Traffic and Parking

Each day, students, faculty, and staff commute to NCS by car, bus, train, bicycle, and foot. NCS recognizes the daily imposition on our closest neighbors caused by drop-off and pick-up traffic, and we deeply appreciate the patience drivers show during these half-hour periods.
 
For those who drive to NCS, the school provides nearly 200 parking spaces on campus for students, faculty, and staff to use. Our parking policy, tied to the enrollment contract, prohibits students from parking in the neighborhood during the school day, including during athletics. Faculty and staff who drive to school annually sign an agreement not to park in the neighborhood. School staff patrol neighborhood streets to monitor for violations.
 
Parents, neighbors, and others coming to NCS are asked to park in the underground Cathedral parking garage, rather than on neighborhood streets. The main entrance to the garage, controlled by a traffic light, is on Wisconsin Avenue, while a second entrance is at the intersection of 36th Street and Woodley Road.
 
Surface parking on the Cathedral grounds is also available after 3:30 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. Thank you for your cooperation.
 
Through several Transportation Demand Management initiatives, NCS plays an active role in reducing the traffic impact of cars coming to campus:
 
  • A shuttle bus, operated by the school, connects NCS with the Woodley Park/Zoo Metro station.
  • A PECF police officer controls a marked crosswalk on Woodley Road to maintain traffic flow during "rush hour" while assisting pedestrians in crossing the road.
  • A second PECF officer facilitates traffic at 36th Street and Woodley during morning drop-off.
  • An online "carpool corner" allows families interested in carpooling to find others who live near them.
  • Bicycle racks are available in two convenient spots, and NCS subsidizes faculty/staff who choose to bike to work.
  • Free-transit cards are available to students who reside in the District for school and school-related activities.
  • Reduced-fare transit passes are available to faculty/staff, as is a benefit for those who walk to work.