A happy place

TYPICALLY, A SCHOOL IS KNOWN FOR RIGOROUS ACADEMICS OR A HAPPY, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY. MADEIRA ENJOYS THE RARE POSITION AS A SCHOOL WITH BOTH STRONG ACADEMICS AND A WONDERFUL COMMUNITY.

Donna Balinkie, Kalix Marketing Strategy Lead

Independent market research identifies Madeira’s unique positioning

Kalix’s research included 94 in-depth, one-on-one telephone interviews among prospective families, accepted families that chose not to enroll, current families, feeder school leaders, and education consultants.

“Madeira has an enviable reputation,” notes Donna Balinkie, Kalix Marketing Strategy Lead. “Typically, a school is known for rigorous academics OR a happy, supportive community. Madeira enjoys the rare position as a school with BOTH strong academics AND a wonderful community.”

Balinkie continues, “Along with the DC location and its ‘happy campus’ atmosphere, the Mod schedule reinforces Madeira’s unique reputation for creating a school known for high academics while balancing the level of stress and pressure so often found in other top academic schools.”

Lifestyle factors growing in importance for school selection

While academics is still the #1 criteria for families in choosing a school, there have been some shifts since the pandemic. “Lifestyle and personal characteristics, such as overall fit, a welcoming community, personalized attention, and sense of community, are more important than ever and high on the decision-making list,” according to Balinkie. “Madeira is ideally positioned to appeal to families seeking both a rigorous program and a warm and welcoming environment.”

Madeira students concurred on the welcoming sense they feel from our supportive community. “Madeira is more than a beautiful campus and great classes. It’s that feeling of welcome and support, knowing your community has your back,” shares Keenan Parker ’20.

So how does Madeira achieve this unique combination?

Miss Madeira’s values are the core

Part of the answer ties back to the foundation set by Miss Madeira in 1906 with her belief that it is our duty and privilege to help young women understand their changing world and to have the confidence to live lives of their own making, to find their passions, and to achieve their dreams.

A key piece of Miss Madeira’s vision was the idea of every girl achieving her “personal best.” To this day, Madeira has maintained the tradition of embracing the accomplishments of each student without ranking or awarding honors to individuals. Within this environment, students lift each other up and celebrate the achievements of their peers.

Guiding each student to achieve her personal best involves both individualized support and formal programming.