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Madison Country Day School Photo #0 - Located on a 40-acre campus encompassing diverse ecosystems, MCDS provides an education that is outside: Outside your expectations. Outside what you thought possible. Outside in the way that Madison is outside: inspired by the natural world, eager to collaborate, driven to innovate, powered by the serious pleasure of the learning process.

Madison Country Day School

5606 River Road
Waunakee, WI 53597
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Madison Country Day School Photo #1 - Located on a 40-acre campus encompassing diverse ecosystems, MCDS provides an education that is outside: Outside your expectations. Outside what you thought possible. Outside in the way that Madison is outside: inspired by the natural world, eager to collaborate, driven to innovate, powered by the serious pleasure of the learning process.
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Madison Country Day School Photo #1 - Located on a 40-acre campus encompassing diverse ecosystems, MCDS provides an education that is outside: Outside your expectations. Outside what you thought possible. Outside in the way that Madison is outside: inspired by the natural world, eager to collaborate, driven to innovate, powered by the serious pleasure of the learning process.
Madison Country Day School Photo #2 - A community where each student is truly known.
Madison Country Day School Photo #3 - Welcome to MCDS where learning becomes a lifelong journey.
Madison Country Day School Photo #4 - One of the MCDS core philosophies is that every child possesses an extraordinary capacity to learn.
Madison Country Day School Photo #5 - Developing character and leadership as well as intellect.
Madison Country Day School Photo #6 - Nurturing a full and diverse student life outside the classroom.
Madison Country Day School Photo #7 - The MCDS campus encompasses over 75 acres on Lake Cherokee, including inspiring classroom spaces, labs, studios, athletic fields, and trails.
Madison Country Day School Photo #8 - MCDS delivers critical and creative thinking skills.
Madison Country Day School Photo #9 - Prepare for success with the college advising program.
Madison Country Day School Photo #10 - Shine as an individual and be accepted for who you are.
Madison Country Day School Photo #11 - Discover the joy of learning with inspiring teachers.
In 1997, a small group of independent-minded students, families and community members launched a school like none other in Madison-a school founded on the premise that imagination and learning go forward hand-in-hand when linked with high standards and the best of a world-renowned curriculum.
At Madison Country Day School, it is our guiding mission and promise to provide an intellectually stimulating, personally enriching and academically challenging program in the liberal arts and sciences to an able and diverse student body; measure the curriculum and student achievement against the finest programs in the world; and contribute to the larger community by developing effective educational programs to serve as models for other public and private schools.
MCDS sets for its students the highest standards of academic achievement, intellectual growth, ethical awareness and behavior, athletic endeavor and sportsmanship, extracurricular involvement and service to others.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked WI School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 391 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $25,706
  • Acceptance rate: 31%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Madison Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1997
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026

Student Body

Total Students
391 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
24%
State avg.: 35%
Students by Grade
Madison Country Day School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
53%
Average Class Size
16 students
Number of AP Courses
24 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
38%
Acceptance Rate
31%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Keri Allard
Application URL

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Model UN

Arts and Music Programs:
Dance Club, Theatre

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Crew, Soccer, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee

School Notes

  • School Motto: Inspire each student to discover their extraordinary capacity to learn and thrive in an evolving world.
  • School Mascot: Hawk
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Celia Young - Living a Life of Curiosity, featured in the MCDS news magazine, class of 2017. -
    • Lily Hallick - Leads the Notre Dame marching band, class of 2017. -
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Madison Country Day School cost?
Madison Country Day School's tuition is approximately $25,706 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Madison Country Day School?
The acceptance rate of Madison Country Day School is 31%, which is lower than the national average of 88%. Madison Country Day School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Wisconsin with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Madison Country Day School?
Madison Country Day School famous alumni include: Celia Young - Living a Life of Curiosity, featured in the MCDS news magazine, class of 2017. and Lily Hallick - Leads the Notre Dame marching band, class of 2017..
Does Madison Country Day School offer a summer program?
Yes, Madison Country Day School offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.
What sports does Madison Country Day School offer?
Madison Country Day School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball. Madison Country Day School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for most sports offered.
What is Madison Country Day School's ranking?
Madison Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Wisconsin for: Highest average ACT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Madison Country Day School?
The application deadline for Madison Country Day School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked WI School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 391 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $25,706
  • Acceptance rate: 31%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Dane County, WI is $7,646 for elementary schools and $11,823 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Dane County, WI is 77% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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