Madison Country Day School (Top-Ranked �� School for 2026)

5606 River Road
Waunakee, WI 53597

Tel: (608) 850-6000

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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.

OUR MISSION Madison Country Day School is an independent, college-preparatory, Pre-K to Grade 12, International Baccalaureate World School whose mission is to: Inspire each student to discover their extraordinary capacity to learn and thrive in an evolving world by cultivating a challenging environment and a supportive community.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked WI School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 391 students
Yearly Tuition: $26,838
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

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
International Baccalaureate (IB) World School

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Year Founded

1997

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

Last Day of School

Fri. Jun 5, 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/Advanced Courses

24 courses

List of Courses Offered

AP/Advanced Courses

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$26,838

View national tuition avg.

% on Financial Aid

38%

Acceptance Rate

31%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Bobbie Jean Huerth

Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered

11 sports

Sports

Track and FieldUltimate Frisbee

Volleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

8 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Chess ClubModel UN

Arts and Music Programs:

Dance ClubTheatre

Recreational Athletic Programs:

CrewSoccer

TennisUltimate 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Madison Country Day School cost?

Madison Country Day School's tuition is approximately $26,838 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 89%. 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).