Madeira is a starting point for journeys of the mind that are, at the same time, journeys into the world
In 1906, Lucy Madeira founded her school with the belief that it is our duty and privilege to help young women to understand their changing world and to have the confidence to live lives of their own making, their own passions, their own dreams.
Our Mission
Launching women who change the world.
Our Vision
Leading innovation in girls' education.
Madeira's Community Values
Awareness of self and others
Compassion
Creativity
Intellectual curiosity
Integrity
Resilience
Madeira's History & Educational Philosophy
In 1906, Lucy Madeira Wing (1873-1960) founded a school “for the purpose of preparing girls for the leading women’s colleges.” In 1929, the school was incorporated as The Madeira School. Madeira relocated from Washington to the suburb of McLean, Virginia, in 1931.
At Madeira, we believe:
Learning is active and experiential, joyful and personal. Guided by caring, expert teachers who model the School’s values, students learn in various settings, from classroom to playing field, to dormitory, to congressional office. Working toward one’s personal best deepens the habits of mind that lead to lifelong learning. Learning is its own reward.
Learning results from an intentionally designed, innovative, developmental, ambitious and girl-centered curriculum, which builds critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills. Each student has the opportunity to study discrete disciplines as well as explore connections between and across disciplines and learning environments.
Learning’s purpose is not only for students to obtain the skills needed to thrive at college but also for students to understand themselves in relation to others, to be informed about their changing world, and to participate actively and confidently in life through leadership and service.
