National Cathedral School: Empowering Young Women Through Education

Since 1900, National Cathedral School (NCS), an all-girls private day school located in Washington, D.C., has dedicated itself to preparing young women for the intellectual, ethical, and emotional challenges of life. NCS combines respect for tradition with a commitment to innovation, fostering academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning. Situated on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral, NCS provides 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.

Academic Excellence and Opportunities

NCS offers a comprehensive academic program for grades 4-12, with an average class size of 12 students. The school provides outstanding academic, athletic, and artistic opportunities that foster healthy independence, confidence, and leadership in young women. NCS offers 18 AP courses and boasts a faculty where 50% of members hold master's degrees or higher. The curriculum is designed to encourage every girl to develop her individual interests, talents, and creativity. NCS expects students to acquire a basic core of knowledge, master skills, and practice critical thinking. Graduates have gone on to attend prestigious universities such as Harvard College, Yale University, University of Chicago, Duke University, and University of Pennsylvania.

A Focus on Character and Values

As a cathedral school, NCS provides an ideal environment in which to develop integrity, respect, and responsibility. The school emphasizes the importance of character development alongside academic achievement. Teachers respect and challenge each girl and inspire excellence, independence, self-discipline, and creativity. Consequently, students truly commit to their classes; they develop a strong work ethic; and they express themselves freely and fully.

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

National Cathedral School offers 16 interscholastic sports, including Basketball, Climbing, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball. This wide range of athletic opportunities encourages students to participate in physical activity and develop teamwork skills.

Diversity and Inclusion

Education is enhanced by diversity, and one of the strategic goals of NCS is to create an increasingly inclusive school. 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.

Tuition and Financial Aid

As of a verified school update, the yearly tuition for National Cathedral School is $56,920. NCS believes that an NCS education should be available to girls with ability and promise, regardless of their financial circumstances. Financial aid grants are “need-based” only and are determined by National Cathedral School and Tuition and Data Services (TADS).

NCS has provided over $5.6 million in financial aid for the 2025-2026 school year to 25% of the student body. In 2015-2016, NCS awarded over $3.3 million in financial aid to 19% of the student body, with grants ranging from $3,000 to $38,703. Financial aid is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need, which NCS defines as the difference between a student's educational expenses and the family's resources. All families who feel that paying for NCS would create financial hardship are encouraged to apply for aid. All financial aid information is kept confidential and separate from student records. Applications for financial aid are considered after an admission decision has been reached. NCS believes that the primary responsibility for paying for a student’s education rests with parents having legal custody of the student. Financial aid is awarded based on ability to pay, not willingness to pay. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all parents with legal custody to complete all steps in the application process. NCS does not offer a sibling discount.

Payment Plans and Deadlines

The enrollment contract is binding as of June 1, and the full year's tuition is due and payable as of July 1. Payment plan options are an accommodation to those in financial good standing with the school. Tuition is billed to student accounts in July, and the initial payment(s), in accordance with the payment option selected and the enrollment contract, must be received before July 1. A deferred payment fee of $150 will be charged in July for certain payment options, and also for payments not received by July 1. Amounts shown are based on the full tuition and Technology & Student Activity Fee.