The Nora School Photo #3

The Nora School

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:

School Overview

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
The Nora School Student 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
Tuition Notes
Adjusted Tuition for families.
% on Financial Aid
30%
Admissions Director
Marcia Miller
Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered
4 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.

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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

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Silver Spring, MD is $20,783 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Silver Spring, MD is 69% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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