Top 10 Fun Facts and Traditions That Define Student Life at National Cathedral School (NCS)
Looking for a school that blends academic excellence with unforgettable traditions? National Cathedral School (NCS), an elite all-girls private school in Washington, D.C., isn’t just about rigorous academics—it’s also packed with personality, spirit, and timeless traditions that shape a vibrant student community.
Here are 10 fun facts and student life traditions that make NCS stand out:
1. National Cathedral School Snowball Fights: An Iconic Tradition
When snow hits D.C., the usually serene Close transforms into a playful battlefield. NCS and neighboring St. Albans students have kept up a lighthearted tradition of snowball fights that have become the stuff of legend. Winter spirit? Check!
These informal snow day skirmishes are part of the long-standing camaraderie between NCS and St. Albans. While spontaneous and unstructured, they reflect how the shared campus fosters social connections and lighthearted memories—even during cold weather.
2. Student Lounges at NCS: Building Community by Grade Level
At NCS, students don’t just go to class; they also relax in dedicated hangout spaces. Each grade has its own lounge, giving girls a place to bond, study, or unwind between periods. It’s one of the small touches that fosters tight-knit friendships.
The presence of grade-specific lounges is an intentional part of the school’s architecture and culture, emphasizing student autonomy, wellness, and a sense of belonging. These spaces become hubs for collaboration, casual discussion, and informal mentoring.
3. NCS Spirit Week Dance-Off: A Beloved School Tradition
During Spirit Week, things get real with an epic dance-off competition. Each class brings the energy, choreography, and school pride. It’s not just a fun break from academics—it’s a beloved showdown students look forward to every year.
Spirit Week traditions at NCS serve as a unifying force, giving students a chance to show leadership, creativity, and school pride in a high-energy, supportive setting. The dance-off fosters both competition and celebration across grade levels.
4. Middle School Newspaper at NCS: Fostering Young Writers
At NCS, journalism starts young. Middle school students create and manage their own newspaper, giving future writers and editors a platform to share stories, opinions, and school news.
The middle school newspaper—student-run and teacher-advised—builds foundational skills in writing, editing, and public speaking. It also reflects NCS’s larger emphasis on student voice and agency, even in the earlier grades.
5. Senior Tiles at NCS: Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Before graduating, each senior paints a personalized ceramic tile that stays on campus as a permanent tribute. It’s a creative way to say goodbye and become part of the school’s history.
The senior tile tradition symbolizes continuity, legacy, and pride. It’s one of the most personal ways students say farewell while leaving behind a visual reminder of their individuality and time at NCS. Alumni often return to find their tiles years later.
6. Hearst Dining Room at NCS: Dining with Cathedral Views
The Hearst Dining Room isn’t just about good food—it also offers stunning views of the National Cathedral. Students enjoy daily meals in a setting that feels more like a historic college campus than a typical school cafeteria.
Named after the school’s founder Phoebe Hearst, the dining space reflects her vision of a beautiful, uplifting learning environment. The room’s panoramic windows and grand design create a sense of ceremony around daily student life.
7. Themed Dress-Up Days at NCS: Building School Spirit
Themed dress-up days like Pajama Day and Twin Day aren’t just encouraged—they’re celebrated. Students go all out, showing their school spirit with creative outfits and shared laughs.
These lighthearted traditions foster community through humor, creativity, and shared experience. They are planned by student government and club leaders, making them student-driven from idea to execution.
8. May Revels at NCS: A Vibrant Spring Celebration
Every spring, NCS throws May Revels, an outdoor festival full of costumes, dancing, and music. It’s one of the most cherished traditions, bringing together students, faculty, and families for a joyful celebration of community and springtime.
Rooted in English May Day celebrations, May Revels has evolved into a signature event that blends performance, pageantry, and inter-grade bonding. It’s an inclusive, multigenerational celebration of the arts and the NCS spirit.
9. Pi Day at NCS: Celebrating Math with Dessert
At NCS, math and dessert go hand in hand. On Pi Day (March 14), students enjoy real pies while celebrating everyone’s favorite irrational number. It’s a delicious twist on a nerdy holiday! Simply put, Pi Day is a school-wide celebration involving:
- Actual pie tastings (apple, cherry, pecan—take your pick!)
- Math games and trivia competitions
- Student presentations and themed artwork
Beyond sweet treats, teachers use the day to engage students in hands-on math challenges and fun trivia, linking academic content with joyful, low-stress celebration. It’s a math department favorite.
10. Ringing the Bell at NCS: Celebrating College Acceptances
When a senior gets into college, she rings a bell to share the good news. The whole school celebrates together—turning personal wins into shared joy. It’s a sweet, supportive tradition that symbolizes:
- Achievement
- Sisterhood
- Shared celebration
The College Bell tradition turns what could be a competitive process into a collective celebration. It underscores NCS’s emphasis on community and peer support, with underclasswomen often cheering just as loudly as seniors.
Why NCS Stands Out in D.C.
While academics are a key reason families choose NCS, it’s the vibrant student life and community spirit that truly set the school apart. These moments foster lifelong friendships, leadership, and joy, making NCS more than just a school, but a second home.
Want to have a fun and meaningful high school experience at NCS? We can help you apply, guide you through the admissions process, and make your dream school a reality. Call us today to get started—because your future at NCS begins with one bold step!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes student life at National Cathedral School (NCS) so fun and unique?
Student life at National Cathedral School (NCS) is filled with exciting traditions that help students bond and make school feel like home. From epic snowball fights on snowy days to themed dress-up events like Pajama Day, there’s always something fun happening. Each grade even has its own lounge where students can hang out between classes. Traditions like the Spirit Week dance-off, May Revels festival, and Pi Day with real pie keep things lively. These moments create lasting memories and bring everyone closer. It’s more than academics—NCS values community, creativity, and joy in learning. That’s what makes the student experience here so unforgettable.
- How does NCS help students feel a sense of belonging?
National Cathedral School (NCS) goes out of its way to make students feel seen and supported. For example, each grade has a private lounge—a cozy space just for relaxing or chatting with friends. Traditions like painting senior tiles or ringing a bell for college acceptances help students leave their mark and celebrate each other’s success. Even small things, like themed dress-up days and Pi Day festivities, bring everyone together and create shared memories. These events, led by students and staff alike, help build a close-knit community. Whether you’re new or have been at NCS for years, there’s always a space for you.
- What are some favorite NCS traditions students look forward to each year?
Students at National Cathedral School (NCS) love the school’s signature events! Spirit Week is a big deal, especially the dance-off where grades compete with awesome performances. May Revels is another favorite—a spring festival full of music, costumes, and outdoor fun. Then there’s Pi Day, where math meets dessert, and students eat pie while solving math puzzles. Every college acceptance is celebrated with a bell ringing, and seniors leave behind painted tiles to mark their time at NCS. These fun and meaningful moments happen every year, and students look forward to them as highlights that make their school experience feel special.
- How do NCS traditions support academic and emotional growth?
While National Cathedral School (NCS) is known for strong academics, its traditions also help students grow emotionally and socially. Events like the middle school newspaper build writing skills and confidence. The senior tile project encourages self-expression and reflection. Spirit Week and dress-up days foster creativity, leadership, and team spirit. Even something fun like ringing a bell for college acceptances promotes kindness and shared celebration. These activities aren’t just about having fun—they help students feel proud, connected, and supported. They learn that school success includes more than grades. At NCS, students grow into thoughtful, confident young women ready to take on the world.
