Current NPS parent and we love the school. I think it is a hidden gem! The only negative is it does not go through high school and after 6th grade we will leave and have to find a new school to fall in love with.

Thank you so much for your responses. It's very helpful.

Actually - NPS is just as diverse as similar schools its size in DC. Check the stats. We are really happy with the school - small class size, great teachers, smart, committed head of school, welcoming parent community. NPS is a gem. And if you are interested, the outplacement is outstanding, though (or, perhaps, because) the focus is on encouraging children to develop into caring, thoughtful, academically prepared young people - not on getting into good upper schools.

It's a wonderful school - small, warm, loving. Great head of school. He stands outside every morning and greets every child by name. Very strong community. Small classes, and teachers get to know each child's strengths and weaknesses. The school produces children who are confident and capable and seem to really love learning. Academics are strong - no homework until third grade. The school ends in sixth grade and last year nearly every child went on to one of several schools: Sidwell, St. Alban's, NCS, Holton Arms.

I agree with the diversity issue, however. Plus, there seems to be a contingent of conservative southerners, some from small towns in the middle-of-nowhere south. If that bothers you, well, it will bother you at NPS!

It has been discussed in several other links. Strong academics, great community, small, not very diverse.

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