Why Norwood

Norwood’s challenging and well-rounded program is designed to maximize the growth and development of children during the critical elementary and middle school years. Childhood is slowed down and savored as students figure out strengths, weaknesses, talents, and interests in a supportive family-like community that encourages safe risk-taking. In addition, students benefit from a coordinated educational mission and program taught throughout the PK-8 continuum. By eighth grade, students – along with their parents and teachers – understand their strengths, learning style, and interests, and are well equipped to make the right decision about the “best match” high school. See also: High School Placement.

Norwood sets the same high standards of achievement and provides different routes, environments, and pacing for each child to get there. Teachers see students as individual learners and customize instruction to each student’s needs and interests. Students have multiple opportunities to deepen their understanding of concepts through application and practice. Graduates move on to high school empowered to be full participants in the learning process, resulting in increased engagement, confidence, and success. See also: Head of School Matthew Gould Reflects on the Benefits of Child-Centered Learning and Whole-Child Education.

Character education is fundamental to the PK-8 educational model and has always been an essential component of the Norwood experience. We believe that education is fundamentally a moral endeavor and that a school should stand for and teach a set of core values: the pursuit of knowledge, integrity, respect, responsibility, diligence, kindness, cooperation, and service. Character lessons are woven into academics, physical education and athletics, art, music, and, of course, service learning. Each day begins with a lesson about the value of the month, which is presented during morning chapel. “How you lead your life matters” is more than a school motto; they are the words we live by.

Since its founding more than 70 years ago by Frances Marsh, Norwood has been a “happy place of learning for children…filled with art and music…where each child feels supported and valued.” Great emphasis is placed on making learning a joyful student-centered process, where children are actively engaged in their education. Our goal is for a child to leave school every day excited to come back in the morning.

Norwood utilizes the highly acclaimed writing workshop method developed by Lucy Calkins as part of Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. This transformative approach to teaching writing exposes students to a variety of techniques and genres while fostering a love for writing. Writing is shared and celebrated in all grades, and skills are clearly defined and connected from grade to grade. See also: Reading & Language Arts.

The Common Core Standards are the most rigorous standards for mathematics ever proposed in the U.S. The level of critical thinking they demand is unprecedented in American education. Norwood utilizes a unique combination of the Common Core Math Standards, best practices from a number of math programs, and enrichment activities that are customized to help each student develop greater mastery of skills and a greater depth of understanding. There are also math clubs and competitive teams for those wishing to expand their math experience at Norwood.

We believe that science is best taught by “doing” science. Beginning in kindergarten, students participate in a lab-based science program targeted to students’ growth in both methodology and information. Students develop a strong foundation in scientific literacy and move on to high school science with confidence and the ability to question and analyze.

Norwood has been committed to music and art education, exposure, and exploration since its founding in 1952. Researchers have demonstrated a strong relationship between individuals who participate in school arts experiences and higher academic success. We find that music and art help students think differently and builds skills that today’s students will need to successfully navigate the complexities and nuance of our 21st-century world.

Physical education is an important part of the PK-8 curriculum with students taking P.E. at a minimum three and up to five times a week in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Beginning in Middle School, students are able to participate in interscholastic athletics or our signature outdoor education program, Summit, which takes students kayaking and rafting on the Potomac River, as well as climbing the cliffs at Carderock. Norwood has a no-cut policy: anyone who wants to be on a team is on a team. Students have access to a number of exceptional playing fields and three gymnasiums – a single gym and a double gym.

Norwood recognizes the importance of basic study skills to success and enjoyment in all areas of learning. Study and organizational skills are taught in developmentally appropriate ways beginning in kindergarten. Norwood's Student Support Services department includes a counselor and learning specialist on staff in both divisions. In addition, our Life Skills program is focused on building positive self-image, learning to empathize with the situations of others, and developing good decision-making skills.

The best way to experience Norwood School is to visit the campus, take a tour, and talk with teachers and students. We encourage you to call our Admission Office at 301-841-2130 to schedule a visit. In the meantime, please enjoy the following video tour, led by Jaclyn '16, to get an idea of our extensive campus offerings and facilities.

To learn more about the new Marriott Early Childhood Building and/or to schedule a tour of the new building in the fall of 2022, please contact Alex Ragone, Director of Admission and Enrollment Management, or call 301-841-2130.