Beauvoir School

“Imagine a beautiful view of childhood”

At a Glance

Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School, is a private, co-educational Episcopal day school located at 3500 Woodley Road NW in Ward 3. Founded in 1933, the school serves children from Pre-Kindergarten through Third Grade on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral. As an early childhood institution with deep roots in Northwest DC, Beauvoir provides families with a foundational education program before students typically transition to continued education elsewhere. The school's setting on the Cathedral close offers a distinctive campus environment within one of the city's most established residential neighborhoods.

The school operates as an independent Episcopal day school, meaning families pay tuition and the institution maintains its own admissions process separate from DC's public and public charter school systems. Most Beauvoir graduates continue their education at National Cathedral School for girls or St. Albans School for boys beginning in fourth grade, reflecting the school's historical and institutional connection to these adjacent independent schools on the Cathedral grounds.

What Parents Should Know

Beauvoir's Pre-K through Grade 3 configuration means families should plan for a school transition after third grade. While many students move on to National Cathedral School or St. Albans, families are not automatically guaranteed admission to these schools and must apply through their respective admissions processes. This early-grades-only structure can be an advantage for families seeking a specialized early childhood focus, but it requires advance planning for elementary school continuation.

As a private Episcopal school, Beauvoir requires a separate application and does not participate in the My School DC lottery system used by DC Public Schools and public charter schools. Families interested in Beauvoir should contact the school directly well in advance of their desired enrollment year, as private school admissions timelines typically begin more than a year before kindergarten or pre-kindergarten entry. Tuition and financial aid availability are important considerations that should be discussed early in the exploration process.

The school's Ward 3 location in the Woodley Park/Cleveland Park area means families should consider transportation logistics, particularly if commuting from other parts of the city. The Cathedral grounds location offers distinct advantages in terms of green space and facilities but may require more planning for families without personal transportation or those living outside Northwest DC.

Beauvoir's Episcopal identity shapes its institutional values and approach, though families of various faith backgrounds attend. Parents should understand that the school's character development and community life reflect Episcopal traditions and values, even as it welcomes diversity within its student body.

Programs and Approach

As a private early childhood institution, Beauvoir operates with small class sizes and maintains its own curriculum and educational philosophy. The school emphasizes an inquiry-driven approach to learning, appropriate for the developmental stages of pre-kindergarten through third-grade students. Faculty experience and low student-to-teacher ratios are typically hallmarks of established independent schools like Beauvoir, allowing for individualized attention during these foundational learning years.

The Episcopal school framework means character development and values education are woven into daily school life, alongside academic instruction. Parents considering Beauvoir should expect a school community where traditions, chapel services, and ethical education play a role in the overall program.

Private school admissions typically involve an application process that includes family visits, student assessments or classroom visits (depending on age), teacher recommendations for older applicants, and family interviews. Interested families should visit the school's website and reach out to the admissions office early to understand specific requirements, deadlines, and the financial commitment involved.

Beauvoir's position as a feeder school to National Cathedral School and St. Albans School means the curriculum and expectations are designed to prepare students for the academic rigor of these ongoing institutions, though families may choose different paths for fourth grade and beyond.

Visiting and Contact

Beauvoir School is located at 3500 Woodley Road NW on the Washington National Cathedral grounds in Northwest DC. Families interested in learning more about admissions, touring the campus, or understanding the full scope of Beauvoir's program should visit https://www.beauvoirschool.org or call (202) 537-6485 for current information and tour scheduling.