How to Get Into National Cathedral School: Expert Tips

Why Families Choose National Cathedral School: An All-Girls Education in DC

Located in Washington, D.C., National Cathedral School (NCS) is an independent, all-girls day school for students in grades 4–12. Founded in the Episcopal tradition, NCS is part of the 57-acre Cathedral Close shared with St. Albans School, Beauvoir School, and the Washington National Cathedral, offering a unique setting that blends historic architecture with natural beauty.

Founded in 1900 by Harriet Lane Johnston, a niece of President James Buchanan and a prominent philanthropist, NCS was envisioned as a leading school for girls within the larger plan for the Washington National Cathedral. Its founding mission was to offer an exceptional education to young women and to instill in them the values of character, faith, and leadership.

Over the decades, it remained true to its mission while evolving to meet the needs of new generations of girls. From embracing diversity and inclusivity to expanding its academic and extracurricular offerings, NCS has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of girls’ education.

NCS shares classes and extracurricular programs with the neighboring St. Albans School for boys, fostering a co-educational experience while maintaining its identity as a school for girls. The close relationship with the National Cathedral also provides students with unique spiritual and cultural opportunities, such as services and events held within the cathedral’s historic walls.

Today, over a century since its founding, NCS continues to develop confident, compassionate, and capable young women ready to make their mark on the world.

How hard is it to get into National Cathedral School?

Gaining admission to National Cathedral School is highly competitive, reflecting the institution’s strong academic reputation. The school maintains an average class size of around 14–18 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 6:1, allowing for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.

The admissions process involves several key steps: submitting an online application form, paying a non-refundable application fee (automatically waived for families applying for financial aid), providing supplemental materials, and scheduling both student visits and parent/guardian conversations. Applicants are also required to submit teacher recommendations and school transcripts, depending on the grade level.

National Cathedral School accepts new students primarily at key entry points: Grade 4, Grade 6, and Grade 9. Applications for other grades are considered based on space availability. For the 2025–26 academic year, applications are due by December 1, with admission decisions released in mid-March. In certain cases, the school may review applications on a rolling basis if openings arise, though financial assistance may not be available at that stage.

Standardized testing is required for applicants entering Grades 5 through 11. However, National Cathedral School follows a holistic admissions process where test scores are only one part of the evaluation. Greater emphasis is placed on elements such as the Parent/Guardian and Student Questionnaires, teacher recommendations, and academic transcripts.

Given the competitiveness of the process, families may benefit from working with private school admissions consultants who understand the ins and outs of the National Cathedral School admissions process. Consultants can provide valuable guidance in presenting a compelling application and ensuring prospective students stand out in a highly selective pool of candidates.

National Cathedral School Admissions Process

Creating an account on Ravenna is the first step in the NCS application process. You may apply, register for admission events, receive notifications, and monitor your application progress all through your Ravenna account. The admission steps you should take are as follows:

1. Create an Account on Ravenna Hub
2. Submit an Inquiry Form
3. Attend Admissions Events (Optional but Recommended)
4. Submit Required Documents and Complete the Application
5. Schedule and Complete an Interview
6. Submit Supplemental Materials
7. Enrollment Confirmation

For more details and to begin your application, visit National Cathedral School Admissions.

The National Cathedral School Admission Requirements

NCS Parent Statement: Sharing Your Perspective

Parents or guardians of middle and upper school applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that is found on Ravenna. You will be asked to talk about your child and share information about their personality, achievements, and other personal information. Be authentic in sharing your family’s goals and willingness to promote the values and mission of the school. 

Writing a Strong Parent Statement for NCS

The parent statement is an integral part of the application process as it will help admissions officers better understand your child’s background and potential to become successful at National Cathedral School. It will also demonstrate your family’s commitment to your child’s education. When choosing what to write about, remember that you have to be honest and authentic. Focus on your child’s strengths and unique characteristics, and provide anecdotes to support your statements. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here. 

NCS Teacher Recommendations: Importance & Guidelines

Applicants must submit recommendation letters from current math and English teachers and the principal or counselor. The forms can be found on Ravenna and will be sent to the admissions committee online.

Securing Powerful Teacher Recommendations for NCS

Teacher recommendations are crucial for admission since they give a more thorough evaluation of your child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude. Because they deal with your child on a daily basis and can confirm your child’s academic success, they can make professional and unbiased observations. Building strong relationships with teachers is crucial if you want them to be able to provide strong recommendations that support other application materials when the time comes for them to do so.

NCS Transcript: Demonstrating Academic Readiness

Applicants must submit transcripts from both the previous academic year and the first semester of the current one. Once submitted, the school will handle the process directly.

Improving Grades for NCS Admission

The transcript will demonstrate your child’s readiness to handle National Cathedral School’s rigorous curriculum. But what if your child’s grades aren’t all that outstanding? Start private school admissions consulting early! Our tutors and academic coaches will work with your child to improve grades and achieve scores that meet the requirements. We provide online or in-person tutoring for a variety of courses as well as diagnostic testing. However, because we are aware that boosting GPA won’t guarantee success, we provide academic coaching that teaches executive function skills as a more holistic strategy. 

NCS Personal Statement: Crafting Your Story

There are questions that an applicant has to answer within a limited character count. The questions delve into your child’s personality, skills, and interests, as well as their expectations of National Cathedral School. The questions might seem simple and easy to answer, but admissions officers are looking at certain characteristics and values in your child that will determine if they are a good fit at National Cathedral School. 

Expert Advice for Your NCS Personal Statement

Our private school admissions consultants can guide your child and give advice on how to best answer the questions truthfully. Our years of experience working with families applying to National Cathedral School have allowed us to understand what they are looking for in applicants. From your child’s personal circumstances, we can identify what traits and characteristics will interest the admissions team and be considered for admission. Here are some useful tips on how to write a compelling personal statement.

Standardized Tests for NCS: ISEE/SSAT Requirements

Applications must include ISEE or SSAT results. Admissions personnel can better assess each applicant’s academic preparedness and likelihood of succeeding in the school’s demanding environment with the use of these exams.

Preparing for the SSAT/ISEE for NCS

We are aware that getting ready for standardized tests can be somewhat stressful, but we can be of assistance. We will help your child through customized test preparation strategies based on our years of expertise working with families applying to National Cathedral School. Our objective is to alleviate the burden of test preparation and ensure that your child is prepared to present their best self on test day. We offer individualized SSAT practice tests and ISEE practice tests to make sure your child submits impressive scores. 

Admissions Interviews: Making a Great Impression

National Cathedral School (NCS) requires admissions interviews as part of the application process.

• Student Interview: Applicants participate in a one-on-one or small group conversation with a member of the admissions team. This is designed to help the school learn more about the student’s interests, personality, and fit for NCS.

• Parent/Guardian Conversation: Parents or guardians also meet with an admissions representative to discuss their child’s education, goals, and any questions they may have about the school community.

These interviews are typically scheduled after you submit the initial application through Ravenna. You’ll receive instructions on how to select a time for both the student and parent/guardian components.

Ace Your NCS Interview: Preparation Strategies

Your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how they conduct themselves on those occasions. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into The National Cathedral School, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce your child to common interview questions and teach them how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values. 

Visiting NCS: Campus Tours, Open Houses & Virtual Sessions

The National Cathedral School offers a range of opportunities for prospective families to learn more about its programs and community through campus tours, open houses, and virtual information sessions.

NCS Campus Tours: Explore the Cathedral School

NCS provides in-person campus tours for families applying to Grades 4–12. These tours are usually led by admissions staff or student ambassadors and offer a firsthand look at classrooms, facilities, and student life. Tours typically require an appointment and are scheduled through your Ravenna account after you begin the application.

NCS Open Houses: Meet Faculty & Students

NCS hosts Open House events in the fall, which are a great way to meet teachers, administrators, and current students. These events usually include:

• Presentations from school leadership
• Panel discussions with students and faculty
• Q&A sessions for parents

Dates and RSVP details are posted on the NCS Admissions Events calendar, accessible through the school’s website or Ravenna.

NCS Virtual Information Sessions: Learn Online

For families who are unable to visit campus, NCS also offers virtual information sessions. These include:

• Live webinars hosted by the admissions team
• Virtual Q&As with faculty or current students
• Recorded overviews of the academic program and student life

All events—virtual and in-person—are announced and managed through your Ravenna Hub dashboard once you’ve added NCS to your list.

What is Student Life Like at National Cathedral School?

Student life at National Cathedral School is vibrant, supportive, and filled with opportunities for leadership, creativity, and personal growth. As an all-girls environment, NCS fosters confidence and independence, encouraging students to explore their interests without social pressure. Outside the classroom, students participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, affinity groups, service initiatives, and student government. Whether it’s performing in a musical ensemble, joining the debate team, or starting a new club, students are empowered to lead and make their voices heard.

The school also places a strong emphasis on community and wellness. Daily life at NCS is grounded in values of respect, inclusion, and collaboration. Students gather for chapel services and assemblies in the majestic Washington National Cathedral, a tradition that builds unity across grades. Athletics are also a big part of student life, with over 40 teams across different sports and levels. Through every experience—academic, artistic, athletic, or spiritual—students form deep bonds and develop the confidence to thrive both at NCS and beyond.

National Cathedral School Curriculum Overview

The National Cathedral School (NCS) curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire young women academically while nurturing intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and a lifelong love of learning. Rooted in a liberal arts tradition, the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical writing, and interdisciplinary exploration across core subjects such as English, history, mathematics, science, world languages, and the arts. The school also offers a range of electives and honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students who wish to dive deeper into specific academic interests.

From Grades 4 through 12, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, with increasing opportunities for independent research, experiential learning, and public speaking. A signature component of the curriculum is its integration of service learning and ethical reflection, consistent with the school’s Episcopal identity. NCS also shares select academic and extracurricular opportunities with neighboring St. Albans School, fostering a collaborative yet academically rigorous environment. Whether exploring environmental science, classical literature, robotics, or global history, students at NCS receive a balanced, forward-thinking education that prepares them for college and beyond.

What Sports does National Cathedral School offer?

National Cathedral School (NCS) offers a wide range of competitive and recreational sports through its athletics program, which is a vital part of student life. Sports are offered by season, allowing students to explore different athletic interests throughout the year.

NCS competes in the Independent School League (ISL) and encourages both varsity and junior varsity participation. With a strong tradition of sportsmanship, team spirit, and personal growth, the athletics program plays a key role in helping students develop leadership skills, resilience, and lifelong fitness habits.

National Cathedral School Arts and Music Programs

The Arts and Music programs at National Cathedral School (NCS) are an essential part of the student experience, fostering creativity, self-expression, and collaboration. From the Lower School through Upper School, students have access to a wide range of visual and performing arts classes, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital design, and more. The school emphasizes both technical skill and creative exploration, encouraging students to develop their unique artistic voice while learning from experienced faculty and visiting artists.

The music program is equally rich, offering opportunities in vocal and instrumental performance through choirs, orchestras, chamber ensembles, and handbell choirs. Students can participate in formal music classes, private lessons, and large-scale performances held throughout the year—often in the majestic setting of the Washington National Cathedral. Theater also plays a major role at NCS, with annual plays, musicals, and collaborative productions with St. Albans School. Whether through a concert, gallery show, or stage production, NCS students are encouraged to take creative risks, celebrate the arts, and share their talents with the community.

Clubs and organizations at National Cathedral School

National Cathedral School (NCS) offers a diverse array of student-led clubs and organizations that cater to a wide range of interests and passions. These groups provide students with opportunities to explore new activities, develop leadership skills, and build a strong sense of community.

Some of the longstanding and notable clubs at NCS include:

• It’s Academic: A quiz bowl team that participates in academic competitions, challenging students’ knowledge across various subjects.

• Book Club: A group for literature enthusiasts to read and discuss a variety of books, fostering a love for reading and critical analysis.

• Model United Nations (Model UN): Engages students in simulations of UN conferences, enhancing their understanding of international relations and diplomacy.

• Black Student Union (BSU): Celebrated its 30th anniversary, providing a space for Black students to share experiences, promote cultural awareness, and engage in community initiatives.

In addition to these, NCS hosts over 30 different clubs reflecting the diverse interests of the student body. These range from academic and cultural organizations to special interest groups. Each club is organized and led by students, with faculty sponsors providing guidance and support. This structure allows for flexibility, enabling the formation of new clubs that address current interests and issues. 

For the most current and comprehensive list of active clubs and organizations, it’s recommended to consult NCS’s official communications or contact the school’s student activities office directly.

Who are some famous National Cathedral School Alumni?

National Cathedral School (NCS) has a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields such as journalism, politics, the arts, and academia. Here are some of the most notable:

1. Susan Rice – Former U.S. National Security Advisor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. A prominent diplomat and policy expert who served under both the Obama and Biden administrations.

2. Savannah Guthrie – Co-anchor of NBC’s Today Show. She is a respected journalist and television personality known nationwide.

3. Katherine Boo – Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of Behind the Beautiful Forevers, a non-fiction work that received critical acclaim for its portrayal of life in a Mumbai slum.

4. Sally Quinn – Journalist and author, known for her work at The Washington Post and for hosting influential salons in D.C. political and media circles.

5. Liza Mundy – Bestselling author and journalist, known for books like Code Girls and Michelle: A Biography about former First Lady Michelle Obama.

6. Leah Daughtry – Political strategist and CEO of the 2008 and 2016 Democratic National Conventions.

These alumnae reflect the school’s strong emphasis on leadership, public service, and excellence. Many credit NCS for instilling in them the confidence and critical thinking skills they needed to succeed in their chosen paths.

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