Reasons to enroll at Madison Middle School:

The following seven attributes are research based and evident at high achieving schools.  Listed below is a brief summary of the efforts Madison has accomplished in these areas.

Common Focus

Ø      Academic Achievement Handbook articulates the school vision and philosophy with a focus on inclusion, needs of adolescents and thinking skills.

Ø      Our number one goal is to help all students learn the skills they will need to become productive, respectful and contributing members to society.

Ø      The focus is on cognitive growth as well as social and emotional development.

Small, Safe, Personalized Learning Community

Ø      Programs such After School Activity Program (ASAP), Advisory, Team Time and Associated Study Body (ASB) create opportunities for students to experience small communities around their needs.

Ø      Student Intervention Team (SIT), grade level counselors, and intervention specialists offer personal support for all students.

Ø      Interdisciplinary teams meet regularly to discuss the needs of specific students.

Ø      Staff teams meet as small communities of learners.  Students are known well by a group of adults.

Healthy, Supportive School Culture and Climate

Ø      Interdisciplinary teams foster a culture of collaboration.

Ø      Shared Decision Making and the Care to Confront policies encourage collegiality among staff and students.

Ø      School safety and discipline policies consistently applied to all students and all situations.

Ø      Support systems are in place for students having difficulties.

Academic Rigor and High Expectations for all Students: “Culture of Excellence”

Ø      Challenge program offers rigorous study program to all students.

Ø      Inclusion of ESL and Special Education students into general education classrooms.

Ø      School wide rubrics for assessing progress toward standards.

Ø      Clear articulation of behavior standards.

Effective Curriculum and Instruction

Ø      School-wide use of Graphic Organizers to teach thinking skills.

Ø      Integrated curriculum by teams.

Ø      Instructional skills used by teachers that are age appropriate for the middle grade student.

Flexible Structure

Ø      Team model provides flexible staff development.

Ø      Challenge allows all students access to rigorous curriculum.

Ø      Inclusion model gives all students access to the standard classroom.

Ø      Shared Decision Making model includes all staff in school decisions.

Ø      Monthly late arrival allows for school-wide professional development and time for teams to collaborate to meet students’ needs.

Learning Partnerships

Ø      Partnerships with YMCA, Checkpoint, Parks Department (ASAP), West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club

Ø      Parent Teacher Association active in volunteer coordination, tutoring, fund raising and other activities.