National Cathedral School in Bethesda, Maryland

“I am a parent of an NCS girl and can tell you that NCS is one of the toughest schools probably in the US. The caliber of girls is the nicest part of the school but the administration is not really what you would expect. The school is run by a bunch of power hungry women who like to always dictate.The college guidance is worthless-the kids are on their own and the counselors are really dead weights.The intensity of the academics and expectations are sometimes unreal and inhumane. There is no compassion in this cathedral school and the relentless pressure every day sometimes takes its toll on families. The only good thing is that the friendships and bonds formed here are really nice and some of these girls will become leaders of tomorrow. Don't think that by sending your daughter here, she will automatically go to an Ivy.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“my daughter has been happy there for 6 years....great teachers, the girls know who they are and are ready for the anything when they graduate.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“i love ncs i transfered 2 years ago and i am finding it amazing. the girls are very friendly, the sports and academics are intense”
This review was posted by a student.

“I recently graduated from the National Cathedral School (NCS) and would recommend it very highly as an excellent school for young women. I love NCS and would send my own daughters there in a heart beat. Academically: NCS is challenging but more than prepares its students for any college work load. I loved all of my teachers. They actively encouraged me to stretch myself academically. Athletically, NCS provides a range of sports and opportunities for students who are varsity or merely interested in a simple work out. There are number of clubs and societies that allow students to express themselves artistically and to give back to the community. NCS is an Episcopal school but focuses on a pluralistic understanding of religion rather than christian one. It would behoove someone looking at NCS to take into consideration the competitiveness of the community. Students are very driven and that is not an environment for everyone”
This review was posted by a student.

“I have been a student at NCS now for three years. I absolutely love NCS and am very happy with it. I would only recommend this school to girls who are serious about their schoolwork and are willing to work very hard in school. I have not found the homework to be too much, but have heard classmates complain. NCS is a great school for girls who want to at least make a dent in the world. I have met many friends at NCS and look forward to returning each September. I do plan plan on leaving NCS until high school graduation.”
This review was posted by a student.

“An Alumna of the school, I feel strongly that NCS offers one of the best educational opportunities for young women not just in Washington, but in the United States. The dedication of the faculty to their students is unparallelled. The diversity of course offerings is unique. The individual characteristics of the intellectually curious, young female student are cherished and nurtured. An ideal environment for the student who enjoys academic challenge.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Academic quality - 5 Availability of music, art, sports, etc. - 5 Level of parental involvement - 5”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a student at National Cathedral School (NCS). My parents have decided that I should transfer schools, half way through my first year. I enjoyed attening National Cathedral school to an extent. The teachers did not want my mother to come inside the building or ask questions about the curriculm or my grades. When I left I was just starting to make friends and I feel as if I have missed out on a great oppurtunity. The principal made new rules for us. I love the extracurricular activities. I helped publish a literary magazine and run literary workshops. The parents are utterly uninvolved, I would have given them a zero if it were possible. The students are very helpful, kind, and studious. They accept new students with joy.”
This review was posted by a student.