Madison High School

Posted: September 26, 2023

Posted: September 26, 2023

Posted: September 26, 2023

Posted: September 26, 2023

Posted: September 26, 2023

Posted: September 26, 2023

Posted: September 26, 2023

Posted: September 26, 2023

My 3 sons graduated from Madison. They are very different students and all had fantastic experiences. Madison is a special school where the teachers really care about their students, the administrators work well beyond their scope, and the community is supportive and highly involved. We chose our home because it was in the Madison pyramid and we are so grateful our boys went there.

Posted: June 4, 2021

Posted: June 4, 2021

Posted: June 4, 2021

Posted: June 4, 2021

Posted: June 4, 2021

Posted: June 4, 2021

Two of my children graduated from Madison high school. They were well prepared for college and seamlessly transitioned into an engineering curriculum.

Posted: June 4, 2021

Posted: June 4, 2021

Posted: May 2, 2021

Posted: May 2, 2021

Posted: May 2, 2021

Posted: May 2, 2021

Posted: May 2, 2021

Posted: May 2, 2021

Academically the school is great. There are appropriate levels for all kids whether they’re operating at or above standard grade level. Plenty of AP options and teachers are solid; some challenging but overall good for a teenagers growth. There is extra curricular options for all and some really standout sports programs and some ok; overall above average for FFX county.

Posted: May 2, 2021

Posted: May 2, 2021

Posted: April 29, 2021

Posted: April 29, 2021

There are great teachers and bad teachers. I have very bad experience in history.The teacher don't know how to teach.For example,in an 1.5-hours class,she asked us to do a practice,then reviewed the last quiz,then did new quiz,next we were left plenty of time to do homework by ourselves.The teacher is very picky and don't care about our grades.She need to be fired.But the administrator may never attend our class to find out.Or the administrator doesn't care.

Posted: April 21, 2021

Posted: April 21, 2021

Posted: April 21, 2021

Posted: April 21, 2021

Posted: April 21, 2021

Posted: April 21, 2021

We purposely bought a home in the Madison school district and paid more money for our home because this is such an excellent school. I have one child who graduated from Madison high school and went to a top-notch college and another child with disabilities who still attends.
Both children had different interests and experiences but all were positive with excellent teachers, unbelievable school spirit (which the town participates and supports) and plenty of activities.

Posted: April 21, 2021

Posted: April 21, 2021

Posted: July 13, 2020

I think that most teachers try to develop this into students but teachers can only do so much.

Posted: July 13, 2020

Athletics and student run clubs are just a prime example of the outstanding leadership that happens at this school.

Posted: July 13, 2020

There are programs for students with all types of learning, whether that be physical or mental disabilities.

Posted: July 13, 2020

I think there are definitely some improvements that need to be made in this area.

Posted: July 13, 2020

Very good experience. Just walking into the school has such a positive effect on you. I definitely would recommend.

Posted: July 13, 2020

Homework is something that is handed out to review the material taught in class.

Posted: July 13, 2020

The teachers are always willing to help a student in the best way they can.

Posted: March 27, 2020

Posted: March 27, 2020

Posted: March 27, 2020

Posted: March 27, 2020

Posted: March 27, 2020

Posted: March 27, 2020

Posted: March 27, 2020

Very high. I had a wonderful experience at James Madison High School. Highly recommended.

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: January 7, 2018

Both of our children are JMHS graduates, matriculated at UVA, and are now successful, thanks at least in part to the rigorous academics and caring teachers at Madison. The reality is that the majority of high schools in Northern Virginia offer opportunities for learning and growth that far exceed the national norm. Yes, there are subtle differences between these schools, but too few to affect the ratings in my opinion. Marshall, Madison, and Oakton in the Vienna area are all great high schools.

Posted: November 11, 2017

Posted: November 11, 2017

Posted: November 11, 2017

Any difference in learning styles in honors classes are frowned upon and teachers often fail to follow the iep

Posted: November 11, 2017

Posted: November 11, 2017

Posted: November 11, 2017

Posted: November 11, 2017

This school needs a major improvement in how they help iep kids who take honors and ap classes

Posted: October 2, 2017

They are bringing back the Senior Ethics Day this fall.

Posted: October 2, 2017

There's a fantastic new principal who is focused on the students's academic progress and well-being. A terrific counselor has been promoted to a leadership position -- he very much cares about the kids and is level-headed to boot. He understands that kids are kids and helps them focus on their own growth.

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

Posted: October 2, 2017

The math department has a progressive policy of grading quizzes and homework that reflects the actual learning the student has done.

Posted: October 2, 2017

My oldest son had fabulous teachers at Madison. He did well on all of his AP exams and started college as a sophomore. That gave him the flexibility to add a second major and graduate on time.

Posted: October 2, 2017

My youngest son is a freshman at Madison. There's a new principal who is creative and focused on academics. The former principal, who had been at Madison for way too long, focused too much on sports, particularly football and baseball.

Fortunately, the new principal has a better attitude. He is bringing back the Senior Ethics' Day and evaluating various programs. He is hiring new teachers, asking how they are going to stretch the students' academically and offer creativity. He is open and accessible.

This is tiny, but it made a difference: he moved the school's graduation from another high school's gym to DAR Constitution Hall in DC.

My two older sons are now in college and find themselves well prepared. They each received a lot of AP credit (thank you, Fairfax County tax payers!). They also made life-long friends at Madison. They appreciate the help of their teachers.

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

This is an absolutely incredible school. We had just switched over from Green Hedges School which is a private school and extremely happy with the performance of Madison High School.

We also had children that went to Langley and Mclean before but they liked Madison a lot more. It is definitely very academically challenging but the teachers are there to provide incredible support.

The overall extracurricular activity options are great including their music program since playing the piano and violin is required at our household.

Posted: October 2, 2016

Posted: October 2, 2016

Posted: October 2, 2016

Posted: October 2, 2016

Posted: October 2, 2016

Posted: October 2, 2016

Posted: October 2, 2016

Excellent academic focused school with attention to getting students ready for college. According to US News and World Report it is ranked #3 after Mclean High School.

Madison is ranked higher than Langley, Marshall and Oakton which are also very good schools in the area but for some reason on the Great Schools ranking they are lower than those schools which does not make sense.

I would highly recommend Madison High School if college preparedness and quality of education is what you are looking for. Madison is highly recruited by the top Ivy League Universities and University of Virginia.

Posted: December 19, 2015

Posted: December 19, 2015

Posted: December 19, 2015

Posted: December 19, 2015

My children found the transition to this school, from a private school, to be smooth. The teachers seem dedicated and motivated to teach those students who are willing to learn. My children were able to excel with the curriculum in place and they found the course work to be challenging but manageable.

Posted: July 21, 2015

Madison has lighthanded administrators, and a strict student body. Students are very, very, very, very, very much encouraged to take classes that challenge them, to the point in which a student feels it necessary to take at least one AP class. Students, even in non-AP classes, are asked to try harder than their best, even when it's difficult. The teachers are a truly unique and individual crowd. They really show their rare and uncommon personalities through their teaching. The school has a college-esque way of scheduling their students to further prepare them for the future. The majority of the student body comes from a well-to-do background, but prefer to get in touch with their urban roots. They are always open to new experiences, and don't let trivial matters, such as bureaucracy, get in the way of different and new adventures. The school has begun taking action against students constantly bowing out, and has taken their downtime and turned it into a much stricter study hall. Due to this, students have been given the ability to learn a life lesson in peaceful protest, even under outright suppression by the administration. All in all, I would definately reccomend this school for those who wish to take part in a such a rich, powerful environment.

Posted: July 21, 2015

Posted: May 16, 2015

Best high school! AP and Honors courses are excellent. My child thrived there and is in college at an Ivey League school - Cornell. Several students are accepted to Harvard, Yale, UVA, William & Mary. Teachers are always available for questions and review of tests and quizzes. Parents can receive a weekly grade report if they choose.

Posted: December 16, 2014

Math department is horrible and in general all this school seems to do is to give quizzes and tests with no feedback to the students about what they did wrong. I don't understand how it gets the ratings that it does. If I had to do it over again, I would never send my child here.

Posted: November 15, 2013

My daughter is a freshman this year. I'm really grateful for enrolling her into this school as they encourages students to acheive success and made the students enjoy in school while working hard. It's the best school one will ever want to enter. GO WARHAWKS!!

Posted: September 8, 2013

I graduated from Madison in 2012 as the oldest of three. I played 3 varsity sports, I was actively involved in various clubs and took multiple AP courses. I'm an average student, not a genius but Madison was a great school, they teach you to be independent, to manage your time wisely and to strive to be successful. Not only is a great place for an education, but for a social life as well, work hard during the week and enjoy the great sports teams and friends on the weekends. I didn't realize or appreciate all that I had been taught until I was 1. Accepted into All 7 of the universities I applied to 2. worked full time and 3. tackled 18 credit hours my first semester while making new friends. It's true that there are competitive, over protective, "Helicopter" parents (and students!) all over the place.... but this is Northern Virginia....the suburbs of the Nations Capital. There are so many advantages to being a Madison student. BUT! It is up to you (the student) you must utilize the NUMEROUS materials, opportunities, and resources they provide. Its not a cake walk, but with a little hard work you'll eventually appreciate the rewards. Go Warhawks!

Posted: August 21, 2013

Madison High School is a perpect match for a student who wants excel and study hard. My son has been attending Madison since 9th grade and we are pleased with the school so far. Most teachers are great at their subjects and they are willing to go the extra mile to teach their students the best way they can. But the child should be willing to learn, other wise, the pace is fast, it might be hard for an a avarage student to catch up. They don't hand out the grades right away like Montgomery County schools and the parent portal is not as good as edline, but it is about Fairfax county school system, not just Madison. So your child needs to follow everything very carefully, they want the students to be independent. It is hard for a parent to follow their grades and warn the student before hand. As long as you child is responsible and hard working the school has everything. Good teachers, discipline and it is very safe...and great sports teams. The only thing I'd like to see more of is paying more attention to arts...I recommend Madison for sure to everybody.....

Posted: May 25, 2013

I agree with the Student who submitted the Dec '12 review: JMHS is a high-stress school with NoVA overachiever parents pushing kids to do better than well. There is an emphasis on sports and grades on SOLs at JMHS, which can lead to those kids in the middle, or those who are not in sports, to fall through the cracks. It also leads to "teaching to the tests" mentality, which does not exactly push learning. The Principal is a non-presence, in spite of drug and bullying issues at JMHS. The Guidance department is very good, which is a saving grace of this school. I completely agree with issues related to the teachers; one would think that a school of this calibre in this part of the county (and country) would attract high-achievers. Both my children have had real losers for teachers: teachers who do not teach, who are distracted by their other activities and interests, prima donnas who exhibit real vindictive streaks when called out, etc. Those should be weeded out and dismissed and the Front Office needs to be more engaged in this exercise as well. JMHS students perform above the average because we parents push them and are fortunate to have access to help outside the classroom.

Posted: December 17, 2012

Madison is a high stress environment. Students are given large amounts of work that can be hard to complete and there's more push to get good grades and test scores than to actually learn material. Though some teachers are wonderful, others don't make any effort to help kids out at all. Many teachers behave inappropriately and most kids are incredibly stressed out. There's an emphasis on athletics when the teams aren't high achievers and the administrators can be really harsh. There's a system called Warhawk in good standing which basically makes it so some kids aren't even allowed to go to the bathroom during class and bullying isn't even addressed by admins. the biggest concerns seem to be not having kids in the hallways during sap and getting high test scores. I have heard Madison compared to a prison more than once with their strict regulations and lack of natural light or healthy student environments.

Posted: November 5, 2011

Both of our children went to Madison and received excellent education: accademic, cultural and social. I am surprized at the number of parents who blame the school for their, and their childrens, difficulties...!

Posted: February 26, 2011

Honestly, I am disappointed in the quality of education here. Essentially, taking an honors class just means that you get more homework. Juniors and seniors are taking more AP classes than even most college kids take a semester. The focus here is more on a college application, and not on college preparation. The principal was formerly on the baseball team during his years at Madison (and therefore lets them get away with all sorts of stuff and funds them more than any other club despite their losing record). He isn't present during the day and the administration is really unorganized. I was especially disappointed on my first day of school, seeing as I had no instruction as to where to go and I was totally confused. The activities office is totally unprofessional and disorganized as well. The only reason why test scores are so high at this school is because the kids are really smart. However, there is a pretty diverse environment considering there are many kids from other countries who come here (usually their parents are diplomats or military personnel). All in all, this isn't an atrocious place to be but there are definitely better places to go to high school.