Sixteen members of the Class of 2026, representing the top academic performers, were inducted into the Cum Laude Society at a ceremony at the end of April.

Two NCS students are recipients of Tanaka Visual Art Fellowships.

Our athletes have demonstrated their skill and power on the field, court, ice, track, wall, and in the water this year.

AP Environmental Science students took a trip to an organic vegetable farm in Brookeville, Maryland, to see sustainable agricultural practices at work.

At an afternoon garden party at the British Embassy to welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their state visit to the United States, the NCS Choristers, along with the STA Choristers, performed the British and American national anthems.

Students in Grades 7 and 8 led a service in the Cathedral on April 28.

Congratulations to Sydney Barta '22 on receiving the Terman Engineering Scholastic Award at Stanford University!

The English Department awarded prizes for creative and expository writing during an Upper School Assembly.

The annual, student-directed, 1-Act Play Festival held in the Lower School Assembly Room in Whitby Hall entertained sold-out audiences.

Honors Art History visited the National Gallery of Art (NGA) East Building with the purpose of observing contemporary art, specifically in contrast to their class visit earlier in the semester to the NGA West Building, with its extensive collection of European masters and pre-20th Century American works.

With beautiful choreography by students and faculty, the annual Dance Gala showcased the grace, talent, and artistry among dancers on the Close.

In late April, Head of School Elinor M. Scully delivered her State of the School remarks to a host of parents/guardians, both in Hearst Auditorium and online.

The Class of 2030 and their parents/guardians gathered for the annual Prevention Convention.

NCS and STA have been named "Best Communities for Music Education" by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).

The Science Journal Club had a Zoom call with Dr. Onyinye Iweala '98, Assistant Professor of Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill and Director of the Mast Cell Disorders Program.

From April 8-17, our Global Education Program within the Center for Ethical Leadership and Service (CELS) coordinated a visit from 16 students, who each stayed with an NCS family, and two teachers from St. Paul's Girls' School in London.

Twenty-three NCS Upper School students represented Washington, DC, at the National Finals of We the People.

This year’s Diversity Forum centered around the theme Keeping Tech in Check.

Singers and orchestral musicians from eight local independent schools gathered in the Cathedral for an evening of camaraderie and performance.

Several members of the Middle School Service Club headed to Sunrise Assisted Living to visit with the residents, where they made crafts.

NCS students in AP French and French Cinema classes attended several panels of Georgetown University's Terror and Justice Conference, reflecting on the anniversary of the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris.

NCS and STA Middle School students entertained audiences with two performances of Wyrd Sisters.

In partnership with St. Albans students, NCS’s Class of 2028 engaged in joint service with Washington Parks and People in DC's Marvin Gaye Park in Ward 7.

Grade 6 students traveled for three days and two nights to three different locations on the Chesapeake Bay to learn about the unique ecosystems and the impact of humans.

During our annual Writer's Day, students welcomed Ms. Amber McBride, who led engaging workshops and spoke about the power of storytelling, identity, and creative expression.

The Crew team traveled to Oakridge, Tenn., for a week-long training trip on Melton Lake with Coaches Judith Vogel, Peter Schmidt, and Stephen Hoskins.

Lower School students and faculty set an ambitious reading goal over Spring Break: a total of 160,000 pages!

During spring break, 5th Grader Annabelle P. competed in the City Bee against the top 30 spellers, ranging from 4th to 8th Grades, from around the District.

In a project combining information and creativity, Fifth Graders were each assigned a portion of the U.S. Constitution and learned about key concepts, including federalism and ratification.

Sophia N. ‘28 is a guest writer and student journalist for Helmet to Heels, a platform that covers fashion, travel, and current events.

Students in Ms. Karen Adamson’s Fourth Grade Spanish created Family eBooks, making use of their language skills and technological abilities, getting to know one another better in the process.

Our Lower School students had a chance to get to know our city better on the second Discover DC Day of the year.

The National Council of Teachers of English has awarded Half-in-Earnest magazine a "Superior" award in its REALM contest (Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines).

Students in Mr. Kevin Perry's Latin I-A Class constructed a bridge between the Latin language and medieval artistry by stepping into the roles of monastic scribes.

The NCS community gathered on the East Terrace to celebrate Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors.

Members of the Middle School Black Student Union enjoyed a Retreat Day, with sacred spaces for learning, reflection, connection, and renewal, intentionally grounded in Black culture, Black history, and the tradition of Black excellence.

On March 14, the team competed at the DC State Tournament at Maret School and placed second overall, marking a strong finish to a highly competitive year.

Grades 4-6 enjoyed a visit from author, Ms. Katherine Marsh.

Senior Chloe L. has earned local honors for her viola and violin playing.

Leaders of the Upper School Service Board presented their peers with certificates in honor of each individual’s 100+ hours of community service.

Grades 4-6 observed International Women's Day with spirited marches around campus, lifting their voices and highlighting the strength and promise of girls everywhere.

The beautifully fish-themed winter edition of The Discus is now available around campus.

The NCS-STA Middle School Coordinate Choir joined with students from nine local Middle Schools for the annual tradition of the Middle School Independent School Choral Festival.

NCS parents/guardians, alumnae, and faculty and staff enjoyed one another’s company at the Party for Purple & Gold, held in the Athletic Center.

The NCS-STA Thespian Society performed Hadestown over two weekends at the end of February and the beginning of March.

On March 3, the Lower School Guild performed at the National Presbyterian Church as part of the Lower School Independent School Choral Festival.

Librarian Courtney Park was invited to participate in the American Library Association’s (ALA) National Library Legislative Day.

At an all-school Cathedral service, the NCS community honored the richness and diversity within the global Black, African, African American, and Caribbean communities.

With decorations provided by the creative Class of 2028, our Upper School students gathered in a transformed Hearst Auditorium for the annual Winter Formal.

Congratulations to seniors Babiha B., Olivia B., Chloe L., Yuhan L., Mazie O., and Lilah W. who have been recognized as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

At the end of February, Girls Who Code (GWC) hosted NCS’s annual STEAM event for students in Grades 5-12.

Students from 11 area public and private schools, including two NCS Grade 8 students, participated in the NCS Middle School Model UN in February.

Students in Grades 4-6 who participated in “Shark Tank”, an after-school Enrichment class, presented their entrepreneurial business concepts in a culminating session.

The RADIANT Class of 2026 marked a milestone in the countdown to graduating: 100 days left in the school year!

Lissy D. '27, Sofia T. '27, and Maddie L. '28 sang at an event hosted by the American Choral Directors Association in Providence, RI.

Parallels of Georgetown, a photograph taken by Lynne W. '28 in Photography 1, was awarded a Gold Key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition this winter.

To usher in the Year of the Horse, the NCS and STA communities gathered for a joyful Lunar New Year dinner hosted by the Center for Ethical Leadership and Service (CELS).

Robert Hur P’27, ’30 and Alexandra Walsh P’25, ’30, who were classmates at Stanford University Law School, addressed 8th Graders at Assemblies in February.

Haja Randria, the nanny of Fifth Grader Tess L., spoke to the Grade 5 French class about her native Madagascar.

On the eve of a long weekend, students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 held grade-level gatherings filled with fun activities, sweet treats, and thoughtful card exchanges.

During the Close-wide Season of Love, a total of 910 winter care kits were assembled.

The Winter Olympics were held in Italy…and on the Close!

Middle School students headed to Sunrise Senior Living to share in a creative project with residents, engaging in the spirit of Valentine’s Day.

Ella D. '32, Annabelle P. '33, and Caroline J. '34 headed to the THEARC Theater in Washington for the DC Cluster Spelling Bee.

A group of Buddhist monks arrived at Washington National Cathedral as they completed their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace.

Despite being delayed by a snowstorm and moving from the Cathedral to the First Baptist Church in downtown DC, the Upper School Concert was a wonderful showcase of musical ability.

The NCS/STA Madrigal Singers had the opportunity to participate in a workshop with the Grammy Award-winning King's Singers.

Students in Grade 6 English headed to the Makerspace to design and construct large dioramas of “utopia,” based on their close reading of Lois Lowry’s The Giver.

Our Tenth Grade Chemistry students completed a massive periodic table!

The Varsity Climbers secured the overall champion title with 211 points at the Washington Area Climbing League Championship.

Helen Z. '33 recently participated in the Metropolitan Classical Music Festival 2025 and was awarded second place in the Piano Solo Category for her age group.

The 8th Grade Vestry met with St. Albans’s Form II Vestry to plan a coordinated chapel service focused on the theme “New Year, New Start.”

Congratulations to 20 NCS Upper School artists and writers who were recognized with Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Following their successful fall season, NCS Eagles continued to earn well-deserved recognition.

As part of their study of the Holocaust, students in Grade 7 undertook a multi-disciplinary project.

Lower School students delighted listeners at their recent Winter Concert.

Students in Grades 7 and 8 performed seasonal music at their Winter Concert in the Cathedral.

After a semester of work on their chosen subject, five seniors presented their Independent Studies to the community.

Seniors Babiha B. and Chloe L. joined with Junior Jane P. to compete on "It’s Academic," the longstanding quiz show on television.

When long-time Middle School Social Sciences teacher, Rita Rajen, retired at the end of the 2024 - 2025 school year, she left behind a legacy of grateful students and appreciative colleagues.

On Tuesday, Jan. 20, NCS held a meaningful tribute to Dr. King’s vision of equity and justice.

Congratulations to juniors Juweriya S. and Matilda G. who were selected as the 2026 John S. Koch Scholars.

Students and families from around the Close gathered on Monday, Jan. 19, the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, at NCS to honor the legacy of Dr. King.

NCS’s Science Olympiad team competed at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Invitational and placed fourth overall in the Neighbors Division out of 22 teams!

The Upper School Science Journal Club met over Zoom recently with Dr. Charlotte Jeppsen '14.

Students in Mr. Bland’s Global Perspectives class created a powerful Gallery Wall that showcased a semester of learning across continents and centuries.

While they were home from college for winter break, many recent alumnae returned to NCS to connect with each other, current juniors and seniors, and faculty and staff.

Associate Head of School Paige Blumer presented at the Parents Association meeting about changes to the schedule for the 2026-2027 school year.

Whim ‘n Rhythm, a senior women’s a cappella group from Yale, performed for both Middle and Lower School students, with a repertoire that included the Beatles, Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder, and the Indigo Girls.

Tenth Grade students and twins, Vanessa M. and Titi M., both successfully passed and obtained their first degree Black Belt Karate!