By Kimberly Hazen
Madison Country Day School
As it has for the past 20 years, Madison Country Day School (MCDS) marked the beginning of the school year with the ringing of a traditional school bell. The Sept. 6 event also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Academic Center. The building project provided a 20,000 square foot addition and renovations to the established buildings.
Improvements include a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art,
Math) wing, humanities and world languages wing, performing arts floor, new art classrooms, new school library, video recording studio, student learning areas and technology stations, a college advising center, a student services center, physical education classroom, an outdoor classroom amphitheater, and increased parking.
This year MCDS marks record enrollment of 445 students, a growing high school featuring the Madison area’s only International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and a thriving athletics program offering 12 varsity sports.
“Our students are usually excited for the start of a new school year. This year, their enthusiasm can hardly be contained because of these improvements to our campus,” said Head of School Ben Hebebrand. “Our community has really come together to make this happen. I think it shows their support of our commitment not only to STEAM, but whole child education, including our exceptional music program.”
The $6.7 million project was funded by parents, grandparents, teachers, trustees and other MCDS community members. The project was secured by a capital campaign led by the MCDS board of trustees and volunteer parent committees. Planning, design and construction of the project was provided by Bray Architects and Findorff Construction.
MCDS is Dane County’s only independent pre-K‒grade 12 school, offering a challenging and comprehensive college preparatory education. In an environment where each community member is truly known, MCDS students develop a deep knowledge base and lifelong critical and creative thinking skills.
For interviews or additional information, contact MCDS at 850-6375.
