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:
Category
Attribute
ACT Score
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
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

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
$25,706
% on Financial Aid
38%
Acceptance Rate
31%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Keri Allard
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
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
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).
School Reviews
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