National Cathedral School

At NCS, an independent girls' school for grades 4-12, we believe in the power of young women.
We are more than a place for skills-based learning; here you will also uncover and shape who you are, what you need, how you relate to others, and so much more. Situated on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral, NCS offers a highly curated environment that helps each student believe in her individual power and actively engage in any pursuit with excellence, service, courage, and conscience.
National Cathedral School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, cultural background, economic circumstance, human capacity, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, admission policies, financial aid and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked DC School
  • Grades: 4-12
  • Enrollment: 599 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $56,920
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 9
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

National Cathedral School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in District Of Columbia for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 4-12
Year Founded
1900
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 5, 2026
Campus Size
59 acres

Student Body

Total Students
599 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
36%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade
National Cathedral School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
75 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
81%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
BiologyCalculus AB
Calculus BCChemistry
Chinese Language & CultureComputer Science A
Environmental ScienceEuropean History
French Language & CultureHuman Geography
LatinPhysics 1
Physics 2Physics C
Spanish Language & CultureSpanish Literature & Culture
Statistics
Average SAT score
1450
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
31
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 9
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$38,237
Admissions Director
Jessica North Macie
Application URL

Sports

School Notes

  • School Motto: We believe in the power of young women
  • School Mascot: Eagle
  • The NCS applications consist of the following components: Campus Visit (tour or Admissions Program) Transcript Testing Teacher recommendations Parent questionnaire Student questionnaire Interview (for Grades 5 and above)
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does National Cathedral School cost?
National Cathedral School's tuition is approximately $56,920 for private students.
What sports does National Cathedral School offer?
National Cathedral School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Climbing, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. National Cathedral School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in District Of Columbia for most sports offered.
What is National Cathedral School's ranking?
National Cathedral School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in District Of Columbia for: Highest average SAT score, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for National Cathedral School?
The application deadline for National Cathedral School is Jan. 9.
In what neighborhood is National Cathedral School located?
National Cathedral School is located in the Northwest Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 55 other private schools located in Northwest Washington.

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked DC School
  • Grades: 4-12
  • Enrollment: 599 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $56,920
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 9
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Washington, DC is $29,615 for elementary schools and $35,886 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Washington, DC is 49% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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