Two of my children attended and graduated from Mount Madonna School. This institution is truly exceptional, offering students a comprehensive and well-rounded worldview. It provides individualized support across all subject areas, ensuring that each student receives the guidance they need to succeed. Graduates leave with the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to excel in both higher education and in life. read more

Eighteen years ago, I was invited to attend Mount Madonna's Class of 2003 High School Graduation. Five seniors graduated in that class and at their commencement ceremony, each gave an inspiring, well articulated speech about their personal life story. I don't remember their specific stories, but one spoke about overcoming difficult adversity and others about their gratitude for their teachers, friends and time at the school. I do strongly remember the way I felt. I was inspired and amazed by the maturity of these young people and awed at the head start I felt they had in their lives. I turned to my wife after the ceremony and proclaimed that no matter what, our child(ren) would go to school here. My first daughter had just been born six or so weeks prior, and like any new father I wanted to provide her with as many opportunities to grow, be enriched and hopefully to be as inspiring as the high school seniors I had just witnessed. Fast forward to 2021; in just a few weeks, my daughter will be one of the new graduating seniors from Mount Madonna School. Her studies began in kindergarten with the most loving teachers you could imagine. Not only did their care, kindness and compassion for each student shine through, these teachers also began my daughter's journey by making school fun. They engaged her imagination and curiosity and stimulated her desire to learn. Through each grade at Mount Madonna, this foundation has been built on, expanded and developed. Yes, she's learned to read, write, do arithmetic, but it's her mindfulness, emotional readiness, compassion, and the strong relationships with fellow students and teachers that will last throughout her life. Yes, as parents we've made personal sacrifices to afford to send her to this school. Yes, it's a small school and they can't offer every sport or foreign language as some bigger schools can. Mount Madonna excels in supporting what interests the student, as well as offering a tremendous (often under-appreciated) unique curricula and multicultural traditions that prepare students for life as kind, compassionate adults ready to step out in the world. Situated on a beautiful campus high on the mountain, it can feel somewhat remote. The campus offers a beautiful setting in nature that inspires students to care for the environment, learn natural sciences, hike, explore and attend outdoor classes. The campus includes student gardens, a new amphitheater and two gyms. If you are a parent, grandparent or friend of someone with children, I encourage you to learn more about Mount Madonna School. Learn how each grade has unique and incredible touchstones, which I have never experienced in public schools. Ask about the Buddy Program and rites of passage through each of the schools (pre/k, elementary, middle school and high school). Check out the science programs in each grade, which sustain a strong emphasis on the environment and how personal choices make a difference; the Performing Arts Program, which begins in preschool to developing personal confidence; the public speaking support; and the state champion volleyball program, which teaches teamwork and engages students who enjoy sports more than homework (sometimes) as they become juniors and seniors. Inquire about the school's Values Program, which offers multitudes of well-balanced experiences (that can seem unbelievable to someone who hasn't experienced it) and equips students to become conscientious global citizens. Thank you to all of the teachers, founders, administrators, staff, students and parents who are the heart of this little yet mighty school and who have had such a large impact on my daughters. I am grateful for attending that graduation ceremony so long ago, which led to the opportunity for both of our children to have an extraordinary education and to be so enriched. read more

My son currently attends as a freshman. His mother, (my ex) forced the decision because she has a wealthy aunt who pays for it all and it is conveniently located nearby. After my son has most of the first school year, I can honestly say how disappointed I am. Just because a school is expensive does not equate to quality. This is a hand-holding / pay-to-play school, absent any real life experiences needed to be prepared to independently do well in college. I'd recommend most any public school over this option. One other thing was that in my experience with the administration, I felt they were very dishonest and unethical. They seem only interested in enrollment. ($$) read more

Mount Madonna is an amazing school. My daughter has been attending for the last 12 years. Her education both academic and socially has exceeded my expectations, which are pretty high when it comes to my daughters education. The teachers are amazing and Ann, the Head of School, is incredibly committed to the school and it's vision. I couldn't be happier. My daughter will graduate from MMS High School and I have no doubt will shine in whatever she chooses to do in the future. I am very grateful to have made the journey up the mountain for the last 12 years. If you ever were in doubt as to the education offered at MMS, attend a graduation and listen to the speeches each student makes. It will leave you speechless. The travel the students do to Catalina, DC and even India in their senior year enriches the kids educational and social experience in ways that they will always remember. One of the best decisions we ever made was to enroll in MMS! read more

My son graduated high school in 2019 and credits his positive college experience to his preparation at Mount Madonna School. He is studying Mechanical Engineering at SJSU and feels that the depth and scope of preparation he received in mathematics, physics, performing arts, English composition, life skills and sports positioned him well to discover his passion and excel at his current career path. He now has a deep respect for the high quality instruction, individualized attention and learning journeys he experienced from 5th-12th grades. There were times during which he sought a wider social sphere in which to grow (especially in 9th and 10th grades), but now thanks us for insisting he stay the course at Mount Madonna School. One huge benefit of enrolling him here, that I never realized beforehand, is the incredible sense of parent community that exists. Not only have I made wonderful friendships (which helped immensely with carpooling and other mundane chores!), but my son has been surrounded and mentored by many outstanding individuals whose children also attended MMS. We are so grateful to the teachers, staff and fellow parents who make Mount Madonna School an extraordinary place to raise your child. read more

One of the best decisions and investments I have done for my kid is by sending my daughter to this school. EVERYONE involved with the school has been so helpful, proactive, responsive, thoughtful and so on. Its a kind, safe, caring, peaceful, supportive environment for the kids, the classrooms are clean, well lit (the lighting faces the ceiling so its easy on the eyes), well organized, etc. The Dean sends out helpful links to parent education channels and the teachers always answer my questions in a very thoughtful way with their comprehensive answers. The admin team has been so incredible and the transportation department has been so responsive and caring for any extra curriculum that the students choose. The school equips the students with not just academic but also life lessons. Truly amazing school and I hope everyone who reads this can join us at MMS. read more

Our son has found an environment where he can thrive with supportive teachers, administrators and students. He loves the campus in the forest. He appreciates the project-based learning and opportunities to bond with classmates through camping, backpacking and rafting. The performing arts curriculum teaches the students about poise and performance in front of an audience. Finally, their global values curriculum is a unique learning opportunity. read more

A great choice for South Bay residents looking for a private school. Their program starts at pre-k and goes through High School. With small class sizes, students get individual attention and form incredible bonds with classmates as well as staff. At all grade levels they offer a unique balance of education, sports, outdoor learning, and performing arts that most parents don't think is available in or around Silicon Valley. In between Science camp in elementary school and Washington DC in High School (trips enjoyed by all students) there are trips to study marine biology, camping and rafting trips for bonding and personal development, and international trips to schools on the other side of the planet. Students truly learn to think globally and act locally. I only wish we had started our daughter there earlier. read more

I have had 3 daughters go through Mount Madonna School, and I couldn't be more grateful for their incredible experience. The school has been focused on empathy, compassion, mindfulness, authenticity for the past 40 years. Part of the reason I had my daughters attend was due to meeting alumni of the school - People who are fundamentally kind and at ease with themselves. I attribute this to the school's focus on learning journeys to Washington DC and India/South Africa, to the dramatic arts program that is done in a safe/supportive manner, and to the overall culture and teachers within it. One of my daughters recently graduated from College and is working for a Congresswoman in DC, and her travels to DC with Mount Madonna School, and interviews with the NonProfit organization Executive Director, directly led to that opportunity for her. Another daughter is now at UC Davis, and another is currently in the school. The school is worth the investment both financially and in the time to commute to it. It is unlike any other educational institution out there. read more

The perfect blend of academic rigor, physical activity, performing arts and social responsibility. All in a gorgeous setting. We have two very different daughters there - a 4th and 6th grader - and they are both thriving. If you really want to get a good sense of the school, go meet and talk to Mount Madonna students. While they are a diverse group in terms of personalities and interests, they all share an openness and grounded confidence that clearly filters down from the school leaders, teachers and staff. It is a small school with small class sizes which we love and a big focus on being an active member of and contributor to your community. The commute up the hill is lovely to drive, but we don't make it too often as our girls love riding the bus. read more

Here are some of my thoughts after attending a Kindergarten open house with my twin girls. Today was so lovely. It really did mean a lot to me. My daughter was so proud to show me all of the lessons that she is learning and succeeding in; I felt so proud of her and so grateful to watch the pride she had in herself. And my other daughter, per usual, was very content to bounce around with her friends, work together and share her joy with me and everyone around her. From beginning to end, the day was so well planned, the songs and books and succulents and stories, photos, photo frames, beads, and most of all the company were all so thoughtful and kind, and there was even strawberries and whip cream on top of it all! As a former teacher, I know a little bit about how much work, time, dedication, devotion goes into arranging a day like this and so many other day that I know we have no idea how much work it truly takes. I just wanted to say thank you, my Mother's Day has been fulfilled. I can see your efforts, values and kindness & positive intentions growing in my girls. If you guys are the gateway to Mt. Madonna School, well then I will do all in my power to keep my girls on that Mountain for as long as I possibly can. My sincere gratitude, Mom of twin 1st graders read more

Great school that teaches values and character building, with small classes and great teachers.

Our children have been at Mount Madonna School since 2016, when they were 3 and 5 - and are now in 1st and 3rd grade. Four years in, our daughter and son are thoroughly in love with their school and so are we. Not only are the children thriving with kind and stimulating friendships, but we also have met many wonderful families with whom our lives are now enmeshed. My husband and I are both educators working in our community in south county Santa Cruz, which is culturally and socio-economically diverse. We chose MMS because we care about equity and inclusivity, and we want to pace our childrens' academic lives with character development. In our community, we found that graduates of MMS were very diverse young humans who were empowered, had self-recognizance, were exceptionally mature, grounded, and capable of having confident, natural interactions with adults, and we were like wow! What is this place all about? And we find from the earliest years that this path indeed happens, biodynamically, at Mount Madonna School. In these chaotic times, we are glad to see that the staff at MMS consistently participate in cultural competence trainings, and teachers create unique opportunities for the students to learn about and participate in social justice perspectives and to become protectors of the environment. Science, math, philosophy and literature all coincide with this immersive approach in a stunning natural setting. Students have the opportunity to balance classroom time with time outdoors taking in the earthly wisdom of the beautiful 380 acre campus in the redwoods. Families at Mount Madonna come from the "oceanside" near Santa Cruz and also from Silicon Valley and adjacent areas like Morgan Hill and Gilroy. We have a very international community of families here, and heritage is celebrated through various events during the year like Cultural Awareness Assembly, Ramayana, the Winter Concert, and more. Here is a learning environment that is freer than most schools from competition, comparison, and undue stress and anxiety that can often waylay the natural appetite for learning. This is partially due to the grace of smaller student-teacher ratios and the more intimate community environment where students feel and look out for each other. We are so grateful to be immersed in a learning journey that is supported by the visions of the clearly talented, dedicated staff and administrators who steer the school, which is now in it's 45th year. read more