Madison Country Day School

The school is founded on the belief that every child has an extraordinary capacity to learn and that effort is generally more important than ability. Its mission is to inspire students to discover their capacity to learn and thrive in an evolving world by cultivating a challenging environment and a supportive community. The school is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, aiming to develop students who are balanced, open-minded, and engaged global citizens.

The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum across all divisions, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for early childhood and lower school students. The academic structure spans Early Childhood (Pre-K and Kindergarten), Lower School (Grades 1-4), Middle School (Grades 5-8), and High School (Grades 9-12). The curriculum emphasizes STEM, research, and design, with specialized opportunities for advanced study and interdisciplinary learning.

Graduates of Madison Country Day School are accepted into a wide range of colleges and universities, with 95% of graduates receiving college merit awards. The school reports an average ACT score of 29.6 over the past five years. Students are frequently recognized for their achievements in areas such as STEM competitions, musical theatre through the Jerry Awards, and orchestral concerto competitions.

The school provides student services and college counseling to support the academic and personal development of its students. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it integrates the IB Learner Profile into its character education program to foster internationally minded, principled, and reflective students. The school is committed to an equitable and affirming climate, ensuring that all members of the community are supported and valued.

Madison Country Day School welcomes applications for Pre-K through Grade 12. The admissions process includes a personalized campus tour for families with children aged 3 and older, while families with younger children are encouraged to attend Open Houses or Little Hawks Play and Learn sessions. The school offers a Tailored Tuition program to support socioeconomic diversity, with eligibility determined through a confidential application process via Clarity. Additionally, the Rising Hawk Scholarship is available as a merit-based award for new students entering grades 5-11 who demonstrate a strong work ethic and community involvement.

The school operates on a traditional academic calendar and offers a variety of summer programs, including the Summer Discovery camp for students entering Pre-K through Grade 7 and a Summer Research Academy for students entering grades 8-12. Summer sessions typically run in one-week increments from late June through July, with optional before- and after-camp care available. The Summer Research Academy is conducted in partnership with Edgewood College, providing students with access to college laboratories and libraries.

The school is situated on a 40-acre campus in Waunakee, Wisconsin, featuring diverse ecosystems that support outdoor learning, including hikes through the Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park. The campus includes classrooms, playgrounds, and a fieldhouse currently under development to enhance athletic and physical education facilities. Students have access to science, research, and STEM-focused spaces, and the school utilizes local partnerships, such as those with Edgewood College, to provide access to additional laboratories and libraries.

Students have access to over 30 student organizations and a range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, theatre productions, and music programs. The school emphasizes community building, with specific initiatives such as an 8th-grade community-building trip and student leadership roles in diversity, equity, and inclusion. After-school programs and various clubs are available to enhance the student experience outside the classroom.