It's a great day to be a Warhawk!

Academic Achievement

Madison High School is committed to creating learning environments where every student’s identity, strengths, and talents are appreciated and cultivated. Madison’s Competency-Based (Skills-Based) Mastery Learning framework is an approach to instruction, learning, evaluation, assessment, and grading that focuses on a student's demonstrated level of mastery for specific skills. 

Madison High School consistently surpasses state and national averages on standardized tests. Our students earn top honors in prestigious academic competitions and receive millions of dollars in scholarships yearly. Explore our Advanced Placement (AP) programs, designed to challenge and prepare students for college success. Seven Madison students were named National Merit Semifinalists for 2025. 

Madison was instrumental in advocating for the creation of the FCPS Learning Model Community of Practice (“LMCoP”). Madison commits to continuous improvement to enhance our ability to design, implement, and analyze assessments that effectively measure and report on student learning. 

Madison is part of FCPS’s pilot program called "Lighthouse Schools." This pilot tests new technologies in education, including artificial intelligence. The goals of this pilot are to: accelerate innovation in FCPS creating transformational learning experiences that improve student outcomes; empower early adopter schools to serve as models of learning innovation and demonstrate how the meaningful integration of technology can further the goals of the strategic plan.

Student Programs 

At Madison, learning extends far beyond the traditional classroom. Students discover their passion in our 80+ clubs, ranging from Robotics and Debate to Performing Arts and Student Government. Our highly competitive and successful athletic teams foster teamwork and sportsmanship. Student leadership skills are developed through initiatives like the Student Government Association/Leadership and MAD Mentors programs.

Last year, we boasted more than 22 District Champions, 12 Regional Champions, and 7 State Champions. Over 800 students participate in at least one sport each year, and more than 100 students play multiple sports. In 2022 and 2023, the Washington Post named Madison the number one Virginia public high school for sports.

Our performing and fine arts departments have consistently been recognized at the state and national levels. Madison music programs have earned the Virginia Music Educators Association Blue Ribbon Award every year for over a decade. Our Marching Band program is nationally ranked and has consistently won the VMBC State Championship over the past 10 years. 

Small Town Feel

The Vienna community focuses on a small-town feel within the larger suburban world of Fairfax County, and Madison is an integral part of that. Every year, the town closes down Route 123 for the Madison Homecoming Parade, and Madison students are a vital part of celebrations such as Viva Vienna and the Halloween Parade. 

Our Pyramid schools are committed to the “One” campaign to nurture a culture of kindness in our schools, community, and world. The campaign focuses on how we treat others and spreading a caring culture of kindness throughout our community. The Madison pyramid acknowledges that kindness begets kindness. Our core belief is that spreading kindness creates a more compassionate community where everyone has a sense of belonging. We are One Madison. One Kind Act can change the world! What each one of us does matters in the life of a child!

Madison Food Pantry, in partnership with our PTSA

Through a partnership with our PTSA and the generosity of our community, our food pantry supports more than 100 families by providing food, clothing, personal care products, household cleaning supplies, and a variety of other miscellaneous items. For more information on our food pantry, visit the JMHS PTSA website.

Best Buddies and Special Olympics Program

Our Best Buddies/Special Olympics program is over 70 students strong and composed of students with and without disabilities. From monthly meetings to unified events in basketball, soccer, and track, these students are forming meaningful friendships with their peers and highlighting our commitment to belonging. The Madison chapter was recognized as the top fundraiser in the area in 2023.

Comprehensive Service Site

Our Comprehensive Service Site offers students access to special education support services in a self-contained program embedded within a large high school environment. Students in the Madison CSS program are provided access to multiple school-wide supports and interventions as well as clinical support. The unconditional support of our students is the foundation of Madison CSS. Madison CSS believes every student can learn, demonstrate growth, and access high-quality, evidence-based instruction that maximizes their potential in the least restrictive environment.

Modern Learning Environment

Madison High School was recently renovated and provides a modern and inspiring learning environment. Our students can access cutting-edge technology, well-equipped labs, a comprehensive library, and collaborative learning spaces to enhance their educational experience. 

MAD Wings 

Our MAD Wings program begins during a student’s freshman year and culminates in a shadowing experience their senior year. Advisory teachers work with students to create and add to a Wings Portfolio, which contains artifacts of their learning and growth. Students reflect on their growth over the year through course reflections. Students present their growth and portfolio at the end of each year in a MAD Wings Presentation to school staff, peers, parents, and community guests. All students are expected to participate in the MAD Wings experience and receive special recognition at graduation. Check out our program video.

Madison Alumni

Madison alumni have gone on to achieve great things in various fields. From successful entrepreneurs and scientists to renowned artists and community leaders, our graduates positively impact the world. Some of our notable alumni include John Brenkus, Emmy winning Television producer and presenter; Ted Dintersmith, Author and philanthropist; Stephanie Hym Lee, WWE Wrestler; Priya Parker, Author; and Randy Scott, ESPN Commentator.

Multi-Tiered Support Systems

Staff are dedicated to collaboration, norming, and alignment of practices across curricular teams while ensuring student's needs are met through our multi-tiered support systems (“MTSS”). Each student has an individual MTSS team composed of their school counselor, assistant principal, and other staff as appropriate for individual student needs. By continuously looking at achievement and behavioral data, MTSS teams support the whole child.