Mount Madonna School (preschool through high school) serves families of both Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties in Northern California. Their primary mission is to integrate intellectual, social and creative learning within the context of supportive human relationships. Mt. Madonna’s unique and meaningful educational environment nurtures students’ natural curiosity and passion for learning, while cultivating responsibility, creativity and self-esteem. The development of critical thinking, writing skills, thoughtful self-expression and honest reflection are also encouraged.

Positive character development is at the core of Mt. Madonna’s programs. Curriculum encourages discussions on ethics, while the school community
works collaboratively on the values of respect, accountability, caring for others, compassion, honesty, cooperation, fairness, self-discipline and serving others.

Ward Mailliard, senior teacher and one of the founders of the school created the Mount Madonna School Government in Action Program to provide students with deeper understanding of government and a more
accurate and complete picture of those who devote their lives and intellects to creating a better and more sustainable future.

In addition, he created the Values in American Thought Curriculum, Based on Bill Moyers’ “A World of Ideas.” In this program students engage in dialogues with leading thinkers from many different disciplines to discover those universal values that lead to a life of meaning and purpose.