hall,
as well as a large student center with pool table, flat-screen TV, sound equipment, and plenty of comfy
chairs and tables. The basement includes a bookstore, mailroom, and lockers for the day girls.
• The Huffington Library was converted from the old gymnasium and includes 20,000 volumes, computer stations
for student use, and the school’s archive collection.
• The Hurd Sports Center features an Olympic-sized indoor pool, basketball and volleyball courts, aerobic and
weight training rooms, a dance studio, locker rooms, and the athletic training office.
• Gaines Hall is home to Madeira’s riding program, and includes an impressive indoor riding arena, adjacent to
stable facilities and two outdoor riding rings.
Life at Madeira also revolves around the six dormitories, each housing 25–30 girls and a House Adult.
The Health Center is a 21-bed facility, and nearly 40 adults live in faculty housing throughout the campus.
Our 376 acres along a ridge high above the Potomac Gorge basin includes three playing fields, an outdoor
natural amphitheater, tennis courts, riding trails, and a ropes and outdoor education course.
8 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
Guidance and Support Offerings
The Counseling CenterThe counseling program at Madeira is one of several
resources available to help our students adjust to changes
they go through during adolescence. Any student or
parent is encouraged to seek out the counselor
regarding personal, social, or emotional concerns. The
counseling office, located in “The Den” under North
Dorm, is open during the day and after school.
PEERSPEERS stands for “People Engaging in Empathy, Respect,
and Support.” This student group is an extension of the
preventative counseling service at Madeira. Selected
students are trained to provide support and health
information to their peers on campus. The 14 juniors
and seniors who are selected receive intensive training,
which includes talks by visiting experts on such issues as
stress management, nutrition, substance abuse, depres-
sion, grief, and eating disorders.
The Health CenterFor both minor illnesses and emergency care, registered
nurses are on duty 24 hours a day in the Health Center,
our modern, 21-bed infirmary. A physician is always on
call in case of emergencies, and a professional counselor
is available should you experience difficulties that affect
your performance or development. The counselor works
directly with students and also offers campus-wide
programs in the form of speakers, seminars, and work-
shops on adolescent health topics.
Other Academic andEmotional Support Services• Peer tutoring
• The Writing Center
• Health & Wellness Workshops
• Skills Center (an academic counseling center)
• Conference time with teachers
• Two academic counselors
• Study skills (9th grade Co-Curriculum course)
• Writing/Research (9th grade Co-Curriculum course)
Every Madeira student has access to a range of guidance and support offerings beginning with an advisor who
serves as your academic counselor, advocate, and mentor. You will have a weekly meeting with your advisor group,
and you will sit with your advisor at the Monday and Thursday All School Meetings. Many girls also drop by to visit
with their advisors more frequently, just to check in. Your advisor will be in the loop on your academic progress and
will update your parents periodically on your academic, social, and extracurricular activities.
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 9
Madeira offers you a number of options to play on a
team and compete on an interscholastic basis. More than
65 percent of our girls are part of one or more Madeira JV
or varsity teams, who compete with other independent
and public schools in field hockey, soccer, tennis, volley-
ball, basketball, squash, lacrosse, softball, cross-country,
swimming, diving, riding, track and field, and dance. If
you do not compete interscholastically, you can take
a physical education class in a subject like Pilates, yoga,
or modern dance.
In the fall we offer cross-country, field hockey (varsity
and JV), volleyball (varsity and JV), soccer (varsity and
JV), and tennis (varsity and JV).
In the winter we offer basketball (varsity and JV), swim
and dive, winter soccer, and squash (varsity and JV).
In the spring we offer lacrosse (varsity and JV), softball
(varsity and JV), tennis (varsity and JV), and track and
field. We also offer riding and dance all three seasons.
Riding at Madeira Madeira is nationally known for its riding program.
A variety of equestrian activities are offered to riders
of all experience levels. Hunt seat equitation, basic
dressage, principles of cross-country riding, and show-
manship are integral elements of the program. Riding
classes are open to all Madeira students, and classes
emphasize both position and correct use of aids on
the flat and over fences. Students enrolled in the program
are scheduled to ride three times a week. Additional
riding opportunities occur on weekends and during
free periods when horses are available. Riders may
enroll for the year or for an individual trimester. Riders
receive a PE activity credit per trimester. To board a
horse or participate on the riding team, girls must be
enrolled in the riding program.
Riders may also participate in an interscholastic show
series that offers classes for every level. Madeira hosts
several schooling shows, clinics, and other special
events during the school year. Our students also com-
pete in A-level shows, local shows, combined training
events, and dressage shows.
May I board my horse?
Arrangements may be made for girls to board their
own horses, whether for show or pleasure, and to
continue to pursue their equestrian preferences. You
do not, however, need to own a horse to participate
in the riding program. The 40-stall barn houses more
than 35 school horses with the remaining stalls available
for boarding. To board a horse, you must be enrolled
in the riding program.
Athletic Options
10 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
Student Governmentand Leadership OpportunitiesStudent government is integral to the Madeira community. Leadership
opportunities exist for girls in all grade levels. Both boarding and day
students elect representatives to a variety of positions each year. Lead-
ership positions include:
Student Heads of School
Class Presidents and Officers
Heads and Assistant Heads of House
PEERS
Head of STARs
Heads of the Education and Social Committees
Members of Judiciary
Team Captains
Ambassadors
Clubs and ActivitiesMadeira offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. There
are clubs and organizations for every interest, and students never
hesitate to start a new group when common interests exist. The
following sample represents the range of Madeira’s student groups.
Animal Rights Club
Arts Club
Amnesty International
French Club
Food Critics Club
Junior Statesmen of America
Latin Club
Black Student Union
Community Service Club
FOCUS
Asian Student Alliance
Math Team
TRANS (Teenagers Rising Above Stereotypes)
MESA (Madeira EnvironmentalStudents Association)
PEERS (People Engaging in Empathy, Respect, and Support)
Riding Club
Gay/Straight Alliance
Thespians
Dance
Model United Nations
GLAM (Girls Leading and Motivating)
Student Diversity Club
Muslim Student Association
Spectator (student newspaper)
TraditionsRed/White Teams: Each girl is assigned to a
team at the beginning of her life here at Madeira.
Throughout the year there are special dress days
and other competitions to compete for red and
white points.
The Oval: considered a sacred space at the heart
of the Madeira campus. Girls are allowed to sit on,
attend classes, or meet in the middle of the Oval.
They are not allowed to walk across the Oval.
Senior Bell: located in Main. Only seniors are allowed
to pull the rope and ring the bell.
100 Days: a celebration honoring seniors when they
have only 100 days left in their Madeira career. They
are honored at a special school assembly and
process into the Chapel/Auditorium wearing white.
Founder’s Day: a surprise celebration, announced
on a spring morning, when classes are cancelled
and a day of fun, games, and festival food follows.
Affirmation: a ceremony the evening before
graduation when seniors perform a special skill
or talent for the community.
13 Red Roses/White Dresses: On graduation, seniors
process with 13 red roses to commemorate the 13
girls in the first class in 1906.
Halloween Parade: a hilarious display of girls and
teachers in Halloween costumes, led by our Dean
of Students and master of ceremonies.
Thanksgiving Assembly: a celebration where girls
are invited to share before the entire community
that for which they are thankful.
Ice Cream/Strawberries: something we eat
whenever we can to honor Miss Madeira’s
favorite food.
Junior/Senior: a celebration held in the spring,
planned by the Junior class, to honor the senior class.
Be sure to check the Madeirawebsite to see any of thesecelebrations in action.
Sample List of Clubs
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 11
A Home Away from HomeThe six dormitories at Madeira accommodate about 25
students each. Most boarders have roommates and
many continue to live with that roommate each year.
Each school year every dorm elects several leaders,
including Head of House and Assistant Head of House,
who organize dorm duties and activities. These students,
plus another Student Government member, form a
House Council that works closely with the House Adults
to establish dorm rules, keep the dorm safe and comfort-
able, and act as friends and mentors to others. Each
dorm also has trained student counselors to work with
students who need support.
There are many adults who also play a leadership role
in the dormitory. Every evening, and all weekend, one
adult is “on-duty” to make sure that girls are checked in
and out, but also to be around to help with anything that
may arise. The House Adult lives in an apartment in the
dormitory. Several other adults serve as “external house
adults” who sleep in the dormitory on the nights they are
on duty, and help with “lights out” and other matters.
Every dorm also has its own technology center, called a
CyberPod, that is linked to the campus network. Many
students have laptop computers that can access the
Internet through wireless transmitters. These transmitters
are turned off during specific evening hours.
Girls also spend time in the student lounge, a space where
they can watch TV or movies, eat pizza or popcorn, play
games, or just hang out. Dorms also have a telephone
on every floor which girls may use to call home. Many
girls have cell phones, which they may use in specially
designated locations throughout the campus and in
the dorms.
Free Time and WeekendsThe best thing about weekends at Madeira is that you
design them to suit your interests. There are a variety of
activities to choose from both on and off campus. Girls
are heading off campus to any number of activities:
• the new Washington Nationals baseball team atRFK Stadium
• Baltimore Harbor Cruise
• U.S. Naval Academy Mixer
• shows at the Kennedy Center
• tours of the Smithsonian Institution museums
• trips to the area malls, other shopping areas, or the movies
• mixers and other activities at local boys’ schools
• ice-skating on the Washington Mall
• concerts
On Campus• movies on the Oval
• concerts
• karaoke night
• Sophomore Shakespeare Festival
• Fall and Winter play
• Soirees and performing arts concerts
• dorm-sponsored activities
• annual “finals break” campus-wide scavenger hunt
• CityDance recitals
• Beeches block party (at faculty houses at The Beeches)
Dorm Life
12 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
Madeira’s curriculum is rigorous, broad, and inclusive.
It follows a classic canon and offers multicultural expo-
sure. Our graduation requirements coincide with the
entrance expectations of the most selective colleges
and universities in the United States: a minimum of four
years of English, three years of mathematics, the third
level of a foreign language, two years of history, two
years of science, and one year in the arts. Ninety-five
percent of recent graduates finished four years of math
and three years of science, and almost all students
exceed the requirements in at least two other disciplines.
In choosing courses, you are carefully guided by your
faculty advisor, the department heads, and the Aca-
demic Dean.
Girls in ninth and tenth grade can expect fifteen hours
of homework a week, and girls in higher grades, partic-
ularly when taking AP courses, can expect more. This
academic expectation, coupled with the demands of
the Co-Curriculum Program, are best suited for girls
who excel academically.
Eight Categories of Study,Over 100 Courses to Choose FromAll courses are listed in the academic section of the
website, as is the CV of every faculty member.
English
English is central to the Madeira curriculum and to
many careers. Personal and professional success in life
often depends on the ability to communicate well,
orally and on paper. Madeira girls spend their time here
learning to read sensitively and analytically, to express
their ideas in writing logically and lucidly, and perhaps
most importantly to share those ideas with others in
informal classes. All English courses help girls develop
analytical writing skills through frequent essays, vocab-
ulary exercises, and grammar drills. The first two years
in particular emphasize acquisition of correct grammar
and syntax. Students also develop research skills,
present oral reports, dramatize scenes from plays, and
experiment with their own poetry and fiction.
Madeira requires the successful completion of four years
of English, including both semesters of the senior year.
COURSES
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE/COMPOSITION
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TRANSITIONS
ENGLISH FUNDAMENTALS
ENGLISH I
ENGLISH II
ENGLISH III
ENGLISH IV (examples of electives: The American Mosaic; Philos-
ophy and Literature; In Another Country - Modern Literature from
Outside North America and Europe; Shakespeare in Love; Human
Quest—From Creation to Redemption; Creative Writing; Songs
of Ourselves)
AP ENGLISH IV
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 13
The Academic Program
World LanguageThe study of World Language is an essential part of a
Madeira education. The World Language Department
offers a variety of courses in each of three languages:
French, Latin, and Spanish. Students are encouraged
to consider studying two of the three languages offered
at Madeira. Language students participate in national
competitions each year, and the department frequently
sponsors trips to France, Italy, and Spain.
Madeira requires the successful completion of three
years of language taken at Madeira.
COURSES
FRENCH I
FRENCH II
FRENCH III
FRENCH III/LITERATURE
FRENCH IV
AP FRENCH LITERATURE
AP FRENCH LANGUAGE
LATIN I
LATIN II
LATIN III
LATIN IV
AP LATIN
SPANISH I
SPANISH II
SPANISH III
SPANISH III/LITERATURE
SPANISH IV
AP SPANISH LANGUAGE
AP SPANISH LITERATURE
HistoryUnderstanding History is essential to preparing ourselves
for what lies ahead. Madeira’s History Department offers
courses in both Western and non-Western history, in
early and modern periods, in history and related social
studies. Goals of each course emphasize efficient reading
of texts and primary and interpretive sources, effective
oral presentation, and confident use of maps, tables,
graphs, and other nonverbal data. Internet resources are
used in each course. The development of strong writing
skills is a priority in the department.
Madeira requires the successful completion of two
years of History taken at Madeira.
COURSES
MODERN WORLD HISTORY
U.S. HISTORY
AP U.S. HISTORY
COMPARATIVE RELIGION
ASIAN CIVILIZATION: TRADITION AND CHANGE
CULTURES IN MOTION: THE MIDDLE EAST
CULTURES IN MOTION: AFRICA AND LATIN AMERICA
HUMAN RIGHTS
CIVIL RIGHTS
CHINESE CIVILIZATION AND LANGUAGE
ANCIENT HISTORY
HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
FROM KITCHENS TO CONGRESS: WOMEN’S HISTORY
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
AP U.S. GOVERNMENT
AP COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT
14 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
MathematicsMathematics is the language of our scientific, techno-
logical world and an important tool in our study of the
traditionally nonmathematical humanities. The Math
Department offers a variety of courses, advises students
on appropriate selection, and encourages students to
take mathematics courses during each of their four
years of high school. Since students enter Madeira with
different backgrounds, strengths, and interests, we offer
courses so that each girl can move through the curriculum
at a pace that best suits her.
Madeira requires the successful completion of three
years of Math taken at Madeira.
COURSES
ALGEBRA I
GEOMETRY
ALGEBRA II
ADVANCED GEOMETRY
ALGEBRA II/TRIGONOMETRY
FUNCTIONS AND TRIGONOMETRY
PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
PRECALCULUS
DISCRETE MATH
AP CALCULUS AB
AP CALCULUS BC
ScienceThe study of Science is a vital step in the development
of intellectual curiosity and analytical thinking. It is the
philosophy of Madeira’s Science Department that students
be exposed to each of the three sciences: biology,
chemistry, and physics. Biology is a skill-oriented program
designed to teach students to hypothesize, draw
conclusions, and express ideas. In Chemistry, students
develop sophisticated problem-solving skills, and in
Physics students further hone those skills and their
underlying analytical capabilities. The laboratory
aspect of science is emphasized in all courses.
Madeira requires the successful completion of two
years of Science taken at Madeira.
COURSES
BIOLOGY
CONCEPTUAL CHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY
PHYSICS WITH GEOMETRY
PHYSICS WITH TRIGONOMETRY
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
AP BIOLOGY
AP CHEMISTRY
ADVANCED PHYSICS
AP PHYSICS
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOETHICS
FORENSIC SCIENCE
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 15
Visual ArtsThe goals of the Visual Arts Department are for students
to develop a visual vocabulary, visual problem-solving
skills, technical understanding and practice, and awareness
of the world of art making, artists, and contemporary
visual art careers. In all studio art courses, students are
exposed to a wide variety of styles and media through
films, slides, guest artists, and field trips to Washington-
area galleries and museums.
Madeira students must meet a one-year graduation
requirement in the Performing Arts or Visual Arts
Department.
COURSES
FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN
CERAMICS STUDIO
SCULPTURE STUDIO
DRAWING STUDIO
PRINTING
PORTFOLIO STUDIO
AP STUDIO ART
ART HISTORY SURVEY/AP Optional
YEARBOOK AND PUBLICATIONS
PHOTOGRAPHY
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY
PAINTING STUDIO
Performing ArtsThe Performing Arts at Madeira provide alternative ways
for students to view their ever-changing world. The
Performing Arts Department comprises vocal and
instrumental music, dance, and theater arts. Students
are taught effective communication skills and the value
of persistence from process to product. The Theater
program offers comprehensive courses in acting, directing,
playwriting, and technical theater. The Music program
provides a variety of performance and nonperformance
opportunities in both instrumental and vocal music.
The Dance program is rooted in traditional and nontradi-
tional dance forms from around the world. All dance
courses are taught by members of CityDance, a
professional Washington, DC dance company.
Madeira students must meet a one-year graduation
requirement in the Performing Arts or Visual Arts
Department.
COURSES
ACTING I
DIRECTING
TECHNICAL THEATER
DANCING AROUND THE WORLD
DANCE FITNESS
DANCE COMPANY I AND II
MADRIGALS
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
PRIVATE MUSIC INSTRUCTION
ACTING II
CHOREOGRAPHY COMPOSITION FOR THE NON-DANCER
KINESIOLOGY AND ITS RELATION TO MOVEMENT
MADEIRA SINGERS
16 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
Earning Advanced Placement CreditAdvanced Placement (AP) courses in all subject areas
are an option for students who have met the appropriate
prerequisites, although girls must apply to enroll in an
AP course. AP courses are usually taken in the junior
and senior year. These courses prepare you to take the
College Board AP Examinations given nationally every
spring. Some colleges award credit or advanced
standing to students achieving scores of three or above.
Madeira students have a strong record of achievement
on these exams. Our students take an average of 200
exams a year, 70 percent of which earn a score of four
or higher. More than 50 percent of Madeira girls taking
APs receive scores of four and five. Because of the
extensive preparation girls receive in Madeira classes,
many girls choose to take AP exams for courses not
provided here (for example, AP English Language or AP
Environmental Science). Madeira offers AP study in the
following:
ENGLISH LITERATURE
U.S. HISTORY
U.S. GOVERNMENT
COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT
EUROPEAN HISTORY
LATIN
FRENCH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
SPANISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
CALCULUS AB AND BC
BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
PHYSICS
ART HISTORY
STUDIO ART
Physical Education
Physical Education is essential to a healthy lifestyle
and to the development of life skills such as confidence,
persistence, and discipline. The Physical Education
program at Madeira allows students to choose among
junior varsity and varsity-level interscholastic competition
and noncompetitive individual pursuits. Madeira competes
locally within the Independent School League. Girls who
elect individual pursuits take physical education classes
three times per week or participate in aquatics, dance,
riding, Pilates, or yoga.
All students must earn 12 trimesters of activity credits
for graduation. Six of these credits must be in the
PE/sports category.
COURSES
PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS
Interscholastic Sports:
Cross-country, Field Hockey, Riding, Soccer, Volleyball, Tennis,
Basketball, Squash, Swimming and Diving, Lacrosse, Softball,
and Track and Field
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 17
Beyond the Classroom—Freshman YearThe ninth grade program focuses on study skills, and
leadership and life-management skills (financial literacy,
public speaking). In the autumn, every Wednesday you
will take classes in study skills, a writing workshop, and
ethics. Afternoons will be spent at Outdoor Adventure,
Madeira’s on-campus outdoor learning center. You will
explore leadership skills, develop environmental aware-
ness, and learn group cooperation through rock climbing,
rappelling, ropes and initiatives, and canoeing and
kayaking. All freshmen will try horseback riding, too.
In the winter, you will take a couple of classes such
as Writing/Research and Health and Wellness, and
participate in field trips to area museums such as the
National Museum of American Indians; National Gallery
of Art East Wing; Mount Vernon (a tradition for every
Madeira ninth grader since the days of Miss Madeira);
and the Kennedy Center. After Spring Break, you will
participate in a new rotation of morning classes in
public speaking, financial literacy, and exploration of
the arts. Your afternoons are again devoted to Outdoor
Adventure, Madeira’s leadership development program.
Service to Your Community—Sophomore YearThe sophomore Co-Curriculum Program gives you
the opportunity to give back, by volunteering every
Wednesday in off-campus community service organiza-
tions including schools, soup kitchens, hospitals, and
nursing homes. In the spring of your freshman year
you will attend a Volunteer Internship Information Fair
to review the options. Throughout your volunteer
commitment, you are supervised by a professional staff
member experienced in working with student volunteers.
Sophomore Volunteer ExamplesColumbia Hospital for Women
DC Central Food Kitchen
Fillmore Arts Center
Garden Family and Child Center
Children’s Hospital
Martha’s Table
Sibley Memorial Hospital
Tyler Elementary School
Hebrew Home (nursing home)
Co-Curriculum—Why and How It WorksMadeira’s Co-Curriculum Program is a nationally recognized experiential learning program that lets you integrate real-
world learning and experiences into your academic journey via internships and community service. The program takes
advantage of the diverse business, government, and institutional environment that the Washington, DC area offers.
18 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
Capitol Hill Internships—Junior YearJuniors spend Wednesdays on Capitol Hill as interns in
the offices of Senators and Representatives. Students
are well-integrated into the congressional workplace. They
respond to constituent requests and correspondence,
research legislative inquiries, answer phones, and welcome
visitors. Many attend committee hearings, watch debates
on the House or Senate floor, give tours of the Capitol,
and attend Congressional Research Service training
sessions. Depending on the needs of their sponsoring
office, Madeira students might develop their own year-
long project.
The Junior Co-Curriculum Program complements the
required course in U.S. History and the elective AP
Government and Politics course. In addition, all juniors
take a course titled Public Affairs, which is designed to
augment their work in congressional offices by stressing
current events and the structure of American politics.
This course often meets during lunch on Wednesdays
while girls are on Capitol Hill.
Exploring Your Interests—Senior YearThe Senior Co-Curriculum Program enables you to
pursue an internship that reflects your personal interests
and aptitudes. Many seniors use the Co-Curriculum as
an opportunity to experiment with a possible career,
while others explore a potential college major.
During the course registration process, seniors meet
with the Director of the Co-Curriculum Program to
discuss their internship options, using a catalog of possible
internship placements. Madeira has established a wide
range of partner organizations to consider. With advice
and encouragement from the Director of the Co-Curriculum
Program, students are expected to write their own cover
letters and resumes, and to arrange their own interviews
with selected organizations. In addition to counseling
each student in her work experience and requiring regular
reports, the Director conducts site visits of students’
placements and receives an evaluation from each student’s
supervisor twice a year.
Internships are not limited to existing organizations.
In recent years Madeira students have effectively cre-
ated their own internships by creating new initiatives,
ranging from a food and clothing distribution program
to a radio program.
A Sampling of Recent Placements Amnesty International
Arena Stage
Fox News
George Washington University
Habitat for Humanity
National Geographic Society
National Institute of Health (NIH)
National Organization of Women (NOW)
The Hirshhorn Museum
The National Zoo
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 19
Madeira is a life-defining journey that will leave you with enduring friendships and a thorough preparation for
college and career. In addition to preparing you academically, Madeira also provides you and your parents
with the support and guidance you need to make the best college choices.
College counseling at Madeira is a step-by-step approach that in some ways begins the day you arrive. The
College Counseling Office and the Academic Office will help you select classes which will meet your college
objectives. In February you and your parents will be invited to a day-long Parents’ Weekend II program focused
on the college admissions process. As a sophomore, your job continues to be working hard in your classes and
taking the most challenging courses that are right for you. You will also meet with the college counselors several
times. In January of your junior year, the College Counseling Office offers workshops on the college admissions
process. You and your parents then meet individually with a college counselor to discuss your senior curriculum,
educational goals, and college plans. From researching schools in the college counseling resource room to requesting
applications and teacher recommendations, the College Counseling Office is there to help you along the way.
Madeira’s academic program prepares you well for the standardized tests expected of college applicants. Sopho-
mores and juniors take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), gaining experience in test-taking and
learning what areas of vocabulary, reading comprehension, written usage, and mathematics need strengthening.
College VisitsEvery fall, representatives from colleges and universities nationwide visit Madeira to discuss their schools and
meet interested students. We encourage you to visit colleges and schedule interviews the summer between
your junior and senior years and during the fall of your senior year.
Life after Madeira
20 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
MADEIRA GIRLS have something
to say“”
American University
Arizona State University
Auburn University
Babson College
Barnard College
Bates College
Boston College
Boston University
Brown University
Bryn Mawr College
Carleton University (Canada)
Carnegie Mellon University
Claremont McKenna College
Clemson University
Colgate University
College of the Holy Cross
College of William and Mary
College of Wooster
Columbia University
Connecticut College
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Davidson College
Dickinson College
Duke University
East Carolina University
Emory University
Fordham University
Franklin College (Switzerland)
Franklin & Marshall College
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Ithaca College
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Kenyon College
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Louisiana State University
Loyola Marymount University
Mary Washington College
Michigan State University
Middlebury College
New York University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College
Occidental College
Oxford College of Emory University
Pennsylvania State University
Pitzer College
Princeton University
Reed College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rhodes College
St. John’s College
St. Lawrence University
Sarah Lawrence College
Skidmore College
Smith College
Soka University
Southern Methodist University
Spelman College
Stanford University
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
Trinity College (CT)
Tufts University
U.S. Air Force Academy
University of Arizona
University of Chicago
University of Colorado/Boulder
University of Maryland/College Park
University of Miami
University of Michigan/Ann Arbor
University of Montana
University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina/Wilmington
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of St. Andrews
University of Tampa
University of the South
University of Virginia
University of Washington
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University
Washington University in St. Louis
Wellesley College
Wheaton College (IL)
Williams College
Yale University
Colleges That Have Accepted Recent GraduatesThis list of schools accepting recent Madeira graduates suggests the broad range of options we encourage students
to consider. Fifty-five percent of the graduating class will attend their first choice college. The College Counseling
Office hosts more than 100 visits by college representatives each fall.
Visit www.madeira.org/academic/collegecounseling.asp for more information aboutMadeira’s college counseling program.
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 21
The ProcessCandidates for admission need to complete
their admissions files by January 31st in order
to be considered for the early March notification
date. Those who apply after that date will be
considered under a rolling admission policy;
when an applicant’s file is complete, it will go
before the Admissions Committee.
A candidate for admission may apply to be
either a boarding or day student. This status is
expected to remain the same during her years
at Madeira. Changes are granted only under
unusual circumstances. Candidates are encour-
aged to discuss these options with the Admis-
sion Office prior to completing an application.
Candidates for admission should complete the
application and return it to the School with
the nonrefundable application fee.
Applying for AdmissionThe process of applying to Madeira is straightforward but detailed. What follows will give you a sense of it, but we
encourage you to visit www.madeira.org for the most current information regarding deadlines, tuition, course offer-
ings, and other material reviewed in this booklet. There is also no substitute for one-on-one conversation, so please
use the space here to jot down your questions and give the Admission Office a call at 703.556.8273.
The following items must also be completed to be
considered for admission:
1. Confidential School Recommendation, to be returned to the
Admission Office by the principal, placement director, or guidance
counselor of the candidate’s present school. The candidate’s transcript
(record of grades and test scores for at least the previous academic
year) and current grades should be attached to this form.
2. Two Teacher Recommendations, to be completed and returned
to the Admission Office by the candidate’s current math teacher
and current English teacher.
3. Student Statement—an essay to be completed by the candidate.
The essay may be typed or handwritten.
4. Parent Statement—a questionnaire to be completed by the appli-
cant’s parents or legal guardian.
5. Admissions Testing—Secondary School Admissions Test: Applicants
are required to take the upper level SSAT during the year of application.
An SSAT Student Registration Brochure containing information about
deadlines and registration procedures is available from the Admission
Office. We strongly advise taking the SSAT in November, December, or
January. Candidates should indicate on their registration form that
their SSAT scores should be reported to Madeira; our School Code
is 4768.
6. Interviews—An interview is required for every applicant. We strongly
recommend that every candidate for admission visit the school while
classes are in session. However, an interview by telephone can be
arranged for those who cannot visit the School because of distance or
other factors. Interviews may be scheduled during the week between
9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; visits are not scheduled for Wednesdays,
because most students are off campus at their Co-Curriculum place-
ments. Appointments should be made in advance, and visits usually
last about two hours. Candidates and their parents are given a tour
by a student guide and then talk with an admissions officer.
7. Application and application fee
22 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
When will I receive the forms I need to complete my file?
All the forms necessary to complete your admission
file are enclosed in this packet or can be found at
www.madeira.org.
How important is an interview and campus visit?
Very. We look forward to meeting with you and your
family and knowing what you’re looking for in a new
school. Remember also that you’re choosing a school
for the next two to four years. You owe it to yourself
to see the campus, talk to current students, and visit
classes.
Do you have a “cut-off” for testing scores?
No. We accept many students who have very strong
test scores. We also accept students with more modest
scores who have determination, good study habits, good
grades, and are self-motivated.
How will I know when the required materials have
been received and my application file is complete?
All applicants have the ability to check the status of
their file at www.madeira.org. To do this, go to the
Admissions section of the Madeira website, register
as an applicant, and determine a password, which will
then allow you to check back on the status of your
application.
Am I less likely to be admitted if I need financial aid?
Absolutely not. Admission at Madeira is “need-blind”
(i.e. the Admissions Committee is not aware of a
family’s financial status when making admissions
decisions). All financial aid decisions are confidential.
If English is not my primary language, may I still be
considered for admission?
Yes. Madeira has an advanced English as a Second
Language Program (ESL). You will be required to
submit SSAT scores as part of your admissions file.
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 23
Tuition and Financial AidOur CommitmentMore families every year are exploring better options
for their daughter’s secondary education. Some families
are reallocating some of their education savings to
apply to these critical high school years. The impor -
tance of better college preparation as well as the long-
term benefits in self-esteem and confidence that
success at school brings have become high priorities.
With this in mind, we are committed to making a
Madeira education financially possible for each quali-
fied applicant.
Money Well SpentParents of Madeira students know that whatever they
are paying for their daughter’s education is money well
spent. One father said, “I couldn’t have spent my money
in a better way. The personal qualities of the teachers
and the combination of the academics, Co-Curriculum,
and extracurriculars have more than lived up to our
expectations. Madeira has made the difference!”
Put Yourself in the ContinuumA good way to think about affording a Madeira educa-
tion is to find out where you as a family fit on the
financial continuum. Do you need financial options?
Would a loan be helpful? Will you need help from
Madeira in the form of a grant? What will it take for
you to be able to afford a Madeira education for your
daughter? We are committed to making this education
available to all our families regardless of where they are
on the continuum.
Financial Aid GrantsAny family may apply for a financial grant. You should not
hesitate to consider Madeira because you are concerned
about cost or think you may not qualify for assistance. A
grant is a gift of money applied to your daughter’s tuition.
It has no repayment requirements. Annually, over 20
percent of Madeira students receive grants. The average
grant for boarding students is $21,141, and for day
students it is $8,650. The Board of Trustees makes every
effort to increase the financial aid budget yearly, allowing
the needs of even more families to be met.
Qualifying for Financial AidParents should not automatically assume that because
of their income they will not qualify for a need-based
grant. The incomes of families receiving aid go up to
$150,000. The following criteria are considered when
determining need:
• Salary
• Investments and investment income
• Parent’s retirement needs
• Child support
• Social Security benefits
• Home equity
• Family size
• Number of children in fee-charging institutions
• Cost of living
All financial information shared with Madeira remains
confidential and is used for the sole purpose of this
evaluation process. Although Madeira’s Financial Assis-
tance budget is large (in excess of $1.4 million), there
are usually insufficient funds to meet the needs of all
qualified applicants. Therefore it is important to meet
the filing deadline of February 1.
24 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
How are grants determined?
All financial aid grants are based solely on demonstrated
need. Simply stated, need is the difference between
what the school determines your contribution as parents
should be (based on analysis of your financial circum-
stances) and tuition.
How are parental contribution and need
determined?
School and Student Services (SSS), upon receiving
your Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS), will analyze your
information and send Madeira your Report of Family
Contribution (RFC). Decisions concerning admissions
and financial assistance are made separately. Applying
for financial aid has absolutely no impact on a candi-
date’s application for admission. After admission,
Madeira’s Financial Aid Committee reviews all your
material. We take into account the number and ages
of your children, your ages (for purposes of estimating
retirement needs), other educational expenses, addi-
tional dependents, all sources of income, your priority
of spending, and debts and expenses such as number
and ages of cars, club memberships, travel, and other
obligations. In the case of divorced or separated
parents, Madeira considers the assets of both natural
parents, if living. Therefore, it is necessary for each
biological parent to complete a PFS. A thorough
analysis of all of your documents by the Financial
Aid Committee will determine what your contribution
should be. We then take the amount of tuition, consider
other additional expenses, and subtract your contribution.
The remainder is your demonstrated need.
Tuition – Family Contribution =Demonstrated Need
What should I do to apply for a grant?
If you wish to be considered for a grant, these are the
four steps you should take:
1. Check the appropriate box on your daughter’s
application form. The Admission Office will then
send you the Financial Aid forms you need
beginning in November.
2. Submit a Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) to
School and Student Services (SSS) in Princeton,
New Jersey, by FEBRUARY 1.
3. Submit a Madeira School Financial Aid Grant
Request Form to Madeira by FEBRUARY 15.
4. Submit your current and previous year’s Internal
Revenue Service Form 1040, all schedules, and W-2
form(s) to Madeira by FEBRUARY 15.
Financial aid renewal procedure
Financial aid award renewals are based on continued
demonstrated need, but consideration is also given to
the student’s good citizenship, academic progress, and
extracurricular contributions.
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 25
% of students receivinggrants in each income range
17%
11%
35%
4%
6%
9%
18%
Range ofparent contribution
$0–7,800
$500–11,000
$500–15,000
$10,500–14,500
$13,500–20,000
$16,000–24,000
$18,500–27,000
Family income ofstudents receiving grants
$0–20,000
$21,000–40,000
$41,000–60,000
$61,000–80,000
$81,000–100,000
$101,000–120,000
Over $121,000
An Explanation about Price and CostThe CostCost refers to what the school pays to provide education.
Teachers’ salaries, education equipment, and building
maintenance are examples of goods and services
included in cost. Revenue from tuition covers only
approximately 65 percent of the total cost of educating
a Madeira student. The remainder is paid through
endowment income and gifts to the school.
The Comprehensive FeeMadeira has one price that includes tuition, room, and
board for residents or tuition and meals for day girls;
transportation to Co-Curriculum jobs and interscholastic
athletic events; and most other fees. This price is the
Comprehensive Fee. For the current years’ fees, please
check the Madeira website. Textbooks are purchased sepa-
rately and cost approximately $750 per year. There are
instructional fees for optional classes.
Optional Instruction Fees(These fees change every year. Ask the Admission
Office for an updated fee schedule.)
Driver’s Education $300 range
Photography $30-$50 per semester
Riding Instruction
1st Trimester $1,300
2nd Trimester $900
3rd Trimester $700
Piano Instruction $350-$675
Voice Instruction $350-$675
Off-Campus Squash TBD
ESL Instruction $2,750 per year
Madeira’s Standard Payment ScheduleThe standard payment schedule requires that families
pay 10 percent of the tuition as a registration fee, 55
percent by June 30, and the remaining 35 percent by
December 1 with no interest charge.
The Ten-Month Payment PlanFamilies who participate in FACTS Tuition Management
can pay tuition for one year in ten equal monthly pay-
ments. There is a $38 application fee for the plan but
no interest charge on the payments. These payments
do not include the initial 10 percent deposit due with
the enrollment contract.
Madeira’s Loan PlanYou may borrow between $1,000 and $10,000 a year
for each year your daughter is enrolled at Madeira. Pay-
ments are completed six years after she leaves Madeira.
Interest-only payments are made while your daughter
is in college. The rate of interest is fixed at 7 percent.
Loan funds are limited, so apply early.
Tuition InsuranceBecause Madeira must commit itself to operating costs
based on anticipated enrollment, refunds cannot be
granted for delayed entrance, absence, withdrawal, or
dismissal. Madeira urges parents to consider the Tuition
Refund Plan offered by A.W.G. Dewar Company of
Boston. Details of this plan, as well as information about
accident and sickness insurance, are mailed to parents
or are available upon request from the Business Office.
26 • Inside Madeira www.madeira.org
Payment of ChargesMonthly statements of student charges are sent to
parents for such items as books, testing supplies, and
charges for some off-campus events. Optional fees,
such as photography course fees, are billed at the
beginning of the year. Other optional fees, such as
riding instruction and music lessons, are billed at the
beginning of each semester or as charges accrue.
These fees are not refundable.
Parents should discuss with their daughter a reasonable
limit for discretionary charges. Statements are payable
when presented, and a late-payment charge of 1.5 percent
per month is applied to accounts overdue 30 days or more.
Another Thought to ConsiderDid you know that a relative can pay tuition fees (room
and board is not included) for your daughter without
being subject to normal gift taxes? IRS regulations allow
an individual to pay fees directly to the school on
behalf of another person, and not have that “gift” subject
to normal gift taxes. This is an excellent financial planning
option, particularly for grandparents who are looking
to transfer assets from their taxable estate. The IRS
requires that only tuition fees may be paid, that pay-
ment must be made directly to the school to be eligible,
and that the gift is not considered a charitable contri-
bution. Please contact the Director of Admissions if
you are interested in more information.
A Final WordAlthough we believe strongly that you as parents are
primarily responsible for paying for your daughter’s
education at Madeira, we will work very hard to provide
you with the ways and the means to do it.
Questions? Please feel free to contact the Admission Office at
703.556.8273. We look forward to assisting you in
any way we can.
www.madeira.org Inside Madeira • 27