Norwood School is a coeducational independent day school with 450 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
The school sits on 40 beautiful and expansive acres in Bethesda, Maryland, less than six miles from Washington, D.C. As one of the finest PK-8 schools in the country, Norwood sets the bar high and is committed to educating the whole child intellectually, socially, and ethically in a student-centered, challenging, and nurturing environment.
At Norwood, it begins with a simple promise your child will be known.
When children are known, they are best able to learn. This is because they feel comfortable asking big questions, taking on advanced challenges, and most importantly becoming their true selves.
At Norwood, education expands beyond academics to reach a full range of potential - intellectual, artistic, emotional, athletic - allowing our students to develop a sense of who they are and who they want to be.
Our warm and welcoming school is a place where the voice of every student is heard and where adults model a love for learning.
The result? A vibrant community of students who love coming to school each day; lifelong learners who are confident, curious, and creative; ethical and compassionate leaders who have the skills and values necessary to actively engage in high school and in the wider world.
Norwood`s child-centered approach to education and its very intentional emphasis on being a happy place of learning create an environment where each individual child is loved, nurtured, challenged, and truly known. Children flourish at Norwood.
They love learning; they are creative and critical thinkers.
They are confident in who they are, and they feel safe taking risks.
They are kind and caring people, who, fueled by our motto, How you lead your life matters, make helping others a priority in their lives.
At the end of their eighth-grade year, our graduates leave Norwood exceptionally well prepared for high school and empowered to make positive contributions to our world.
We look forward to welcoming your family via an admission event soon.
Until then, visit our school's Virtual Tour Page for a peek into our program or chat with a current parent!.

Quick Stats (2023)

  • Top Ranked MD School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 450 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $41,250
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Norwood School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1952
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
450 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
25%
State avg.: 36%
Students by Grade
Norwood School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
61%
Average Class Size
10 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Nice school clothes; no jeans or t-shirts

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
PK $26,850; K $35,760; grades 1-2 $37,140; grades 3-4 $38,900; grades 5-8 grades $41,250.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Located about one mile from the capital beltway on our beautiful 40 acre campus in Bethesda, Maryland, Summer at Norwood is a happy place of learning where memories are made and kids camp happy!Programs reflect our focus on innovative and immersive experiences. Our outstanding team of teachers and counselors help provide an environment where every camper feels free to be themselves, where creativity is allowed to flourish, and where the focus is on friendships and play. Most of all, Summer at Norwood is a welcoming place where campers feel known.We provide a wide variety of classes and programs to choose from. Our innovative offerings include art, STEM, dance, theater, outdoor adventures, cooking, sports, and many more specialty offerings.We hope you enjoy the site and invite you to contact us anytime!
% on Financial Aid
19%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$21,000
Admissions Director
Alex Ragone
Admissions Associate
Abby Bo Wan
Endowment Size
$22 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
15 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
& Diversity (SUCCEED), Book Clubs, Competitive Math Teams, Debate Team, Ethnicity, GLOW, Math Clubs, Model UN, SEEDling, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Students Seeking Understanding & Celebrating Culture, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Suzuki Strings, Theatrical Productions

School Notes

  • At the core of Norwood are more than 60 years of proven excellence in educating and preparing children for the future. We believe that today`s students must be exposed to a comprehensive view of the world and be conversant with different cultures. Our students are guided to develop important 21st century skills: to think critically, creatively, collaboratively, and compassionately with a global perspective. We also believe that world languages, art, music, physical education, athletics should never be considered extracurricular subjects. Each is a vibrant program that is as much a part of the Norwood experience as other subjects. Our commitment is to nurturing the whole child and helping children discover their passions. 
  • Norwood teachers are highly skilled at blending the very best of traditional and innovative teaching methods to inspire analytical and critical thinking, strong oral and written communication, independent thinking, and leadership in teamwork. Lower school teachers understand the careful balance of nurture and challenge; middle school teachers provide the freedom and structure adolescents need to flourish. Norwood is an intentionally happy place where children feel safe, respected, valued, and loved. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive community, and our goal is for every child to leave at the end of the day excited to return the next morning. We celebrate children being children whether at work or at play.  
  • How you lead your matters-that`s Norwood`s motto. Character and spiritual education are everywhere in the classroom, the playground, and the athletic field. We are as committed to nurturing matters of the mind and matters of the heart in each and every child. And at the end of their Norwood journey, our students are fully prepared for the next step in their education. Admission directors at some of the most selective secondary schools have described our students as: critical thinkers, curious learners, leaders, participants, good school citizens, well-mannered, well-balanced, impressive young people, and intrinsically kind and caring. 
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Norwood School cost?

Norwood School's tuition is approximately $41,250 for private students.

Does Norwood School offer a summer program?

Yes, Norwood School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does Norwood School offer?

Norwood School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Archery, Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field, Volleyball and Winter Track. Norwood School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for most sports offered.

What is Norwood School's ranking?

Norwood School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.

When is the application deadline for Norwood School?

The application deadline for Norwood School is Jan. 15.

School Reviews

5  
My daughter attended Norwood from K-8 and had a superb experience. At each grade, Norwood offers developmentally appropriate and wonderfully diverse opportunities for the kids to stretch themselves as leaders, public speakers, artists, athletes, performers, community members, scientists, writers, and citizens of the world. My daughter left Norwood with a strong moral compass and was able to thrive at a top academic high school.
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Quick Stats (2023)

  • Top Ranked MD School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 450 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $41,250
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Bethesda, MD is $28,770 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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