Madrona School

About

Madrona School is located at 2064 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 2B3. It is a small independent K–Grade 8 school that specializes in educating bright, gifted, and twice-exceptional (2e) learners in a joyful, safe environment, with a low student-to-educator ratio and an emphasis on personalized, non-traditional learning.

At a Glance

School type: Independent School (Vancouver)

Education language: Madrona provides instruction in a second language for all students from Kindergarten through Grade 8. The school also describes French as part of its Grade 7–8 academic program; however, the website text provided does not clearly state the core language(s) used to teach the full curriculum or name any immersion/bilingual program.

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: N/A

Phone: 604 499-7303

Email: jcamp@madronaschool.com

Principal: Jason Camp

Education Languages

Madrona provides instruction in a second language for all students from Kindergarten through Grade 8. The school also describes French as part of its Grade 7–8 academic program; however, the website text provided does not clearly state the core language(s) used to teach the full curriculum or name any immersion/bilingual program.

Programs and Services

"Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)" All students participate in a weekly SEL program, with themes introduced in assembly and discussed in the classroom. The school emphasizes building skills that support learning and positive contributions to the school environment. "Support for gifted, bright, and twice-exceptional (2e) learners" Madrona is designed for bright, gifted, and neurodiverse learners and highlights individualized instruction supported by low student-to-educator ratios, multi-age groupings, and flexible groupings (including for Mathematics and Language Arts in Grades 4–6). The school also references Individualized Education Plans and access to a school counsellor. "Nature-Based Learning / Outdoor learning" The school designs inquiry-based learning that extends beyond classrooms into local community settings, including outdoor and urban/natural environments. Students engage in outdoor learning experiences such as exploring nearby parks and attending day camps. "Learning in Depth (LiD)" Primary students participate in Learning in Depth, a research-based program created at Simon Fraser University, where students study an assigned topic across the year and develop expertise. "Applied Design, Skills & Technologies (ADST) and coding" Primary students learn the basics of coding and participate in ADST, and older students also have opportunities for project-based specialist classes connected to real-world technology use. "Physical and Health Education (PHE) and community-based experiences" Physical Education aims to support lifelong physical activity and includes regular field trips such as gymnastics and ice skating. The school also describes community-focused Physical and Health Education that supports physical health and mental wellbeing. "Service Learning" Grade 7 and 8 students have dedicated time for Service Learning, with student-led initiatives and community participation (such as neighbourhood clean-ups and the “Clean the Catch Basin” initiative). "High school transition support" In Grades 7–8, the school works with families to help students find high school programs that fit their needs, including liaising with mini-schools, alternative programs, and other independent schools.

School Culture and Expectations

Madrona describes itself as a nurturing, joyful community that is safe for neurodivergent and neurotypical students. The school’s stated values are kindness, integrity, respect, courage, curiosity, and service, and it emphasizes educating the “whole child” academically, socially, and emotionally. The program also highlights building executive functioning skills such as organization, self-regulation, planning, and time management.

Enrollment

Families are encouraged to book a school tour or open house before applying. The admissions process includes submitting an inquiry, applying through an application portal (with a non-refundable application fee of $350), application review, an interview for short-listed students, and “Experience Days” where a child spends time in the classroom before a final decision.