National Cathedral School

I could not have gone to a better high school, and no, my standardized tests are not perfect nor was I an exceptional athlete. I have always struggled with test-taking - standardized or not - and I found the NCS teachers to be readily available and very willing to help me through my test-taking struggles. Additionally, I had some amazing coaches who helped shape my athletic career and discipline. When I first arrived at NCS in the ninth grade, I could not run a mile without walking. Now, the team attitude, discipline, and work ethic I gained from sports at NCS has shaped all aspects of my life. I would not be the same person without the opportunities NCS gave me at such a crucial point in my education. Sure, NCS is not for everyone, but the bonds you make with teachers and the friendships you form at an all-girls school like NCS are invaluable - to this day, my high school friends remain my best friends. NCS changed my life in the best way possible.

The National Cathedral School (NCS) is an extraordinary institution. The girls are shaped into leaders, young women who can advocate for themselves, and who believe nothing is beyond their reach. Our two daughters have thrived in this environment. The faculty and curriculum are beyond compare. The student body is highly diverse, racially and economically. The episcopal foundation provides the moral compass that turns these young girls into Women for the World. The Performing Arts program is outstanding and is a joint program with St. Albans, the affiliated all-boys school. Co-ed Choral, Dance, and Theatrical programs are created throughout the year, many of which are performed in the Cathedral itself. The Sports Complex rivals any at the collegiate level - including two rock climbing peaks soaring 60 feet. What's more, in the high school many of the classes are offered on a co-ed basis, so NCS provides the best of an all-girl education with opportunities for co-ed classroom experiences as well. Our oldest daughter is a Senior this year. Every university we visited was thrilled to learn that she was an "NCS girl." There is no question. These girls stand out in a crowd.
--Submitted by a parent

I do not recognize the school described in negative reviews below!! I had two daughters attend NCS and their experiences were outstanding. My daughters are very different and yet the school nurtured their talents and made them self confident young women by the time they graduated. The faculty were passionate about their teaching; my daughters still visit teachers when they return to DC. My dealings over 9 years with the Division Directors, senior administrators and the Head were without complaint. I found they all had the student interests at heart; why else would they join a profession that is not known for its high salaries? My family is not part of the power elite of DC and it made no difference in the way we were treated and respected by the school. NCS does have a demanding curriculum but that isn't a secret to anyone applying to the school. When my daughters confronted challenges, we found the teachers and school active partners in helping us. The Teaching & Learning Center is a tremendous resource for the students & faculty to help girls succeed academically. Bottom line- this is a unique & great school that leaves a lasting & positive impact on its students.
--Submitted by a parent

We have 3 daughters who graduated from NCS. Each is very different in her interests, strengths, and personality. Although each experienced NCS in her own way and took advantage of diverse opportunities, each of them thrived in the NCS environment. NCS provides an exceptional education and in my view is one of the very best schools in the Washington area. NCS not only offers a broad, deep and stimulating academic college prep curriculum but also the tools, encouragement, and support girls need to succeed. NCS students are committed to excellence in many pursuits- academic, athletic, performing and fine arts, music, community service, leadership, and more. Being part of the National Cathedral offers students a unique and special connection with a broader community, a connection which strengthens students development of character, integrity, and commitment to service. As my daughters experience the challenges of college and life beyond college, they have each articulated their appreciation of what they learned and experienced at NCS. They regularly keep in touch with certain NCS faculty and staff and their NCS friends remain and I predict will always remain- very close.
--Submitted by a parent

Top ten things I like about being a student at NCS: I love getting up to go to school each morning Sense of sisterhood and community Teachers are very supportive and always willing to help Teachers encourage each student s strengths and capabilities Make friends that you will keep for a lifetime Sense of independence, especially in the high school Teachers are very skilled and knowledgeable about the subject they are teaching The Honor Code The Cathedral and the importance of spirituality Diversity, which is integrated into all aspects of student life

I don't believe the poster who says the girls are just taught to memorize actually taught at NCS because the curriculum is actually the opposite of this. My daughter has been taught to think independently and thoroughly, to challenge and question and best of all to love learning. The teachers are the best thing about the school -- they are first rate and very responsive to students. The school also offers a large number of after school activities and clubs. It isn't for everyone but I don't think there is a better school in DC. I agree that the head of the school is disengaged.
--Submitted by a parent

Personal Experience I would recommend NCS if you are an athlete who also does well on standardized test. For those individuals whose standardized test scores are not up to par than your grades will suffer, it does not matter how well you perform on in class assignments and test. They will not even relinquish certain classroom test to give you an opportunity to get help from a tutor. Why, because in most instances you do not have a problem, they just make the grade what they want in an effort to get rid of poor standardized testers. They do not want people that will not perform well on the SAT, so they manufacture problems. They let you in the lower school but if you do not fit into the standardize testing mold by 8th grade you are out. They will even wait as long as the 10th grade when you take the SSAT to not offer your child a contract for the following year. Not the place to be for good students that don t do well on the standardized test.
--Submitted by a parent

As many of the comments attest, NCS isn't for everyone. The curriculum, which is demanding and rigorous, challenges students to focus on retaining knowledge, not just memorizing or cramming. (The teacher who claimed that the girls memorize material must have had a different experience. Or he/she was fired and is embittered.) Girls who excel at public schools often experience a rough transition to NCS as the stakes are higher and more intense. While there are some kids who come from the families of Washington's elite, there are many others who do not. My daughter has responded well to the school, and the teachers are first-rate. My one complaint is about the administration, particularly the head of school. She is incredibly disingenuous and, rather than take tough stands, often caves to unreasonable parents' demands. She also does not interact with the students; in fact, she hardly has a presence in the daily operations of the school. Consequently, the girls don't feel close to her.
--Submitted by a parent

This was by far the worst teaching experience I have ever had. I have taught in several schools, including colleges and high schools; my immediate boss was nasty and our department gave tests that reflected the ability of students to memorize and repeat, not learn and think. I have had wonderful teaching experiences in a variety of different public and private settings, but I will never send my daughter here. For a place that claims to be Christian, it falls far short as it waters down the so-called "chapel" services and buckles to whatever the wealthy parents and students want at the expense of academic and Christian integrity. It's a shame because the school could be such a wonderful place.
--Submitted by a teacher

Parents, I would not recommend sending your child to NCS if she does not enjoy or does poorly at standardized tests. As I student, I am constantly tested throughout the week with various assessments. Usually it ranges from 2-3 lengthy quizzes, an essay/writing piece, and a major assessment/project per week. Because of this, my classmates and I have become easily stressed. My family has become concerned as well, noticing that I have slightly obsessive-compulsive tendencies to my schoolwork. My main concern of this rigorous testing is that I'm not sure what I'm taking in from my classes. Am I learning or just memorizing for the test?