NCS girls in class

Academics

Discover your power to change the world

From 4th through 12th grade, the NCS program prepares you to think and act as a powerful catalyst for change in your community, across the country, and throughout the world.

NCS faculty members are experts in their subjects and in the ways girls and young women learn. By getting to know you as the multifaceted individual you are, our teachers offer you increasing challenges along with constant support. You build essential, high-level skills in writing, critical thinking, the scientific method, mathematical reasoning, research, and technology—and the genuine confidence that comes with them.

You graduate fully prepared to thrive in college, and to lead and serve with excellence, courage, and conscience wherever you go.

Three NCS girls sitting on the floor

NCS helped me develop an unusually high level of confidence, which came from being surrounded by smart, outspoken, and ambitious women every day. I was part of a community that expected us to speak up and lead, and that made me believe I could make a real impact. For just one example, at 16 years old, a classmate and I traveled to California to do stakeholder research on climate change in the Central Valley. NCS taught me that there are rarely easy answers to complex challenges, but I can and want to play a role in building solutions.

- alumna

NCS girl reading a book

Portrait of a Graduate

NCS Graduates are...

  • Confident individuals,
  • Empathetic leaders,
  • Change makers,
  • Problem solvers, and
  • Resilient learners.

 

How do they get there?

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Two NCS girls sitting at their desks in class

Learning To Lead

The NCS education intentionally develops women leaders for a world that needs them more than ever. You’ll gain leadership experience in the classroom, in the Cathedral, on the stage and playing field, and through countless clubs and extracurriculars.

Through our Center for Ethical Leadership & Service, you’ll explore the many different meanings and methods of leadership—and bring forth the unique leader within you.

Support from all sides

At NCS, you can confidently reach for more—because everyone here has your back. We intentionally create a kind, uplifting, collaborative school community. We also offer extensive academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual support.

You can also find resources and counseling through our Health & Wellness Program. And because our Episcopal identity calls us to actively care for every member of our community, we offer empathetic spiritual guidance for students of all beliefs.

NCS girl sitting in chair and taking notes in book
Teaching & Learning Center

The Teaching & Learning Center offers individually tailored assistance when you need it—and most students use the TLC at some point in their NCS journey. Our Learning Specialists work with you to build academic and self-advocacy strengths that serve you throughout your NCS years and well beyond.

Three NCS girls wearing party hats
Advisory Program

Our Advisory Program creates an environment of trust, camaraderie, and compassion, providing a safe space to discuss academic and personal challenges, and caring mentors to guide you every step of the way. Starting in Lower School with homeroom teachers and continuing through Grade 12 graduation, you’ll meet regularly with your advisors, with your classmates and individually, to celebrate successes, work through difficulties and chart your path through NCS. 

NCS class
Health & Wellness Program

You can also find resources and counseling through our Health & Wellness Program, which provides layers of support. And because our Episcopal identity calls us to care for every member of our community, we offer empathetic spiritual guidance for students of all beliefs. 


 

NCS library

Libraries

Our two libraries are state-of-the-art teaching and learning environments, designed to foster independent and collaborative study.  Our passionate librarians love helping you find what you're looking for–or discover something entirely new.

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NCS girls in white graduation robe

College Guidance and Placement

Our college guidance program is highly personal, intentional, and effective. Starting in 9th grade, we offer students and their families individual counseling on an increasingly frequent schedule so you’re ready to select and enroll in the best school that’s right for you.

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Teacher sitting with two younger NCS girls

The NCS Journey

Lower School

Our Lower School is a joyful laboratory of discovery, where students explore their world, their community, and their own emerging interests and talents. In our departmental model, students learn from specialists in each subject, giving them a head start on the advanced NCS curriculum.

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Middle School

Through a meticulously crafted philosophy of care and challenge, Middle School teachers foster your independence as a learner and as an individual. Our Advisory Program helps you to navigate the rapid intellectual, physical, and emotional changes of these years, as the curriculum prepares you for our renowned Upper School. 

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Upper School

Upper School is the time to grapple with big questions, broaden and deepen your perspectives, and actively use your education for the greater good. You’ll read widely and rigorously, write compellingly and creatively, conduct original research, and serve communities locally and around the globe. You’ll step forth as the leader, change-maker, thinker, and creator only you can be.

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