How Faith Shapes the NCS Education
At NCS, our Episcopal identity informs and inspires life across our community. The Episcopal faith centers the belief that God’s love is the source of all creation; accordingly, Episcopal schools affirm the profound worth of every person. We value and support intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth, and at NCS, all intentionally work together.
We value learning about a wide range of religious and ethical traditions with a spirit of respect. Our goal is to nurture each student in her own discovery of a joyful, authentic, and purposeful life.
A Tradition of Inclusion
In keeping with the Principles of Good Practice set out by the National Association of Episcopal Schools, we “strive for justice and peace among all people and…respect the dignity of every human being.” This call, grounded in the Baptismal Covenant of the Book of Common Prayer, invites us to welcome families of all beliefs and backgrounds and to embrace our differences as opportunities to connect and learn.
Our students come from many different faith traditions, including Episcopalian and non-Episcopalian, Christian and non-Christian, and those with no faith affiliation, and we seek to honor this diversity in the spiritual life of our school.
A Tradition of Inquiry
The Episcopal tradition places great importance on the life of the mind. We honor this belief by asking big questions and grappling with complexity. We seek to connect our values to everyday life, finding joy in exploring the questions that arise from thoughtful conversation and personal reflection.
At NCS, students also engage in the academic study of religion, and they explore a variety of world religions and ethical traditions in the classroom and in worship.
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A Tradition of Worship
Episcopal tradition values the language of prayer to gather people of diverse beliefs and experiences in worship. At NCS, we gather weekly as an all-school community in Washington National Cathedral and by division in Grace Chapel. Here we pray, sing, and reflect together, as students share their talents and their stories.
Student leaders have special responsibilities to plan and prepare for chapel services, working in partnership with chaplains. These moments of connection and devotion bring our community together.
A Tradition of Service
At the heart of life in the Episcopal tradition is the call to love and to serve our neighbors. We seek to integrate intellectual growth with a generous spirit as we find purpose in serving the wider world.
Through Cathedral and chapel worship, classroom projects, and our Center for Ethical Leadership and Service, students have time and space to envision their role in their communities. Whether volunteering with local organizations or leading activities on campus, students learn to put their values into practice.
Washington National Cathedral
This beautiful and historic Cathedral has always been an integral part of our school life and a cherished part of who we are. We gather for worship in the Cathedral regularly and visit the Cathedral during classes. Students have the opportunity to serve in the life of the Cathedral through the acolyte program and as members of the Cathedral Choir. Learn more about the Cathedral.
NCS is a member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). Learn more about these schools’ shared mission, values, and practices here.