Norwood School – Clubs and Groups

Admission

It begins with a simple promise: your child will be known.

Your child has unique strengths and interests and challenges. Norwood understands that in order to deliver the best possible education for its students, every student must be truly known in all their complexities. When students are known, teachers can design learning experiences that stretch without stress. When students are known, they feel safe asking big questions and becoming their true selves.

Norwood School is a diverse and inclusive community where the voice of every student is heard, where adults model a love for learning, and where education expands beyond academics to include a full range of potential—intellectual, artistic, social, physical, and emotional—allowing each student to develop a sense of who they are and who they want to be.

About

Diversity permeates every aspect of the Norwood experience. Our students understand that individuality, in all forms, is something to be valued and supported. In fact, the celebration of our differences is what strengthens us.

We believe that an open mind and an appreciation of one another's contributions is the strength of the Norwood community. Our focus on inclusion and respect creates a culture where students and teachers are genuinely interested in learning about one another and the world beyond our school.

Program

Norwood's approach to instruction and learning begins with a team of teachers whose first priority is to fully understand each and every student. Only by understanding each learner can we create "just-right" academic experiences where every child is stretched but not stressed. Whether in the lab, on the field, on the stage—students are always getting what they need when they need it: opportunity, challenge, and growth.

We believe there is an important place of balance where students discover that "hard" is "awesome" and that mistakes are better framed as opportunities. This leads to growth in skills and knowledge as well as a hard-earned sense of confidence and capability.

Community

Education at Norwood isn't limited to the classroom. Our students enjoy a wealth of learning experiences all over our 38-acre campus as well as off-campus in the broader community—whether it be through service learning opportunities or taking advantage of the many learning resources (museums, performances, cultural programs, etc.) all over the Washington, D.C. area. They also participate in an exciting variety of clubs, leadership opportunities, and after-school enrichment programs.

Parents play an important role in supporting our joyful, child-centered learning environment. Not only do they provide invaluable support for school programs, they also model for our children the School’s values of lifelong learning and service to others.

Support

Since Norwood’s founding in 1952, an unmistakable generosity of spirit has infused the School.

Generations of parents, trustees, alumni, grandparents and friends have financially supported

Norwood.

The Norwood Fund is the cornerstone of our fundraising program. The Norwood Fund supports the daily life of the School on every level, from faculty salaries to classroom materials and technology to the consistent addition of the innovative resources, programs, and opportunities that create a child-centered learning experiences just right for every student.

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Athletics for Fifth Grade & Sixth Grade

In addition to their regular physical education class, Norwood’s fifth and sixth graders have the option to participate in the interscholastic athletics program and the School’s signature outdoor education program called Summit. Practices and games take place after school. Fall options: soccer, field hockey, cross country, volleyball (girls), and Summit; winter options: basketball, strength and conditioning, and Summit; spring options: lacrosse, baseball, softball, track and field, and Summit.
Book Clubs

Book clubs are held regularly for students in fifth and sixth grades and seventh and eighth grades. Students meet with the middle school librarian to discuss possible titles and choose a book by voting. A lively discussion over lunch culminates each reading.
Debate Team

Sixth, seventh and eighth graders have the opportunity to join the Debate Team. Led by a faculty member with experience as a debater and debate coach, the team meets during the week and on occasional Saturday mornings leading up to tournaments. Students learn how to argue, research, and use evidence to support arguments. The team participates in the District of Columbia Urban Debate League.
Drama

Seventh and eighth graders have the opportunity to participate in two theatrical productions each year -- the fall play in November and the spring musical in May. In addition to acting, students can help with set design and construction, sound, lighting, costumes, and make-up. Sixth graders are invited to audition for the 6th Grade Showcase, an optional grade-level theater performance. All other grades participate in spring programs as a part of the music curriculum. Learn more about Norwood's drama program.
DREAM

DREAM is a group for seventh and eighth graders who wish to engage in important and meaningful conversations to broaden understanding and explore ways to take action on issues of identity, diversity, equity, and inclusion. DREAM seemed a fitting name for the group, as it symbolizes the meaning behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic statement “I have a dream…”, and reflects the hopes our students have for a more peaceful, equitable, and just world. DREAM provides a space for students to engage their peers through guided dialogue, reflective exercises, and mindful games and activities, while providing opportunities for students to consider how they are empowered to act in regards to our school community and beyond. Students are in the driver seat in DREAM, and we’re excited to see where their journey takes us!
GLOW

Growing Leaders of Our World is a group of fifth and sixth graders who meet once a month for activities and discussion on topics of equity and diversity. Additionally, the group explores concepts of leadership and community-building.
Horizons

Norwood is a partner school for Horizons Greater Washington and hosts a six-week academic enrichment program every summer for low-income children. Norwood students, parents, alumni, teachers, and staff have the opportunity to help out at various Horizons events throughout the year, as well as volunteer during the summer program. Contact our Site Director, Dana Egan, for information about how you can help with Horizons.
Math Clubs & Teams

Students interested in competitive math opportunities are able to join a Norwood math team to compete in Math Olympiad (fourth and fifth graders), MATHCOUNTS events (a national competition for sixth through eighth graders), Independent School Math Association meets, and the annual Carderock Math Contest at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division.
Model United Nations

Model UN is a great opportunity for seventh and eighth grades to learn about our world and sharpen their research and public-speaking skills while role-playing delegates to the United Nations. Students prepare for and participate in an annual conference at The George Washington University.
Newspaper Club

Fourth-graders have the option to join the Newspaper Club to produce the student-run Norwood News. Under the guidance of a faculty adviser, the students brainstorm topics and then research and write articles about school news for the bimonthly newspaper. Norwood News is by kids and for kids!
Robotics Club

Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders have the opporunity to join the Norwood Robotics Club, which competes in the annual FIRST LEGO League (FLL) tournament series. Contact coaches Juan Ramirez, Jose Melendez, Arya Shafie, and Casey Kunkel with any questions.
Student Advisory Council

Comprised of 12 middle school students, three representatives each from fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade, the SAC meets bi- monthly to discuss issues of student concern, to plan Spirit Days, and to act as the voice of the middle school student population in conversations with faculty and staff. Representatives are selected by faculty members based on application essays and peer election.
Student Ambassador Program

Norwood students love showing off their school to others. The Admission Office invites interested students to serve as ambassadors at open houses and new family receptions, and as hosts for visiting students. The Admission Office provides training and pizza lunches for student ambassadors.
SUCCEED

In the Middle School, students of color are invited to participate in SUCCEED, which stands for Students Seeking Understanding and Celebrating Culture, Ethnicity, and Diversity. SUCCEED provides a place to come together, have fun, get better acquainted, and engage in conversation and activities.
Violin Program for Lower School Students

Violin lessons utilizing the Suzuki method of teaching are available in the Lower School beginning in kindergarten. In addition to instruction, students enjoy performance opportunities throughout the year. In the past, performances have included playing the National Anthem at a University of Maryland basketball games, concerts for the school community, and holiday performances at the White House. Learn more about Norwood's fee-based Lower School Violin Program.