The Madeleine Choir School

We're starting our 4th year at MCS (3 students). There are great schools in Salt Lake County for PreK-8 (both public and private options), but we chose MCS for the music program. Music at MCS is more extensive than at any other school in Utah (and is largely unparalleled in the US). Students learn Spanish starting in pre-K and Latin starting in 4th grade to help prepare them for the extensive Latin music repertoire they sing starting in 5th grade. Music theory and ear training begin in Kindergarten, and by 5th grade, students are covering material found in the AP Music Theory curriculum. Students in 2nd & 3rd grades receive violin lessons 2x/week, & in 5th and 8th grades the 6 choirs rehearse daily. We've stayed, though, because MCS isn't *just* about music. Somehow MCS manages to balance music with a whole-child approach; they provide rigorous core, honors, and elective classes, but the highest emphasis is on creating a loving, kind, and accepting community. Teachers meet each child where they are, and individual differences are embraced (not just tolerated). Service to each other and to the community is built into every aspect of the school, and students are nurtured and empowered to become the very best versions of themselves.

This is an amazing school. The music program is as good as any in the world, and indeed the choristers tour the world (both domestically and internationally). All students receive extensive musical training in voice, violin, and music theory, and students are also offered optional private lessons (on campus) in other instruments. Top choristers are full working musicians, with a full program of services at the cathedral. We are not Catholic but we've found this an amazing opportunity. However, it is a serious time commitment and may not be for all children.The academics are fine, sports aren't great, the main building is very beautiful, the chapel is excellent, science education is pretty sound, and the community is wonderful. But none of this is why you choose the Madeleine Choir School. The whole point of going here is to get a musical education as well as that at St. Thomas's (New York) or Westminster Abbey School (UK). Everything else is window dressing.