National Cathedral School

• Location: Washington, DC
• Enrollment: 578
• School Type: Girls, day school
• Grades: 4-12
• Church Affiliation: Episcopal
• Number of faculty: 104
• Tuition: $30,700
• Percentage of students receiving financial aid: 17%
• Admissions Deadline: January 15
• Acceptance Rate: 30%
• Website: National Cathedral School

National Cathedral School is one of three schools housed on the grounds or close of the Cathedral Church of Saints Peter and Paul, commonly known as Washington National Cathedral. NCS is a girls' day school which offers 4th grade through 12th grade. The school has close ties with the Cathedral. Students belong to the Cathedral Acolytes Guild as well as the renowned Cathedral Girls Choir. The student body regularly visits the Cathedral for school services and events of all kinds.

Academics:

The high school curriculum is college preparatory. It offers 13 AP courses in the following departments:

• Dance
• Drama
• English
• Foreign Language
• Independent Studies
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Religion
• Science
• Social Sciences
• Music
• Studio Art
• Technology/Computer Science

Facilities:

NCS is about two-thirds of the way through a major facilities renovation project. The lower school and the athletic facility are complete. The upper school project is in the works. The Agnes C. Underwood Athletic Facility was purpose built and is state of the art.

Finances:

The school awarded $1.95 million in aid to 17% of its students in 2008-2009.

Matriculation:

100% of NCS graduates matriculate to four year colleges and universities. 1

Commentary:

If you live and work in the nation's capital, giving your daughter the rich experience and sound preparation for college which National Cathedral School affords is something you need to seriously consider. Being a part of the Cathedral close is a major intangible which I would want for my daughters. These students don't just read about events and personalities. They actually see them in person and partake in a host of national and state occasions which take place at the Cathedral.