News & Social Media

This year’s Diversity Forum at NCS was centered around the theme "fLAWed", chosen by students.

We were honored to welcome back Jocelyn Frye ’81, who delivered a powerful and insightful keynote during our opening Cathedral service, setting the tone for a day full of meaningful learning and connection.

Upper School students participated in a range of dynamic workshops, on everything from digital crime and identity, to environmental justice, to art as resistance, and more. Middle Schoolers engaged in service projects both on and off campus and explored topics like how budgeting reflects a community’s values. In the Lower School, students practiced leadership and collaborative problem-solving in an interactive GenHERation workshop.

The day ended on a joyful note with our Talent Show, where Upper School students wowed us with their incredible creativity and spirit! 🎤✨

A huge thank you to everyone—guests, faculty, staff, and students—who made the Diversity Forum such a meaningful experience. Your energy, thoughtfulness, and dedication made all the difference. 💜💛

#DiversityForum #NCSCommunity #NCSCELS #ThePowerOfYoungWomen

🚌 Our 6th graders recently set off on their unforgettable Chesapeake Bay adventure! 🌊 This beloved NCS tradition offers students three days of immersive, hands-on learning all about the Bay’s unique ecosystem. 🌿

From exploring Port Isobel Island and Smith Island to experiencing the Karen Noonan Center, students bonded with classmates, learned from nature, and created memories that will last a lifetime. 💜💛 #NCSAdventures #ChesapeakeBayTrip #ThePowerOfYoungWomen

“I signed up for Research Topics in Protein Engineering not knowing it would become
one of my most interesting classes. My favorite activity that we have done so far was our mini prep lab where we extracted DNA.” 🧬✨ – Upper School Student

Students taking this course get hands-on experience and learn tools and techniques
like enzymatic manipulation of DNA, enzyme kinetic assays, running gel electrophoresis, and ligation reaction through case studies and lab work. 🔬🧪

“The ultimate goal of our STEAM programming is to prepare young women to meaningfully engage, serve, and aid the world in the realm
of science. We do this both intentionally and early, knowing these skills are what our students need to be change agents in the world and have the confidence to participate immediately in STEAM fields.” —Paige Blumer, Associate Head of School

#NCSSEAM #The PowerOfYoungWomen

“My teachers are my favorite part of being a student at NCS. They care deeply about my academic success and personal well-being, making NCS a more supportive and nurturing place.”
– Upper School Student

Nearly 96% of girls’ school students report receiving more frequent feedback on their assignments and other course work compared to 93% of girls at coed independent and 80% at coed public schools.

—Dr. Richard A. Holmgren, Allegheny College, Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools

#NCSCommunity

Over Spring Break, NCS community members and Head of School Elinor Scully gathered in Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to celebrate our 125th anniversary with special receptions hosted by our amazing alumnae. From Jarvis Weld’s home in Seattle to Tatiana Blackington James’ in LA, and finally Molly Kelleher Myers’ in San Francisco, each event brought together alumnae, families, and friends for a joyful celebration of our NCS spirit. 🌟

A huge thank you to our gracious hosts for opening their homes and creating such welcoming spaces for connection and camaraderie. And to everyone who joined us—you made these moments truly unforgettable! 💜💛

“My favorite part about NCS is how everyone is encouraged to speak up for themselves in and outside of the classroom. It has fostered more confidence in my voice and I’m sure also in my peers.”
– Upper School Student

Girls’ school students are more likely than their female peers at coeducational schools to experience an environment that welcomes an open and safe exchange of ideas. Nearly 87% of girls’ school students feel their opinions are respected at their school compared to only 58% of girls at coeducational schools.

—Dr. Richard A. Holmgren, Allegheny College, Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools

#NCSEmpowerment

✨ Our Dance Team brought energy, passion, and incredible talent to the winter season! 💃🔥 From powerful performances to hours of dedicated practice, our dancers illustrated their artistry and athleticism with every step.

This season was filled with unforgettable moments—stunning choreography, teamwork, and hard work. We’re so proud of our Dance team for their incredible spirit! 💜💛

#NCSDance #NCSAthletics #ThePowerOfYoungWomen

Our Girls Who Code club hosted another incredible annual hackathon in Gray Library! 💻✨

With guidance from upper school instructors, students in grades 5-12 explored codebreaking, Python, HTML, Scratch, Java, and prototyping—all centered around this year’s theme: Design for All.

Teams worked on redesigning outdoor play spaces to be more inclusive, even prototyping a buddy bench to encourage connection and belonging in the Lower School.

An impromptu Upper School Women in STEM panel made the day even more special, as students shared their experiences in science, math, and computer programming, inspiring the next generation of tech leaders at NCS! 🚀 #GirlsWhoCode #NCS125 #WomenInSTEM

🎭✨ The stage was alive with energy as the NCS/STA Upper School Thespian Society brought “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” to life!

Audiences were treated to a heartfelt and hilarious performance as six students competed for the title of Spelling Bee Champion, guided by a cast of equally unique adults. With a mix of improv, audience participation, and unforgettable musical numbers, the show was a joyful celebration of competition, friendship, and self-discovery.

Bravo to our talented cast and crew for an incredible production! 👏🎶 #NCSArts #TheaterMagic #SpellingBeeOnStage

🌟🎨 What if you had to explain concepts like justice, courage, or trust—without using words? That’s exactly what our Middle School students in the Artistic Collaboration class did!

Their assignment was to join a United Nations Task Force to communicate with the TwoDi people, an alien species that only sees in two dimensions! 👽✨

Working in teams as Line, Shape, and Color experts, students carefully designed visual representations of abstract ideas, creating images that could transcend language. They then presented their final illustrations and explained their creative process to faculty and staff acting as UN representatives, receiving valuable feedback on their artistic and analytical choices.

The students worked on the concepts of – Justice, Humor, Hope, Courage, Trust and Creativity. Check out their outstanding artwork.

Through this imaginative challenge, our students explored the power of art as a universal language, demonstrating creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. 🌍🎭🖌️

#NCSCreativity #ThePowerOfArt #ThePowerOfYoungWomen #ExcellenceInAction

Lower Schoolers are diving into the March Readathon with creativity and enthusiasm—raising funds for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) while celebrating their love for books! 🐾❤️

📖 The goal? For the students to collectively read at least 150,000 pages and the faculty and staff to read at least 10,000 pages! Friends and family are encouraged to pledge donations if students reach their goals.

To kick off this exciting service-learning project, our students dressed up as their favorite book characters—bringing stories to life with colorful costumes, clever details, and lots of imagination! 🌟 From classic literary figures to beloved characters, the creativity on display was truly inspiring.

Let the reading adventures begin! 🚀📚 #MarchReadathon #LoveForBooks #NCSReads #CreativityInAction

🎓✨ This morning, our seniors marked 100 days until graduation and the last day of school! 🎉 To celebrate, seniors and their advisors handed out 100-day stickers to Lower, Middle, and Upper School students during morning drop off. 💜💛

With support from the Parents Association, seniors also enjoyed some special treats and took a moment for reflection—writing letters to their future selves filled with hopes, advice, and dreams—letters that will be mailed back to them one year from now. 💌

The countdown is officially on! Here’s to our Revolutionary Class of 2025 and the journey ahead! ⏳🎓

Check out the full album in the Photo Gallery in MyNCS.

#Classof2025 #NCSMoments #REVO2UTIONA5Y
#CountdownToGraduation

💡✨ Innovation in action! Our 6th-grade scientists put their knowledge to the test with hands-on Simple Machines presentations. They explored the mechanics behind levers, pulleys, gears, and more—showcasing their creativity, problem-solving skills, and deep understanding of physics in action. 🚀🔬
We love seeing our students bring learning to life with curiosity and innovation! 👏🔧⚙️ #NCSExcellence #NCSSTEM #HandsOnLearning

🏀 The NCS basketball team has been bringing the energy and determination all season long! From hard-fought battles to incredible buzzer-beaters—like Erica ‘25 sinking a game-winning three-pointer as time expired—the Eagles have shown true grit and teamwork. 💪🦅

A special shoutout to the team and coaches for an amazing season, capped off with a great win at the last home game! Way to go, Eagles! 🎉👏 #EaglePride #NCSBasketball #NCSAthletics

🎶✨ The NCS/STA Madrigal Singers had the incredible opportunity to join eight other schools from across the DMV for the 18th annual High School Choral Festival! Hosted by the Cathedral Choral Society, the event took place at the National Presbyterian Church, bringing together over 300 voices in harmony.

In addition to performing their own repertoire, our Madrigal Singers joined in two joint pieces under the direction of guest conductor Arreon Harley-Emerson of Elevate Vocal Arts. A huge thank you to CCS for organizing this inspiring event! 🎼👏 #NCSArts #NCSMusic #ChoralFestival #NCSSpirit

The NCS community gathered for a meaningful all-school Cathedral service as part of our year-long 125th Anniversary celebration, centered on our core value of conscience. 💜💛

We were honored to welcome Dr. Noelle Trent ’99, President and CEO of the African American History Museum in Boston and Nantucket, as our homilist, and Ms. Lou Rollinson ’77 as a reader. Their inspiring presence, alongside other alumnae attending both in person and via live stream, made the day truly special.

The service featured powerful musical moments, including Salincya A. '27’s beautiful rendition of "I’m Here" from "The Color Purple" and the timeless hymn "This Little Light of Mine".

Thank you to everyone who joined us, both near and far, to reflect on the guiding principle of conscience and celebrate this milestone in NCS history. 🌟

#NCS125 #NCSConscience #NCSTradition #NCSCommunity

💜💛 #ThrowbackThursday to Spirit Day at NCS! The campus was alive with energy, creativity, and a whole lot of laughter. From colorful outfits to spirited competitions, our community came together to celebrate what makes NCS so special. 🦅✨

Shoutout to our students, faculty, and staff for bringing the enthusiasm and making it a day to remember. Let’s keep the NCS spirit shining all year long! 💪🎉

#NCSSpirit #EaglePride #NCSCommunity

At NCS, we recognize that every student learns differently, and we celebrate the diverse learning styles that help them achieve their goals. Whether through hands-on projects, collaborative discussions, or independent exploration, we provide the tools and support each student needs to thrive. 📚✨

Together, we create an environment where every learner can shine! 🌟

#NCSExcellence #ThePowerOfYoungWomen

Our NCS squash team is having an amazing season, with impressive victories and strong performances at tournaments. We’re so proud of their hard work, teamwork, and dedication as they head into championship season. Go Eagles! 💜💛🏸

Our Lower School students had a blast embracing the winter wonderland, enjoying the snow, and spreading the NCS spirit! ❄️⛄️ #NCSWinterJoy

✨ 🏒 NCS Ice Hockey is back, and what an incredible start to the season! Huge congratulations to our players and their families for their passion and dedication in bringing ice hockey back to NCS. 🎉

The team secured their first win of the season against Bryn Mawr with an impressive 7-3 victory! 🎩 Way to go, Eagles!

2025 is already shaping up to be an amazing year for these history makers. We can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish this season.

#NCSIceHockey #NCSEagles #NCSAthletics #EaglePride

The NCS English Department hosted this year's Middle School Writer’s Day, featuring poet extraordinaire Ms. Gayle Danley! 🌟

Danley, a celebrated poet, and International Poetry Slam winner, has been an inspiration to our community for years. Through her work, she has empowered students to use poetry as a tool for healing, self-expression, and hope.

From the stage to the classroom, Danley’s impact is extraordinary, and it was an honor to welcome her back to the Close. Her passion and talent touched every heart in the room, making this year’s Writer’s Day truly special. 💛💜

A huge thank you to Danley and everyone who joined us for this memorable day, complete with warm conversation and delicious treats. 🖋️✨

#NCSExcellence #WritersDay2025 #PoetryWithPurpose #GayleDanleyAtNCS

Before the break, our Lower School was buzzing with excitement during the LS Spelling Bee! 🐝 Our amazing students showed off their spelling skills while their classmates cheered them on with the most creative and heartwarming signs. 💛💜

A huge congratulations to our top three winners:

✨ Annabelle P. '33

✨ Ella D. '32

✨ Caroline B. '33

These spelling winners will proudly represent NCS at the Intermediate Spelling Bee in February, competing with 4th-8th graders from across the city. ✨

Thank you to all 20 talented students who participated, we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and courage! 🎉

Big thanks to the amazing classmates who supported their friends—it’s moments like these that showcase the strong connection of our NCS community! 🌟

#NCSExcellence #SpellingBee #NCSProud #CommunityInAction

NCS recently welcomed Oxbridge consultant Adam Allen to campus to share exciting study abroad programs at the University of Cambridge and University of Oxford, along with opportunities in Paris, Barcelona, and New York. 🌟

This visit highlights our longstanding relationship with Oxbridge. Each summer, two NCS Koch Fellows embark on an enriching academic journey at the University of Oxford. 🎓💼

We’re proud to connect our students with transformative experiences that expand their horizons and cultivate lifelong learning. 📚✨ #NCSGlobalOpportunities #NCSGlobalPrograms #NCSExcellence

Our NCS and STA students, faculty, and staff came together in the stunning Washington National Cathedral to celebrate our beloved tradition, the Festival of Lessons and Carols. 🕊️✨ Through moving scripture readings and breathtaking performances by our talented students, the Christmas story came to life, filling the Cathedral with joy and reflection. 🌟🎶

A beautiful reminder of the power of community and the season’s spirit of hope and light. 💜💛 #NCSJoy #FestivalOfCarols #NCSCommunity

Spreading holiday cheer through a timeless tradition! 🎁✨ This year, students, faculty, and staff gathered for our annual Gift for an Unknown Child Cathedral service, bringing beautifully wrapped presents to share with families in the local community. For over 70 years, this cherished NCS tradition has been a shining example of the generosity and compassion at the heart of our community. 💜💛 #SeasonOfGiving #NCSCommunity #EaglesInService

🏑✨ Huge shoutout to our NCS Field Hockey team for an incredible season! Our players displayed fierce dedication, teamwork, and resilience on the field, representing the spirit of NCS with pride. The team embodied our values of excellence, service, courage, and conscience every step of the way. Go Eagles! 🦅 @ncsathleticsboard @ncsstrong #NCSAthletics #FieldHockey #EaglePride #ExcellenceInAction

🎾 A big shoutout to our NCS tennis teams for an incredible season! Our Varsity team wrapped up their season in late October, securing a strong 5th place in the AA division. Our JV team showcased their skills and determination by finishing the season undefeated! 🌟

We are so proud of the passion, resilience, and sportsmanship our players brought to the court all season long. Go Eagles! 💜🦅💛 #NCSTennis #EaglePride #NCSAthletics #TeamSpirit

🍂 Our Head of School Elinor Scully has been immersed in the heart of NCS life this fall!

From visiting classrooms and connecting with students, to cheering on our athletes and thespians, Elinor has been supporting and celebrating the vibrant NCS community. She enjoyed the excitement of FallFest and engaged with parents and guardians at Back-to-School Nights too! 💜✨ Her dedication to our students, families, faculty, and staff shines through every day. #NCS #NCSCommunity #NCSLeadership #FallAtNCS

We’re inspired by the achievements of our remarkable NCS students who shared their fellowship experiences with our community.

Mallika M. ‘25 and Nora P. ‘25, recipients of the John S. Koch fellowship, presented their studies from Oxford, UK. Mallika focused on creative writing and environmental studies, while Nora explored creative writing and law. 🌍📚 A special thank you to Karolina Arias

We also recognized the impactful work of the Vernot-Jonas Family Fellowship recipients: Jane E. ‘25 shared research on the migrant experience at the border, and Yuhan L. ’26 presented on blind and visually impaired musicians. A special thank you to Dr. Richard Jonas, Mrs. Katherine Vernot-Jonas, and their daughter Nicole Vernot-Jonas ’20 for their support.

We also celebrated our Hester Fellowship fellows, Katherine K. '25 and Addie C. '25, for their fascinating presentations. Katherine presented about the Salem Witch Trials, where Addie presented on Anglicanism across former colonies of the British Empire. 📖✨ We extend our appreciation to our former faculty members Susan Basile and Susan Easton for their support.

Your hard work and dedication continue to inspire us all. Thank you for sharing your journeys with the NCS community! 🦅💫 #NCSFellowships #ExcellenceInAction #NCSCommunity

The NCS/STA Thespian Society lit up the stage with an energetic performance of “The Government Inspector” by Jeffrey Hatcher!

This fresh, fast-paced adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s classic farce had the audience in stitches with its hilarious mistaken identities, over-the-top characters, and whirlwind of laughter-filled moments. It was a truly expressive and dynamic show, showcasing our students' incredible talent and dedication.

Bravo to our amazing actors, cast, and crew for an unforgettable night! 🎭✨ #NCSArts #NCSCommunity

🌟 At NCS, Middle School is more than academics — it's a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and growth. Guided by our core values of excellence, service, courage, and conscience, we foster a vibrant environment where students are encouraged to believe in their potential and embrace a love for learning.

From Middle School Morning Meetings and Spirit Week celebrations to engaging academic programs, our students experience a unique blend of relational learning, enjoyment, and tradition. With amazing mentors, hands-on projects, and wide-ranging co-curriculars, NCS Middle School is where community and curiosity thrive. 💜💛

#NCSOpenHouse #DiscoverNCS #NCSCommunity #ExcellenceInAction

Our 4th Graders explored the concept of density in science class! 🌊 They investigated why some objects float while others sink by creating their own density columns. 🧪💡 It’s always exciting to see our students' curiosity in action! ✨ #Science #STEMLearning #NCSCommunity #CuriosityInAction

🍂 FallFest was so much fun! Over the weekend, NCS students and families gathered at the Athletic Center to enjoy activities, games, and delicious food. It was a perfect way to wrap up Spirit Week! 🎉🍁 #NCSFallFest #NCSSpirit #NCSCommunity #fall

🐯🐻 Wildlife Wednesday has arrived, and our students are going all out in their fiercest wildlife attire for the third day of Spirit Week! From giraffes to playful sharks and inflatable squid, NCS is full of spirit and creativity. Stay tuned for more fun as Spirit Week continues! 🐾 #NCSCommunity #NCSSpirit #SpiritWeek #NCSInMotion

A warm welcome to our newest Eagles who joined us for Prep for Success! 🦅 Over the span of two days, we welcomed 7th - 12th graders who are new to NCS. The students built meaningful connections with new and current NCS community members and got a firsthand look at life on the Close. Here's to an incredible year ahead! 🌟 #ThePowerOfYoungWomen #PrepForSuccess #NCSEagles

☀️ What’s better than a sunny day on the Close? Soaking it up with friends! Today, our students took full advantage of the beautiful weather—playing outside, laughing together, and making the most of the spring sunshine. 🌼 Middle School students took the opportunity to practice lacrosse while Lower school students enjoyed a free dress day, showing off their style, bright personalities, and big smiles! 💜💛

The Upper School welcomed author and writing educator Vicki Valosik for our annual Writer’s Day. Valosik—editorial director and instructor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and author of Swimming Pretty: The Untold Story of Women in Water—shared powerful insights about the history of synchronized swimming and its intersection with women’s rights and recognition in sports.

Throughout the day, she visited English classes and led small-group writing workshops. In the afternoon, she delivered a compelling talk to the entire Upper School, introduced by DC Youth Poet Laureate and NCS senior Neha K., and followed by an insightful student-led interview with Eve B. and Nour S.

Thank you, @vickiswims for inspiring our students with your story and your words!

#NCSWritersDay #ThePowerOfYoungWomen

🎉 Before spring break, the NCS community came together for a joyful Holi celebration on the East Terrace! 🎨🌸 Holi, the Festival of Colors, welcomes spring with vibrant festivities, laughter, and, of course, lots of color! Students, faculty, and staff joined in the fun, making unforgettable memories before the break. 🌼✨ #NCSSpirit #HoliCelebration #FestivalOfColors

🌟 Inspiring moments at NCS as our Lower School students celebrated International Women's Day with joyful and spirited marches around the Close!💛💜 This tradition reminds us of #ThePowerOfYoungWomen and the bright future they are building. ✨ #InternationalWomensDay #NCSSpirit #125YearsofExcellence

This morning, the NCS community came together for a special all-school Cathedral service, continuing our 125th Anniversary celebration with our core value of Excellence. 💜💛

We were honored to welcome sisters Jocelyn Moore Gailliot '99 and Madeline Moore Grayson '05 as homilists, along with Jeni Hansen '96 and Casey Orr Whitman '02 as readers. Gailliot and Grayson shared their journey of founding Tuckernuck,a fashion business with 150 employees that serves millions of customers globally.

Inspiring students with their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to giving back, the sisters described excellence as “a mindset” –a commitment to being the best version of yourself and constantly striving to improve. They discussed the power of optimism and noted that fun and humor had an important role to play, concluding that joy and excitement and hard work are at the center of their approach.

The service also featured beautiful artistic contributions, including a dance by Audrey L. ’26 and a choral performance by the Lower School Guild.

A heartfelt thank you to our speakers, alumnae, students, and faculty who made this service so meaningful. It was a moment to reflect on the excellence that defines NCS—past, present, and future! ✨

Watch the full service on our YouTube. Link in bio.

#NCS125 #NCSExcellence #NCSTradition #NCSCommunity

From March 1 to March 8, we invite our NCS community to come together and support the Fund-a-Scholar Challenge—an opportunity to invest in the bright futures of our students.

As we countdown to graduation, let's celebrate the Class of 2025 and honor their journey by ensuring that future generations of Eagles continue to thrive in an exceptional learning environment. Your support helps sustain the academic excellence, leadership opportunities, and vibrant community that define NCS. 💜💛

Let’s show our belief in the power and promise of NCS students. Join us today and be part of the legacy that fuels their success! 🚀

Thank you to the generous donors in our community making this $250,000 match Challenge possible!

Link in bio.

#FundAScholar #NCSExcellence #EaglePride #Classof2025 #REVO2UTIONA5Y

🎶✨ Our 8th Grade Vestry, in collaboration with St. Albans' Form II Vestry, led a special joint chapel service in Grace Chapel.

NCS Grades 7 and 8 and St. Albans Forms I and II came together for a meaningful service featuring student speakers and musicians, highlighting the power of music to connect us all. 🎵✨

In the weeks leading up to the service, students shared meals, exchanged chapel traditions, and built friendships while thoughtfully designing this inspiring gathering. We love seeing our students embrace leadership and community through faith and music! 💜💛 #NCSCommunity #MiddleSchoolVestry #FaithInAction

Throughout February, our NCS community came together to honor Black History Month in meaningful and inspiring ways. 💜💛

From Lower, Middle, and Upper School chapels to our powerful Black History Month Cathedral Service, our students led and engaged in reflections on love, reconciliation, and community as acts of resistance and sources of Black joy. ✨

We were honored to welcome members of Brown Ballerinas Global, brought to us by Layla G. ’27, who performed a breathtaking dance to Whitney Houston’s I Love the Lord—a moving tribute to strength and resilience. 🩰🎶

The service also featured prayers for racial reconciliation and words from Black ancestors, reminding us of the power of love to inspire change. Nouvelle I. ’31's father, Irenaus, beautifully offered the Peace Prayer in Igbo, a testament to the rich cultural heritage that guides and empowers us.

#NCSBlackHistoryMonth #NCSCommunity #HonoringOurAncestors

Congratulations to our NCS Upper School "We the People" team for claiming the D.C. championship title! 🎉👏

Competing against schools across the city, our 25 dedicated students (grades 9-12) demonstrated their deep knowledge of constitutional issues, debating real-world topics like media coverage in trials and the constitutionality of government budget cuts.

This incredible team has balanced their rigorous coursework with countless hours of preparation, working collaboratively to defend their ideas before a panel of judges. Now, they’re heading to the national competition in April to represent Washington, D.C.! 🇺🇸🏆

Special shoutout to team captains Ava J. and Brittany E., who were recognized alongside Dr. Donna Phillips, President of the Center for Civic Education.

Way to go, Eagles! Let's cheer them on as they prepare for nationals! 💪🦅 #WeThePeople #NationalFinals #NCSExcellence #NCSPride

Our 8th-Grade students had the privilege of hearing from Isabel Marin ’08, an NCS alumna whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. From graduating NCS to Yale (cum laude!), law school, and then serving as a U.S. Marine Corps logistics officer and platoon commander in Afghanistan and Kuwait, Isabel’s story is a testament to courage, excellence, and service. 📚⚖️

After her military service, Isabel clerked for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and now practices law here in D.C. Her visit reminded us of the power of determination and the incredible paths NCS alumnae take to make a difference in the world.

A huge thank you to Isabel for sharing her journey and inspiring the next generation of leaders at NCS! 💜💛

#NCSAlumnae #AlumnaeSpotlight #ThePowerOfYoungWomen

🏊‍♀️ A huge shoutout to our amazing swimmers and divers for their dedication, hard work, and leadership this season! Your commitment to the team has been nothing short of inspiring.

We’re continuing to root for you this season! 💛💜

#NCSSwimAndDive #NCSEagles #NCSAthletics #EaglePride

This week our community had an incredible time at the 2025 Lunar New Year Festival hosted by the NCS/STA AAPI affinity groups! 🎉🐉 From enjoying bubble tea and tasty traditional snacks to making lanterns, learning the dragon dance, and exploring calligraphy, it was a joyful celebration of culture and community. 🧋🏮💃 Thank you to everyone who made this event unforgettable! #LunarNewYear #NCSCommunity #AAPICelebration

Last week, our senior class took part in an insightful College Life Panel, hosted by the Alumnae Office. This panel is the first in a series of events this spring semester designed to help prepare our seniors for life beyond NCS and introduce them to the power of the NCS alumnae network. 💛 💜

A huge thank you to our amazing panelists, who shared their valuable insights on everything from study abroad experiences to dorm room essentials:

Aanya H. ’21, Lucy K. ’23, Lila O. ’22, Sasha P. ’22, Sophia R. ’23, Carden R. ’23, Sonia W. ’22

We’re so grateful for their advice and for supporting our seniors as they step into the next chapter of their lives. 🌟

#NCSExcellence #CollegeBound #NCSAlumnae #FutureLeaders

Today, the NCS and STA community came together to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through a powerful day of reflection, discussion, and meaningful activities. 💛💜

The day began with a joint Cathedral service focused on the theme: Who is my neighbor? We were honored to welcome the Rev. Canon Leonard Hamlin, Canon Missioner and Minister for Equity and Inclusion at Washington National Cathedral, as our homilist.

The service also featured the Cathedral’s Contemporary Music Ensemble under the vibrant leadership of Ms. Michele Fowlin, Associate Director of Music for Contemporary Worship, along with members of the ensemble who led us in inspiring worship.

📚 Across divisions, students explored Dr. King’s impact through activities such as read-alouds, discussions on music in the civil rights movement, and teach-ins.
🎂 Upper School celebrated Dr. King’s birthday (today!) with service projects, reflections, and affinity group discussions.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this day a meaningful tribute to Dr. King’s vision of equity and justice. 🌟

#MLKDayAtNCS #HonoringMLK #NCSCommunity #EquityAndJustice

Last Friday, our Affinity Groups hosted their very first potluck, and what a great event it was! 🍽️ 🌟 The Affinity Group leaders and Equity Board led by the senior Elham S. '25, did an amazing job organizing a thoughtful program that brought our community together to celebrate connection, culture, and diversity. 💛💜

It was an evening filled with delicious food, meaningful conversations, and lots of fun. We’re so grateful for the leadership and teamwork that made this event possible. It’s a true reflection of our NCS values in action!

#NCSCommunity #AffinityGroups #CelebratingDiversity

Our 9th-Grade students recently took over the Athletic Center for the annual NCS Physics Olympics – a beloved tradition for over 20 years! Instead of a traditional midterm, students put their physics knowledge to the test by solving puzzles and completing exciting challenges. 🧩⚙️

It was a day filled with creativity, collaboration, and plenty of fun! Congratulations to the top three teams who stood out in this year’s competition! 🏅 🎉

This event is a perfect example of how we embrace Excellence and Courage in learning—making education hands-on and memorable for all. 🌟

#NCSPhysicsOlympics #LearningWithExcellence #NCSInnovation #STEMatNCS

🎄🍪 This year, Holiday cheer was in full swing at the annual Upper School Peer Group Holiday Celebration!

Our students channeled their creativity and festive energy into decorating cookies with colorful and unique designs. The room was filled with laughter, joy, and holiday spirit as peer groups came together to celebrate this beloved tradition.

Way to go, Eagles, for spreading so much holiday magic! ✨💜💛

🎉 Our 8th-Grade American Government class had an unforgettable experience on Capitol Hill!

Students had the incredible opportunity to meet with three U.S. Senators: Sen. Shelly Moore Capito, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, and Sen. Gary Peters. They also heard from Jackie Cavallin ’24, who is currently interning on Capitol Hill. Each speaker shared insights about their experiences and answered thoughtful questions from our students.

A special thank you to NCS parent Mr. Rob Walther for his tremendous support in coordinating these meaningful conversations.

We’re so proud of our students for engaging in civic leadership and making the most of this remarkable opportunity! #NCSCommunity #CivicEngagement #FutureLeaders #ExcellenceInActionon

🌟 A heartfelt thank you to the 33 alumnae who joined us for a truly memorable Holiday Tea on Tuesday, Dec. 3, celebrating the 182nd birthday of Phoebe Hearst! In the 1890s, she made a $200,000 gift that led to the construction of Hearst Hall. 💜💛

The afternoon was filled with festive cheer at Head of School Elinor Scully’s home, where guests enjoyed a surprise performance by student carolers, warm cocoa and tea, and wonderful company.

Special thanks to our talented alumnae “elves” who added an extra touch of magic to the event: Victoria Bush ’15, who created a stunning gingerbread replica of the Cathedral (on display in Davis Dining Hall), and Nancy Matthews ’99 of Blossom Collective, whose gorgeous floral arrangements filled the space with holiday joy.

Thank you for making this celebration one to remember! ✨ #NCSCommunity #NCSAlumnae #PhoebeHearstDay #HolidayTea #NCSTraditions

🎭✨ The Middle School play was a spectacular success! Students from NCS and @staschooldc came together to deliver an incredible performance of PigPen Theatre's “The Nightmare Story”, captivating audiences with their talent and creativity.

The show followed the journey of a boy searching for a cure for his mother’s rare nightmare disease, brought to life through live music, shadow and light play, live foley work, and a talented ensemble of storytellers. The haunting yet heartwarming tale showcased the magic of collaboration and creativity.

A huge thank you to the performers, crew, directors, and everyone who contributed to this unforgettable production. Bravo to our young thespians for their hard work and dedication! 🎶🦅✨ #NCSArts #CoordinatingProgram

💡✨ In their trimester Technology & Maker class, our 6th-Grade students took a deep dive into the Stanford design thinking process, exploring how design impacts human interaction and accessibility. Focusing on everyday objects and furniture, they analyzed how these items serve users with varying abilities and mobility across all stages of life.

For their final project, the 6th-Grade engineers interviewed Lower and Upper School peers to identify their needs for comfortable and supportive seating. Using this input, they designed, measured, and built chairs tailored to these specifications. 🛠️🎨 The student-designed chairs are now proudly installed across the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools for everyone to use and enjoy!

Way to go, 6th Graders, for combining empathy, creativity, and innovation to improve our shared spaces. 💜💛 ✨ #DesignThinking #NCSInnovation #CommunityInAction

🏐🎉 What an incredible season for the NCS Volleyball team! Our Eagles soared high, showcasing teamwork, dedication, and unmatched spirit on the court. From powerful serves to thrilling rallies, these athletes left it all out there, inspiring us with their passion for the game. 🦅💜

Congratulations to our players, coaches, and supporters for an unforgettable season. Thank you for representing NCS with excellence and heart! ✨

#NCSEagles #NCSAthletics #EaglePride #VolleyballStrong

🎶🍂 We recently celebrated Grandparents Day in the Lower School along with the NCS-STA Fall Music Festival, featuring incredible performances from students across all divisions. 🎵✨ A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made these events such a success! #NCSCommunity #FallFestivities

🎉 Join us in celebrating our incredible student-athletes and their dedication and commitment to collegiate sports! Congratulations to Ellie D. ’25, Nuria R. ’25, and Anna K. ‘25! 🦅

Ellie will swim for @bowdoinswimdive, Nuria will row for @uvarowing, and Anna will row for @cornellwomensrowing 🌟

A huge shoutout to these talented young athletes, their coaches, teammates, and families for their hard work and support throughout this journey. We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see you soar in this next chapter of your journey! 💜💛 @ncsathleticsboard @ncsstrong

#NCSEagles #NCSAthletics #ExcellenceInAction

Our Lower School Halloween Parade was a blast, with students and teachers joining in the fun by dressing up and marching around Curran Courtyard. Middle and Upper School students, faculty, and staff also dressed up – as book characters, superheroes, and much more. Some faculty and staff even dressed up as colorful crayons! The NCS community was bursting with creativity. 🎨

The festivities didn’t stop there. During Spanish class, students prepared for Día de los Muertos by designing beautiful sugar skulls adorned with vibrant, artistic designs. ✨ And we celebrated Diwali with traditional Indian sweets, stunning artwork, and a spirit of togetherness. 🌟

💜💛 #ThrowBackThursday #NCSCommunity #NCSTraditions #DíaDeLosMuertos #Diwali #NCSOctober

As part of our Middle School chapel in recognition of Veterans Day, we were honored to welcome Zoe Bedell ’03 as our guest speaker. Zoe, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer with two deployments to Afghanistan, spoke about her journey from serving in the military to advocating for women in combat roles. She’s currently an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and previously clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan. We also had Katie G. '29 offer a musical solo where she sang and played her own piano arrangement of "Brave" by Sara Bareilles.

Thank you to all students and faculty who were part of today’s service and to Zoe for inspiring our students! 🌟 #VeteransDay #NCSCommunity

⚽ Way to go, NCS soccer, for an incredible season! 🥅🔥 We’re so proud of your hard work and unwavering spirit. Congrats to the varsity team, which made it to the ISL A Soccer Tournament championship. Go Eagles! 🎉🌟 @ncsathleticsboard @ncsstrong #NCSAthletics #TeamSpirit #EaglePride @ncsstrong

At NCS, we believe in passion, purpose, people, and possibility. 💜💛 When you participate in the Purple & Gold Fund, you directly enhance the NCS experience for every student and teacher. From athletics and academics to student clubs, technology, wellness, global programs, and the Teaching & Learning Center—your gift supports it all and makes an immediate impact. 🌟

Join us in creating more opportunities today! Click the link in our bio to make your gift.

#NCSPurpleAndGold #NCSCommunity #ThePowerOfYoungWomen

The NCS Cross Country team is hitting their stride and giving it their all! Our runners are showing incredible dedication and teamwork at every meet. 👟✨

Let’s cheer them on as they continue to represent the NCS spirit. 💜💛 @ncsathleticsboard @ncsstrong
#NCSAthletics #CrossCountry #ExcellenceInAction #NCSTeamwork

🌟 A heartfelt thank you to all the parents who joined us for our Back-to-School Nights! It was such a pleasure to meet with you and give you the chance to connect with your students' advisors and teachers. From academics to school traditions, we loved sharing more about life at NCS. 💜💛

We’re grateful to be on this journey with you and your students! #NCSCommunity #BackToSchool #NCSTraditions

Our Lower School students love their outdoor playtime! Whether they’re running around, playing games, or simply enjoying the sunshine, this time is filled with joy, laughter, and bonding. 🌳✨ #NCSCommunity #PlayAndGrow #OutdoorPlaytime #LearningBeyondTheClassroom

📸✨ Throwback Thursday is in full swing for day four of Spirit Week! Our students are channeling their favorite decades and iconic looks from the past, bringing back all the nostalgia. From vintage styles to 90s vibes, NCS is throwing it back in style! 🪩 🌟 #NCSCommunity #NCSSpirit #SpiritWeek #NCSTraditions #90svibes

🌟 Students kicked off Spirit Week yesterday with a Monday Minion theme! Today, the excitement continues with TV character costumes for Television Tuesday. 📺✨ Even members of the Administrative Team are dressing up! It's a blast to see all the creativity and school spirit. Stay tuned for more fun. #NCSCommunity #NCSSpirit #SpiritWeek #NCSFun #NCSInMotion

🌟 Today, we gathered for our annual Cathedral Service in the All Hallows Guild Amphitheater, and we couldn't have asked for better weather! Every seven school days, we’re blessed to come together for prayer and reflection. The energy today was high as we kicked off Spirit Week with a "Minions” theme. Our students had an amazing time celebrating together and embracing NCS traditions. 💛💜#NCSCommunity #NCSSpirit #NCS #NCSTraditions #SpiritWeekFun

Our Senior Class Retreat was a huge success! 🎉 Led by the amazing Class President Camryn D'Abreu-Carr and Vice President Melina Krichevsky, the seniors took on a thrilling ropes course challenge. 🌲💪 After a day full of teamwork and outdoor adventure, the group returned to NCS to dive into grade-level planning, voting on Spirit Week activities, Yearbook dedications, and of course, some well-deserved class bonding over dinner. 🍽️💫

It was a day packed with fun, teamwork, and a true celebration of NCS spirit!

#NCSSpirit #ClassOf2025 #ThePowerOfYoungWomen #NCSCommunity

Our seniors launched the school year with their annual Sticker Day! This fun community tradition had our seniors dressed in this year's "Once Upon a Time" theme, welcoming students, faculty, and staff at the drop-off circles with themed stickers. The energy and excitement were contagious! 🎉✨ #NCSCommunity #ThePowerOfYoungWomen #StickerDay

Opening Day was an incredible start to the new school year! 🎉 We welcomed students and connected with parents and guardians. It was a wonderful day filled with joy, stories, and a true sense of community. ☕💜💛

Take a look at some highlights from Opening Day, including our parent coffee event, the Cathedral Service, the flag raising, and the much-anticipated 4th-grade narwhal unveiling! 🏛️🎒🐋

#NCSCommunity #BackToSchool #FirstDayofSchool

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our new faculty and staff to the NCS community! 🌟

Each year, we’re thrilled to see our NCS community grow. Our newest members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion that will enrich the lives of our students and contribute to the vibrant and supportive environment we hold dear. ✨

As they settle into their roles, we’re excited to see the incredible impact they will make in our classrooms, on the athletic fields, and beyond. Let’s give them a warm welcome and show them what makes NCS so special! 💜💛

#NCSSummer2024 #NCSCommunity #ThePowerOfYoungWomen #FacultyAndStaff