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Discover Why Families Choose NCS Starting in Fourth Grade
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On Opening Day at National Cathedral School (NCS), the youngest and oldest students process, hand in hand, into Washington National Cathedral as they mark the beginning of the school year. A Fourth Grader, eyes bright with excitement, looks up at the Senior guiding her and thinks, that will be me someday.
This simple moment captures what makes NCS special. Our community is devoted to relationships and a highly intentional educational experience that sets girls and young women up for success from their very first day through graduation.
This simple moment captures what makes NCS special. Our community is devoted to relationships and a highly intentional educational experience that sets girls and young women up for success from their very first day through graduation.
Our daughter’s Fourth Grade year has been nothing short of magical. She has blossomed from a reserved child into a confident, responsible, and joyful individual. Every morning, she goes to school with a smile and returns with an even bigger one. NCS truly believes in the exceptional potential of its students and fosters an environment where they can thrive. - Lower School NCS parent
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All New, All Together
Fourth Grade is the entry point to NCS Lower School (Grades 4-6), and every Fourth Grader starts this new chapter together. During a month-long orientation, students get to know their classmates, teachers, schedule, and traditions. For example, every Fourth-Grade class at NCS is given a special class animal, chosen uniquely for them. It’s more than a mascot–years later, students still remember their animal and the community it represents, a symbol of their shared beginning.
From day one, they build friendships and confidence that carry them through Middle School and beyond. They grow together from curious Fourth Graders to capable Sixth-Grade leaders—learning to collaborate, support one another, and lead with kindness. Along the way, new classmates join their class and they are also welcomed with open arms. Our students take pride in bringing new friends into our community.
Fourth Grade is the entry point to NCS Lower School (Grades 4-6), and every Fourth Grader starts this new chapter together. During a month-long orientation, students get to know their classmates, teachers, schedule, and traditions. For example, every Fourth-Grade class at NCS is given a special class animal, chosen uniquely for them. It’s more than a mascot–years later, students still remember their animal and the community it represents, a symbol of their shared beginning.
From day one, they build friendships and confidence that carry them through Middle School and beyond. They grow together from curious Fourth Graders to capable Sixth-Grade leaders—learning to collaborate, support one another, and lead with kindness. Along the way, new classmates join their class and they are also welcomed with open arms. Our students take pride in bringing new friends into our community.
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The Right Time for Challenge
Developmentally, Fourth Grade also marks the point when girls are no longer learning to read and have moved to reading to learn. It’s a moment when curiosity blooms, and when an engaging and stimulating academic environment makes all the difference. At NCS, our intentional curriculum recognizes this moment and gives girls a strong foundation in both academic subjects as well as study skills, organization, and critical thinking. Through a spiralling approach to learning, they revisit and strengthen core concepts each year from Fourth through Twelfth Grades, ensuring deep understanding and lasting confidence.
So, when they finish Sixth Grade and move to Middle School, they do so with confidence and comfort with academic expectations, independent learning, and using their voices.
Developmentally, Fourth Grade also marks the point when girls are no longer learning to read and have moved to reading to learn. It’s a moment when curiosity blooms, and when an engaging and stimulating academic environment makes all the difference. At NCS, our intentional curriculum recognizes this moment and gives girls a strong foundation in both academic subjects as well as study skills, organization, and critical thinking. Through a spiralling approach to learning, they revisit and strengthen core concepts each year from Fourth through Twelfth Grades, ensuring deep understanding and lasting confidence.
So, when they finish Sixth Grade and move to Middle School, they do so with confidence and comfort with academic expectations, independent learning, and using their voices.
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Leaders, Sooner
By Sixth Grade, NCS girls become leaders of the Lower School—guiding younger students, leading Assembly and Chapel, and serving as role models in our all-girls environment.
They’ve watched NCS Seniors lead with poise and purpose—and now they’re stepping into those same shoes. Leadership here starts early, so girls build confidence not just for school, but for life.
By Sixth Grade, NCS girls become leaders of the Lower School—guiding younger students, leading Assembly and Chapel, and serving as role models in our all-girls environment.
They’ve watched NCS Seniors lead with poise and purpose—and now they’re stepping into those same shoes. Leadership here starts early, so girls build confidence not just for school, but for life.
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A Place to Learn, Grow, and Still Be a Kid
At NCS, we believe your daughter is ready for more, now, while also preserving the joy of childhood. Fourth Grade is that perfect balance. It’s a time to explore new independence, make mistakes in a low-stakes environment, and discover the excitement of learning.
From the first Cathedral service to the day they graduate, NCS girls are surrounded by role models who inspire them—and by teachers who see their potential, believe in them, and will partner with them to reach their highest goals.
If your daughter is ready for something more—an early start on everything that comes next in her education and in her life—there’s no better place to begin than in Fourth Grade at National Cathedral School.
At NCS, we believe your daughter is ready for more, now, while also preserving the joy of childhood. Fourth Grade is that perfect balance. It’s a time to explore new independence, make mistakes in a low-stakes environment, and discover the excitement of learning.
From the first Cathedral service to the day they graduate, NCS girls are surrounded by role models who inspire them—and by teachers who see their potential, believe in them, and will partner with them to reach their highest goals.
If your daughter is ready for something more—an early start on everything that comes next in her education and in her life—there’s no better place to begin than in Fourth Grade at National Cathedral School.
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Learn More
Give your daughter a strong foundation for the years ahead—academically, socially, and personally.
Give your daughter a strong foundation for the years ahead—academically, socially, and personally.
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