Why Madison Public Schools
Every child, every day, leading the way
The Madison Public Schools are driven by a mission to prepare all learners to make a unique, positive contribution in a complex, global society. We are committed to fostering the diverse talents and abilities of each and every child in an emotionally and physically safe environment. We envision learning as joyful and learners as passionate. We support our educators as innovators in a dynamic pursuit of continuous improvement.We are committed to the work that will lead to the development of all learners’ capacities to:
- put ideas into action by thinking critically and creatively to identify and solve authentic, complex problems;
- communicate and collaborate purposefully and effectively using a variety of media;
- approach learning with effort and persistence while responding to success and failure with resiliency, reflection, and adaptability in an ever-changing world;
- make ethical and responsible decisions.
Culture
The Madison Public Schools is a collaborative work environment where the focus is teaching students necessary critical thinking skills. The district has a high-achieving student population who come to school wanting to learn. Madison has a history of strong parental support of the district and their children in the area of academics, athletics and the arts.
Professional Development
Madison Public Schools firmly believes in providing continuing education to our teachers focusing on both internal and external offerings. Internal professional development is led by staff and is focused on the writing and implementation of the district curriculum in professional learning communities. External presenters have included: Blaine Ray and Carol Gaab (World Language); Kate Roberts and Maggie Beattie-Roberts (Readers/Writers Workshop); Allison Zmuda (Personalized Learning); Deb Reed (Research For Better Teaching); Greg Tang (Mathematics); and The Connecticut Science Center (NGSX series). Ongoing professional development is also supported by coordinators in all content areas as well as reading and mathematics coaches.
Curriculum
The Madison Public Schools is dedicated to the continued renewal of our curriculum. In recent years, the district has updated curriculum in the areas of Mathematics, English, World Language, and Social Studies, Science and CTE. Our new curriculum is based upon student learning focused in five distinct areas of thinking and development (capacities) including critical and creative thinking, communication and collaboration, self-direction and global thinking. Capacities and content are developed and assessed within each unit. The curriculum is written to engage all students in authentic tasks and problem solving. Teachers are active co-authors of the units working with district design for Board of Education adoption.
About the Town
Madison is a picturesque New England community centrally located on the shoreline of Long Island Sound and boasts an impressive historic district, Connecticut's largest shoreline state park, expansive open space areas and a quaint small town center possessing a unique blend of commericial and cultural amentities. This community of 18,000+ attracts young families, senior citizens and professionals from the extended metropolitan New York, New Haven and Hartford areas.
Our Schools
The district is comprised of 6 schools serving a student population of 2,670 with average class sizes of 20 students:
Daniel Hand High School, Grades 9-12
Walter C. Polson School, Grades 6-8
Dr. Robert H. Brown Intermediate School, Grades 4-5
J. Milton Jeffrey School, Grades K-3
Kathleen H. Ryerson School, Grades K-3
Town Campus Learning Center, Pre-School
The district is committed to delivering comprehensive, quality programming in academics, athletics and the arts. Each year, more than 90% of the high school senior class continues their education at the post-secondary level.