Who Should Apply?
Madrona specializes in the education of gifted and bright student, many of whom are also neurodiverse. A formal gifted designation is not required for admission. While some families may have a psychological assessment that identifies giftedness or learning differences, many children show strong potential in ways that are not always captured through testing or labels.
We welcome students and families who feel that Madrona is the right fit for them—academically, socially, and emotionally. Our admissions process is rooted in getting to know each child as a whole learner, ensuring alignment between a student’s needs, strengths, and the supportive learning environment Madrona provides.
Gifted Traits
Do you recognize some of these traits in your child? If so, Madrona School may be a great fit for them.
COGNITIVE
Interest in problem-solving and applying concepts
Intellectual curiosity
Diversity of interests and abilities
Power of critical thinking, skepticism, self-criticism
Voracious and early reader
CREATIVE
Creativeness and inventiveness
Keen sense of humour
Independence in attitude and social behaviour
Self-acceptance and unconcern for social norms
Aesthetic and moral commitment to self-selected work
AFFECTIVE
Unusual emotional depth and intensity
High expectations of self and others, often leading to feelings of frustration
Easily wounded, need for emotional support
Need for consistency between abstract values and personal actions
BEHAVIOURAL
Intensely focused on passions—resists changing activities when engrossed in own interests
Constantly questions
Insatiable curiosity
High levels of frustration -particularly when having difficulty meeting standards of performance