The Nora School is a progressive, college preparatory high school for socially conscious students in Silver Spring, Maryland that is intentionally small by design. Grades 9-12. A nonprofit school with 501(c)(3) status.
The Nora School's mission is to guide students to identify their talents, understand where their challenges lie, and honor their unique identities.
We work toward this goal through a diverse, active curriculum that utilizes pedagogical and operational strategies to promote social equity, justice, and environmental stewardship.
Social Education strategies include monthly Community Service projects, a Social Justice Travel program that follows the path of Civil Rights from Atlanta, Georgia to Selma, Alabama, and an Experiential History trip in the Dakotas and Montana
Social/Emotion learning is supported through small classes, weekly Advisory, individual college counseling and a experience with students with anxiety, depression and/or ADHD.
Students often attend Leadership Conferences in and out of the state, and internal classes such as Future Issues, Global Communities, and Environmental Science bring focused learning to important topics.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked MD School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 76 students
- Yearly Tuition: $33,000
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Nora School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild LD ADD ADHD
Year Founded
1964
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
76 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
28%
State avg.: 37%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
8 students
List of Courses Offered
Average ACT score
27
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$33,000
Tuition Notes
Adjusted Tuition for families.
% on Financial Aid
30%
Admissions Director
Marcia Miller
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Chess Club, Photography Club, Prom Committee, Student Government Association, Yearbook Committee
School Notes
- The Nora School offers a college preparatory curriculum on the edge of revolutionary and small classes in a relaxed, nurturing environment.
- The Nora School aspires to uncover and strengthen the intelligence and talents of bright students who have been frustrated in school.
- Their frustration may stem from a variety of sources: learning disabilities, health problems, family circumstances, or simply dealing with large bureaucratic structures.
- The Nora School assists students in turning their lives around, to get them excited and confident about learning, help them take responsibility for their actions and their lives, and view the world more critically, and to prepare them for post-secondary education.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Katie H, Grinnell College ‘20 -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Nora School cost?
The Nora School's tuition is approximately $33,000 for private students.
Who are famous alumni from The Nora School?
The Nora School famous alumni include: Katie H, Grinnell College ‘20.
What sports does The Nora School offer?
The Nora School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Rock Climbing, Soccer and Softball.
What is The Nora School's ranking?
The Nora School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for The Nora School?
The application deadline for The Nora School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is The Nora School located?
The Nora School is located in the Downtown Silver Spring neighborhood of Silver Spring, MD. There are 2 other private schools located in Downtown Silver Spring.
Related Schools
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People that viewed The Nora School also viewed these schools: The Siena School, Barrie School, Washington Waldorf School, Washington Christian Academy and McLean School.
The nearest high school to The Nora School is Academia De La Recta Porta Icds (0.6 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Torah School Of Greater Washington (0.1 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Quality Time Learning Center (0.1 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: 3-12 | 141 students 1.9 miles 1300 Forest Glen Road
Silver Spring, MD 20901
(301) 244-3600
Silver Spring, MD 20901
(301) 244-3600
1.9
3-12
141
Grades: PK-12 | 421 students 6.1 miles 13500 Layhill Road
Silver Spring, MD 20906
(301) 576-2800
Silver Spring, MD 20906
(301) 576-2800
6.1
PK-12
421
Grades: NS-12 | 276 students 5.8 miles 4800 Sangamore Road
Bethesda, MD 20816
(301) 229-6107
Bethesda, MD 20816
(301) 229-6107
5.8
NS-12
276
Grades: K-12 | 251 students 9.6 miles 16227 Batchellors Forest Road
Olney, MD 20832
(240) 390-0429
Olney, MD 20832
(240) 390-0429
9.6
K-12
251
Grades: K-12 | 498 students 10 miles 8224 Lochinver Ln
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 395-0698
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 395-0698
10
K-12
498
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