What are my chances of getting into National Cathedral School?

National Cathedral School (NCS) is very selective and only admits students who are strong academically and a good fit for the school’s values. They don’t share exact acceptance rates, but it’s known to be competitive, especially for older grades. To improve your chances, make sure your child has strong grades and good teacher recommendations, and put effort into the application. It also helps students attend school events and show genuine interest in NCS. The school looks for curious, kind, and motivated students who want to be part of a close-knit community. If your child is confident, thoughtful, and ready to grow, she’ll be a strong candidate.

Does applying to National Cathedral School require an admissions consultant?

Working with an admissions consultant can make the process easier and more effective. Why? Consultants help families stay organized, write strong essays through their honest feedback, and even help you prepare for interviews. At Cardinal Education, we guide families on how to show the best version of their child while staying true to who they are. Because of this, many families apply successfully with consultants as these experts put care into each part of the application. The most important thing is to be clear about why your child is a good match for NCS and what she can bring to the school.

How should my child prepare for the National Cathedral School admissions interview?

The NCS interview is a way for the school to learn more about your child’s personality and interests—not just her grades. Encourage her to talk about what she enjoys, her goals, and why she’s excited about NCS. Help her understand the school’s values, like leadership, kindness, and curiosity, and think about how she fits in. Practicing questions like “What are you proud of?” or “What do you like to learn?” can help. But she doesn’t need to memorize answers. Being honest, confident, and enthusiastic matters more than having perfect answers. NCS wants students who are thoughtful and excited to learn and grow.

When will National Cathedral School send out admissions decisions?

National Cathedral School usually shares admissions results in early March. You will get an email or see updates in your Ravenna account. If your child is accepted, you’ll have until around March 21 to decide if you want to enroll. If she’s placed on the waitlist, there’s still a chance she might get in later in the spring, depending on how many students accept their offers. It’s a good idea to keep checking your messages and make sure you’re ready to respond on time. Stay calm—whatever the result, you’ll have time to talk it through as a family and decide the best course of action.

National Cathedral School Admissions: Key Deadlines, Events, and How to Apply Successfully

Applying to National Cathedral School offers families the opportunity to join a distinguished, all-girls learning community in the heart of Washington, D.C. To navigate the admissions process effectively, it’s essential to understand the key deadlines, events, and strategies for a successful application.

National Cathedral School Admissions Deadlines

NCS follows a clearly defined admissions timeline, giving families the structure they need to plan their applications carefully. While exact dates may shift slightly from year to year, the general schedule is:

Admissions Timeline	Key Dates
Application Opens	September – Families can begin submitting applications for the next academic year.
Application Deadline	January – All applications must be submitted by the deadline.
Supporting Documents Due	Early January – Includes teacher recommendations, transcripts, and other required materials.
Admissions Decisions Released	March – Families receive acceptance notifications.
Enrollment Confirmation Deadline	March 21 – Accepted students must confirm their enrollment.

This structured calendar ensures a fair and equitable admissions process and gives families ample time to prepare a thoughtful application.

Key Admissions Events: NCS Open Houses and Tours

NCS hosts a variety of events to help families learn more about the school’s values, programs, and student experience. These events are strongly encouraged for prospective applicants.

On-Campus Visits
Families are invited to visit the campus during the admissions season. Guided tours offer insight into academics, facilities, and the close-knit all-girls environment.

Information Sessions
These sessions are designed to give parents and students a deeper look into NCS programs, including academics, athletics, and student life. Registration is available through the school’s website.

Student Shadow Days
For middle and upper school applicants, NCS often offers the opportunity to attend classes alongside current students to get a real sense of daily life.

Virtual Events
For families who are unable to attend in person, virtual information sessions and video tours offer a convenient alternative.

Tips for a Successful National Cathedral School Application

Maximize your child’s chances of admission with these strategies:

Apply Early: Starting the application process early gives your family more time to complete each part thoughtfully and meet deadlines without stress.
Attend Events: Participating in tours and information sessions helps you understand the NCS experience and shows demonstrated interest.
Strong Personal Statement: If required, use the essay to highlight what makes your child unique and why she would thrive at NCS.
Interview Preparation: Encourage your child to be herself in the interview, speak confidently about her interests, and express genuine enthusiasm for joining the NCS community.

Why Choose National Cathedral School?

NCS is known for combining academic excellence with a deep sense of purpose. Students are encouraged to lead, think critically, and engage with the world around them. The school’s Episcopal values, commitment to service, and inclusive environment make it a powerful launchpad for ambitious, intellectually curious young women.

Apply to National Cathedral School with Cardinal Education’s Help

If you’re considering NCS for your child, start early to meet all application deadlines. Visit the official admissions page to learn more about requirements, open houses, and event registration.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with our admissions expert to start your child’s application today!

How to Get Into National Cathedral School: What You Need to Know

Top 10 Fun Facts and Traditions That Define Student Life at National Cathedral School (NCS)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my chances of getting into National Cathedral School?
National Cathedral School (NCS) is very selective and only admits students who are strong academically and a good fit for the school’s values. They don’t share exact acceptance rates, but it’s known to be competitive, especially for older grades. To improve your chances, make sure your child has strong grades and good teacher recommendations, and put effort into the application. It also helps students attend school events and show genuine interest in NCS. The school looks for curious, kind, and motivated students who want to be part of a close-knit community. If your child is confident, thoughtful, and ready to grow, she’ll be a strong candidate.
Does applying to National Cathedral School require an admissions consultant?
Working with an admissions consultant can make the process easier and more effective. Why? Consultants help families stay organized, write strong essays through their honest feedback, and even help you prepare for interviews. At Cardinal Education, we guide families on how to show the best version of their child while staying true to who they are. Because of this, many families apply successfully with consultants as these experts put care into each part of the application. The most important thing is to be clear about why your child is a good match for NCS and what she can bring to the school.
How should my child prepare for the National Cathedral School admissions interview?
The NCS interview is a way for the school to learn more about your child’s personality and interests—not just her grades. Encourage her to talk about what she enjoys, her goals, and why she’s excited about NCS. Help her understand the school’s values, like leadership, kindness, and curiosity, and think about how she fits in. Practicing questions like “What are you proud of?” or “What do you like to learn?” can help. But she doesn’t need to memorize answers. Being honest, confident, and enthusiastic matters more than having perfect answers. NCS wants students who are thoughtful and excited to learn and grow.
When will National Cathedral School send out admissions decisions?
National Cathedral School usually shares admissions results in early March. You will get an email or see updates in your Ravenna account. If your child is accepted, you’ll have until around March 21 to decide if you want to enroll. If she’s placed on the waitlist, there’s still a chance she might get in later in the spring, depending on how many students accept their offers. It’s a good idea to keep checking your messages and make sure you’re ready to respond on time. Stay calm—whatever the result, you’ll have time to talk it through as a family and decide the best course of action.