.
.
Dear NCS Alumnae,

Over the past 125 years, NCS has educated more than 7,000 remarkable individuals. To honor this milestone anniversary and connect with our over 5,500 living alumnae, we have launched our first-ever Alumnae Census.

The mission of the Alumnae Office is to foster meaningful engagement among alumnae and between alumnae and the school. Yet, we recognize that to do this well, we need a deeper understanding of who you are today—not just who you were at graduation. Many of our current outreach efforts are shaped by incomplete or outdated information, and it’s time for that to change.

The Alumnae Census is our way of learning more about you—your story, your identity, and your journey since NCS. Just as we collect information from prospective students and families during the admissions process, we want to gather similar insights from our alumnae. This includes updated contact information and demographic details, which will allow us to personalize communications, design relevant programs, and build a more inclusive and connected alumnae community.

Participation in the census is voluntary, and you are welcome to skip any questions you are not comfortable answering, or select “prefer not to answer,” where applicable. Most importantly, your privacy is our top priority. All information will be kept confidential, securely stored in our private database, and accessible only to a small number of NCS staff members for engagement and programming.

This is more than a data collection effort—it’s a commitment. A commitment to better know each individual alumna and our alumnae community as whole. Your participation will shape how we build connections, celebrate milestones, and support one another in the years ahead.

Thank you for participating in this important 125th Anniversary initiative. We are excited to deepen our relationship with you and to continue growing together as a vibrant, inclusive alumnae community.

Sincerely,
The Alumnae Office
National Cathedral School
3612 Woodley Road NW Washington, DC 20016
alumnae@ncs.org

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. Why are you doing an alumnae census?

    The Alumnae Office at National Cathedral School is committed to enhancing our outreach efforts, and we've encountered challenges due to insufficient demographic data, which limits our ability to engage meaningfully with all alumnae. We want to understand whether our current strategies resonate universally or with specific groups.

    Rather than relying on outdated assumptions about who our alumnae are, we want to make data-informed decisions that reflect both the individuality and the collective needs of our community. This is where data collection strategies come in. The Alumnae Census will give us a more complete picture of our Alumnae Association, with questions similar to those asked of today’s students and families during the admissions process.

    Beyond demographic data, we aim to gain deeper insights into each alumna individually. We recognize that who you were at 18 is not necessarily who you are today, and we want to understand your evolving story. By learning more about each alumna, we can craft more personalized messaging and tailor programs that are relevant to your experiences, interests, and needs, ultimately fostering greater alumnae engagement.

    With your input, we can better understand the composition of our Alumnae Association and create meaningful, inclusive programming that resonates with all members of our community.

  • Q. How long will the census take to complete?

    We anticipate completion to take no more than 15 minutes.

  • Q. Why is NCS asking for personal information?

    NCS is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment in everything we do. To enhance our alumnae programming, communications, and engagement opportunities, we need a deeper understanding of our alumnae. This will also help us better identify and recruit volunteers who authentically represent the diversity of our alumnae community. Your participation is essential to achieving this goal and ensuring our efforts are meaningful and impactful for all.

  • Q. What if I am not comfortable answering some of the census questions?

    We understand that some of the questions may be sensitive, and we want alumnae to feel comfortable participating. You are welcome to skip any questions you prefer not to answer and continue with the rest of the census, providing as much information as you feel comfortable sharing. There is also a “prefer not to answer” option available for some questions, which you may use as well.

  • Q. How are you protecting my confidentiality, and where is my information going?

    At NCS, we take your data privacy seriously. The information you share will be kept safe, secure, and, most importantly, confidential. All data will be stored in our private and secure database, Raiser’s Edge, and will only be accessible to a limited number of current NCS employees, including those in the Alumnae Office. Your information will never be publicly accessible. If you prefer that we do not share your contact information with fellow alumnae, please let us know, and we will respect your wishes.
    The Center for Ethical Leadership & Service (CELS) Office, which houses the school's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Initiatives, may request to view certain alumnae information for the purposes of programming (e.g. student affinity groups, Diversity Forum, Janet Griffith Lecture, etc.).

  • Q. How do I participate?

    All alumnae are invited, and encouraged, to participate. If you have not received an invitation to complete your personalized census, please email alumnae@ncs.org or call (202) 537-6359.
3612 Woodley Road NW Washington, DC 20016 202.537.6300