Welcome to Norwood School, home to 500 students in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. The minute you set foot on our campus, you can feel it -- the collective buzz of learning, discovery, creativity, collaboration, and enthusiasm that makes Norwood a vibrant and happy place to spend the day. This buzz is the result of several characteristics that make Norwood a distinctive K-8 school:
Exceptional academics for every child
Working with experts in each academic subject, we systematically review our curriculum and benchmark against the highest performing education systems in the world. Our standards-based curriculum, which utilizes assessments along the way, ensures that every student meets or exceeds expectations and is well prepared for the demands of high school and college.
Joyful and inclusive learning environment
Norwood is an intentionally happy place where children feel safe, respected, valued, and loved. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive community, and our goal is for every child to leave at the end of the day excited to return the next morning. We celebrate children being children – whether at work or at play.
Highly trained and skilled K-8 faculty
Norwood teachers are highly skilled at blending the very best of traditional and progressive teaching methods to inspire analytical and critical thinking, strong oral and written communication, independent thinking, and leadership in teamwork. Lower school teachers understand the careful balance of nurture and challenge; middle school teachers provide the freedom and structure adolescents need to flourish.
We don’t call them “extras”
World languages, art, music, physical education, athletics have never been considered “extra” curriculars at Norwood. Each is a vibrant program that is as much a part of the Norwood experience as other subjects. Our commitment is to nurturing the whole child and helping children discover their passions.
Focus on developing global citizens
At the core of Norwood School are 60 years of proven excellence in educating and preparing children for the future. We believe that today’s students must be exposed to a comprehensive view of the world and be conversant with different cultures. Our students are guided to develop important 21st century skills: to think critically, creatively, collaboratively, and compassionately with a global perspective.
How you lead your life matters
That’s our motto. Character and spiritual education are everywhere at Norwood – in the classroom, the playground, and the athletic field. We are as committed to nurturing matters of the mind and matters of the heart in each and every child.
At the end of their Norwood journey, our students are fully prepared for the next step in their education. Admission directors at some of the most selective secondary schools have described our students as: critical thinkers, curious learners, leaders, participants, good school citizens, well-mannered, well-balanced, impressive young people, and intrinsically kind and caring.
I hope you will take a moment to explore the wealth of information about our school on this website. The best way to get acquainted and to fully experience the buzz at Norwood is to visit our beautiful 38-acre campus on the corner of River Road and Bradley Boulevard in Bethesda. We would be delighted to show you around.
Sincerely,
Dick Ewing
Head of School