National Cathedral School

At a Glance

National Cathedral School is an independent Episcopal girls' school serving students in grades 4 through 12. Located on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral in Ward 3's Cleveland Park/Woodley Park area, the school combines rigorous academic preparation with a values-centered environment rooted in the Episcopal tradition. As a parochial school, NCS operates independently with its own admissions process and curriculum.

The school's grade configuration spans middle and upper school years, providing a continuous educational experience from fourth grade through high school graduation. Families considering NCS should understand that it's a single-sex institution focused exclusively on girls' education within a faith-informed framework, though the Episcopal tradition typically welcomes families from various religious backgrounds.

What Parents Should Know

National Cathedral School requires a private school application process with its own timeline and requirements, separate from the My School DC lottery system used by DCPS and public charter schools. Families interested in admission should contact the school well in advance of their desired entry year, as independent schools often have earlier deadlines than public school options and may require testing, interviews, transcripts, and recommendations.

The grade 4 entry point means families need to plan for this transition during their child's elementary years, though the school also accepts applications for other grade levels depending on availability. Starting in fourth grade rather than kindergarten or pre-K means families will need to arrange earlier elementary education elsewhere, making this a secondary school choice rather than a full K-12 option.

Ward 3's Northwest DC location places the school in one of the city's more affluent residential areas, with the Cathedral campus itself being a significant DC landmark. The location means access considerations for families coming from other parts of the city—parking, Metro access via the Woodley Park or Cleveland Park stations, and commute times should factor into the decision.

As an independent school, National Cathedral School charges tuition, which is a major consideration for DC families. Most independent schools of this type offer financial aid programs, but families should be prepared to inquire directly about costs and assistance availability during the admissions process.

The single-sex educational model is worth careful consideration for families who may not have experienced it themselves. Some families specifically seek out girls' schools for the focused environment they provide, while others prefer co-educational settings. Understanding your child's learning style and social preferences matters when considering this aspect.

Programs and Approach

As an Episcopal parochial school, National Cathedral School integrates faith-based values into its educational mission while typically maintaining an inclusive community that welcomes students from various faith traditions. The school's location on Cathedral grounds connects students to a historic religious and civic institution that plays a significant role in Washington's cultural life.

Independent girls' schools like NCS generally emphasize college-preparatory academics across the middle and high school years. The continuous 4-12 structure allows the school to build a sequential curriculum without the transition break that occurs when students move from elementary to middle school or middle to high school in different institutions.

The parochial designation indicates the school maintains connections to the Episcopal Church and incorporates religious education and observance into school life, though the specifics vary by institution. Families considering the school should inquire about how faith practices are integrated into daily school life and what participation expectations exist.

To learn more about specific academic programs, extracurricular offerings, and the application process, families should contact the school directly or visit the website, as these details can change year to year and require current information.

Visiting and Contact

National Cathedral School is located at 3612 Woodley Road NW in Ward 3, on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral in the Cleveland Park/Woodley Park neighborhood. Visit https://ncs.cathedral.org or call (202) 537-6300 for information about tours, admissions timelines, and current program offerings.