Madrona School

Madrona School Society is a not-for-profit independent school located in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a focus on gifted education. Subjects are taught in small groups based on students' ability levels. On average, the student-teacher ratio is between 6:1 and 14:1.[1][2] Currently, the school offers Kindergarten through Grade 9.

Madrona School (Vancouver, BC)
Madrona School Society in May 2017
Address
2040/2050/2070 West 10th Avenue

Vancouver
,
British Columbia
,
V6J 2B3

Canada
Coordinates49°15′45″N 123°9′6″W
Information
GradesK-9
LanguageEnglish
Websitewww.madronaschool.com

History

Madrona was established in 1993 in the Arbutus Walk area of Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood. In 2002, it moved to the Fairview neighbourhood. It moved a second time in 2008, back to Arbutus Walk. In September 2012, Madrona opened its Primary Annex (Kindergarten to Grade 3) at 2678 West Broadway, a location shared with Pear Tree Education. Madrona left 2678 West Broadway in June 2016. It divided its students between two campuses, Madrona West, located at 2040/2050 West 10th (Kindergarten to Grade 5), and Madrona Downtown, located at 530 Hornby Street (Grades 6 to 10). Madrona Downtown later closed, and Madrona West has been expanded into neighboring 2070 West 10th.

Governance

The Madrona School Society Board of Directors has the authority and responsibility to supervise the management of the affairs of the Society to ensure its continued well-being. The Board oversees the strategy, the budget and financial controls, and sets the overarching policies for the operation and control of the school.[3]

Madrona West Campus

The Madrona West campus is located in Kitsilano, at 2040/2050/2070 West 10th Avenue. This campus houses Kindergarten to Grade 9 (Formerly K-5 before Downtown Campus closed.). A recent 2019 renovation included connecting 2040 and 2050, interior work, and a brand new Administration building, in 2070 (purchased in renovation).

Madrona Downtown Campus

Madrona's previous sister campus location was downtown, at 530 Hornby Street. The Madrona Downtown campus housed Grades 6 to 10. It was sold around 2016, but there are no online records.

Approach to Learning

Madrona's uniquely low ratio of child per educator allows staff to really get to know the students and their families. Madrona puts a strong emphasis on feelings of safety and security so that students feel they are heard and understood. Students are grouped based on their readiness, interest, learning style, and social-emotional skills. This means children can work at varying grade levels in different subjects. Some may accelerate in some areas while needing extra help in others. Teaching methods and subject matter are diverse to suit the unique interests of the student body. Yoga, computer programming, photography, math, music, textiles, and media literacy might all be part of a child's education in a given week. Madrona uses technology to enhance children's learning experiences. Students are provided with tablets for research and writing, and teachers integrate Smart Boards in classroom instruction. As a result, children become technologically savvy learners, come to see digital devices as tools rather than toys, and learn how to use online spaces safely and effectively.[4] Madrona seeks to foster a child-centered learning environment. Students are encouraged to follow their interests and grow into a sense of responsibility and active participation in their education.[5] Madrona focuses on building student autonomy in learning.[6]

Curriculum

Madrona is a Group 2 independent school. It delivers the BC curriculum focusing on the new curriculum in particular. "Essential learning, literacy and numeracy foundations, and core competencies are the base of [the] new curriculum. All three contribute to deeper learning."[7] In addition to the regular curriculum, students study current events, art, music, and drama,[8] and take part in an interdisciplinary technology program covering subjects such as digital art and photography, computer programming, textiles, outdoor education, robotics, and web application development.[9]

Sports

Madrona is yet to have a BC School Sports certified team, However they are eligible (for some sports) An issue is the lack of a gym, which eliminates the possibility for many sports such as Basketball or Volleyball. Although there is no sports team they have participated in several Track & Field contests in recent years, and have had several talented young athletes learn at Madrona. Madrona students get Physical Education class twice weekly in which they often go to Connaught Park, where they frequently play sports such as US Football and Soccer, Students also play there during there lunch break.

Notable People

References
  1. http://madronaschool.com/commitments-to-learning/
  2. http://www.ourkids.net/school/madrona-school-society-vancouver/605
  3. "Board Of Directors - Madrona School". Madrona School. Retrieved 2018-01-31.
  4. "Commitments to Learning - Madrona School". Madrona School. Retrieved 2018-01-31.
  5. ourkids.net. "Madrona School Society - Vancouver Private School". www.ourkids.net. Retrieved 2018-01-31.
  6. http://www.ourkids.net/school/madrona-school-society-vancouver/605
  7. "New Curriculum Info | Building Student Success - BC's New Curriculum". curriculum.gov.bc.ca. Retrieved 2018-01-31.
  8. http://madronaschool.com/intermediate-program/
  9. http://madronaschool.com/interdisciplinary-technology-program/
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