Mount Madonna School :
Academic excellence for tomorrow ' s leaders
by Jordan Rosenfeld
Up on Summit Road in Watsonville , you ’ ll find a school so idyllic , tucked amidst towering redwoods and rolling hills , it seems the setting for a fairytale .
This remoteness , which is one of many things that makes Mount Madonna School so unique , also lends itself to misconceptions , which its staff are happy to clear up .
Founded in 1979 , Mount Madonna School is a fully accredited , independent non-profit school that is not religious or “ spiritual ” as some may have heard . It is as rigorous in its academics as any other private school , though it also integrates unique elements , such as mindfulness education , yoga , and creative self-expression . The school buses in students from four counties : Santa Clara , Santa Cruz , San Benito and Monterey , which its head of school , Anne Goewert , said makes for a uniquely diverse group of kids . teachers .” She feels they do a really good job balancing the relational , ethical , social and emotional aspects of children ’ s development .
“ We ’ re trying to build kind , compassionate individuals that can go out into the world and solve challenging problems ,” Goewert said .
Additionally , Mount Madonna School fosters a close-knit community , due to its smaller size , which averages 180 students across all 12 grades , includes a “ buddy ” program that pairs younger and older students together for projects , and dedicated staff . It all adds up to a “ sense of belonging ” Kelly said .
Many students attend the school throughout their entire K-12 education , developing strong connections with fellow students and staff .
The physical campus itself , situated in a corner of 375 acres of forested land , also uniquely lends itself toward their curriculum . The lovely landscape is incorporated into their science labs , into PE , and is a great way for rambunctious
“ What ’ s special about us is that we offer a strong academic program from preschool to grade 12 , but integrate the creative arts into what we do ,” Goewert said . Indeed , not only do all students take art and music , the entire school puts on an epic performance every year known as The Ramayana , a story derived from an Indian poem .
Though academics are strong , added Shannon Kelly , upper school director . “ Academics are only one aspect . You can ’ t learn if you ’ re fearful or not feeling connected to your
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