At Madrona Independent School we teach differently.
WHERE BRIGHT, GIFTED MINDS THRIVE
At Madrona, we’ve created a joyful environment that nurtures the individual talents and potential of bright and gifted students. Our specialized programs embrace and celebrate each student’s strengths and support their challenges to help them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Every student's gifts are different – and while some are advanced in certain areas, they may need some extra support in others. Here are some traits of our learners:
Motivated:
Driven by intense passions or interests, these learners need an intellectually stimulating environment to engage them. They thrive when their passions are recognized and supported.
Resilient:
Facing difficulties can be discouraging for these learners, and they need opportunities to develop persistence and resilience in a trusted environment that encourages risk-taking. We support them in dealing with challenges and mistakes.
Sensitive:
A highly sensitive nervous system can enhance learning and memory, but also make everyday school life challenging for these learners. They are highly aware of changes in temperature, noise, light, or nuances of emotion. A calm, supportive environment with minimal overwhelming stimuli can help them thrive.
Twice-Exceptional (2E):
Gifted students who have an additional exceptionality – such as dyslexia, ADHD, learning disorders, ASD, or anxiety – need enriched educational opportunities that allow them to develop their gifts while receiving the necessary support for learning challenges.
OUR PROGRAMS
We implement a variety of specialized strategies designed to engage, challenge, and support your gifted learner at the appropriate level. This includes differentiated instruction within the classroom, where our expert educators tailor tasks to suit varying levels of ability and learning styles. We also offer opportunities for project-based learning, where your child can dive deep into subjects of interest, developing their research skills and passion for in-depth learning.
Primary | Kindergarten to Grade 3
Our youngest students learn in small, multi-age groups. This approach lets each child learn at their own pace with the individualized support they need. Above and beyond the BC Curriculum, we also focus on social-emotional learning, executive functioning, and a second language.
Every day is a mix of academics, creativity, downtime, and playtime to nurture their minds, social skills, and emotional well-being. Learning extends beyond the classroom walls with outdoor adventures and community explorations.
Intermediate | Grade 4 to 6
In Grades 4-6, we continue our focus on personalized learning. We teach Math and Language Arts in small, flexible groupings, letting students learn at their own speed and get the help they need. In addition to the BC curriculum, we offer specialized classes focused on real-world problem-solving using technology and innovation. We also teach important life skills like organization, planning, and time management.
Since learning shouldn't be stuck inside, we have day camps, community explorations, and nature-based activities to enhance your child’s educational experience.
Middle School | Grade 7-8
Our middle school program is all about personalized learning that challenges students academically. We dive deep into STEM, Humanities, French, and the Arts, helping kids develop essential skills in research, communication, ethics, and good citizenship. We also help them build executive functioning skills through career-focused training, covering resumes, interviews, and time management.
Service learning is one of our core values, and our middle schoolers get involved in community projects (think cleanups and student-led initiatives) to build empathy and a sense of social responsibility.
We work closely with families to make the high school transition smooth and to find programs that perfectly match each student's goals.
WHY MADRONA?
As Vancouver’s only school for gifted and twice-exceptional students, we believe success goes beyond academics. It’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to thrive in and out of the classroom.
Our mission is to empower your child to reach new heights in their academic, social, and emotional growth as they develop critical thinking skills and the confidence to pursue their passions. We combine challenging academics with a supportive environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests, engage in meaningful activities, and build lifelong friendships.
Madrona is a small community of neurodiverse kids, families, and educators. Our K - Grade 8 school excels in providing a nurturing and joyful environment for the education of bright and gifted students. In embracing and celebrating their unique qualities, Madrona provides a safe environment for neurodivergent and neurotypical kids to flex their strengths and prepare them for the bigger world.
WHERE BRIGHT, GIFTED MINDS THRIVE
Madrona School is Vancouver’s only co-ed independent school for bright, gifted and twice-exceptional K-8 students.
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