Beauvoir’s mission is to provide an extraordinary early childhood education in a diverse community that values every individual. Beauvoir’s program encourages creative, courageous learners and builds an enduring foundation for a lifelong spirit of inquiry and joy in learning.
Welcome to Beauvoir and thank you for expressing an interest in our early childhood approach to teaching and learning. As we celebrate our 90th year, Beauvoir has been committed to preserving childhood by fostering curious, creative, and courageous learners on the historic grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. We pride ourselves in being a unique Episcopal institution where all of our educators are grounded in the work of early childhood and honor the formative years as the most crucial ones for future life success. Both inside and outside the classrooms, our educators demonstrate their expertise in the early primary years, committed to helping all students realize their distinct strengths and limitless potential. Likewise, Beauvoir educators offer constant encouragement to students as they welcome a diversity of ideas, ask them to stretch their imaginations, help them question the world around them, and invite them to become global-minded citizens.
Early childhood research confirms that many of the human seeds of character and promise are “planted and tilled” during the primary years, as young children begin to practice key attitudes and aptitudes—kindness, integrity, critical thinking, healthy risk taking, perseverance, resilience, and moral character. I can’t think of a better “garden” to care for these blossoming citizens of the world than Beauvoir. Children spring forth from the third grade, confident in their abilities to relate to others, problem solve, and become agents of change in their communities and beyond.
This “Guide to the Application Process” is an effort to help you learn more about our school and the timeline for applying. During the admissions season, we encourage you to experience Beauvoir through our school-hosted events, including parent and caregiver tours, meetings, and information sessions. Please visit our website to learn more about our program and offerings for young, budding minds. Should you have any questions along the way, please know our Beauvoir team is happy to assist.
Sincerely, Cindi Gibbs-Wilborn Head of SchoolA pre-kindergarten through third grade coeducational elementary school that focuses solely on early childhood education.
At Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School, we provide an extraordinary early childhood education in a diverse community that values every individual. Beauvoir’s program encourages creative, courageous learners and builds an enduring foundation for a lifelong spirit of inquiry and joy in learning.
We hold a “beautiful view” of childhood. We embrace learning as a lifelong endeavor and are committed to building a community where every child grows, explores, questions, creates and achieves – individually and together. We align our practices, decisions, and investments with our goal to be a child-centered, safe, and deeply engaging learning community.
As an Episcopal School, we value a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome students and families from all faiths and backgrounds and celebrate our individual stories and collective experiences. As citizens of the world, we dedicate ourselves to serving others and strive to contribute to the greater good. Our Core Values of childhood, collaboration, creativity, curiosity, and courage complement and support our Life Rules.
Childhood We value a “beautiful view” of childhood and its extraordinary capacity for wonder, learning and discovery. We inspire a sense of possibility in every interaction and experience at Beauvoir.
We value working together as an authentic and inclusive community to imagine, to create, to solve problems, and to support each other in all that we do.
We value creativity in learning, action and problem solving, and empower our community of faculty, staff, parents, and students to explore, develop and celebrate creative abilities.
Curiosity We value curiosity as an essential component of inspired learning. We model and encourage curiosity for all in our community.
Courage We value the courageous spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, challenge, and confusion. We empower learners to engage in the world with brave resilience.
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child’s character development is of the utmost importance.
“Kind, Honest, Respectful, and Responsible — Those are the Beauvoir Life Rules. Things you should just follow for your whole life.” Beauvoir Student
Children are at the center of Beauvoir’s mission and core values. Strong relationships among our diverse group of students, parents, caregivers, faculty, and staff are essential to a child’s development.
At Beauvoir, children learn the compassion and empathy that will define them throughout their lives as vital influencers in their communities and in the world.
Beauvoir children participate in service activities that actively engage them in creating and building relationships with others to benefit their city, their country, and the world.
Students have the opportunity to be challenged, to pace themselves, and to excel in ways that fit their own unique development.
Our faculty’s expertise in early childhood education ensures a dynamic and meaningful educational experience for children.
A comprehensive professional development program supports educators’ commitment to professional growth and includes attending and leading conferences focused on literacy, diversity, math, technology, and more.
Faculty members include grade-level heads, classroom teachers, specialists, learning resource teachers, librarians, our chaplain, and our guidance counselor.
Beauvoir intentionally recruits faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our commitment to hiring culturally competent educators and personnel is aligned with our mission.
Beauvoir is committed to enrolling children from a wide variety of family structures, as well as ethnic, racial, cultural, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. This year, Beauvoir’s student body is 49 percent racially and ethnically diverse.
The Mosaic Committee, comprised of faculty and staff, leads, and creates opportunities for conversations surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Through book studies, affinity groups, speakers, and professional development, the committee fosters ongoing engagement with important DEI work and continues to develop and refine DEI curriculum designed specifically for young children.
Kaleidoscope, a parent-led initiative, affirms and supports the Beauvoir community in conversations related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Kaleidoscope organizes and plans schoolwide events that feature guest speakers and provide opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect.
Beauvoir participates in outreach at the Black Student Fund and Latino Student Fund Fair, Mocha Moms Fair, and the Rainbow Families DC Fair.
Faculty and staff attend various conferences and workshops focused on DEI, including the annual National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
People of Color Conference, and SEED among others.
Being a multi-cultural community, many languages are represented and valued in our school.
Through our steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, you will find a unique community founded on mutual understanding, where different ideas and perspectives are essential, respected, and deeply valued.
Beauvoir parents and caregivers are an integral part of our diverse and inclusive community through their involvement in the life of the School each and every day. We value their contributions, whether reading in a classroom, sharing family traditions, or volunteering as a room helper as they make lifelong friendships with one another.
The Parents Association (PA), which includes every parent and caregiver at Beauvoir, builds community through various events such as the Annual Scholarship Benefit, Book Fair, Fall Festival and other volunteer activities. The PA engages and supports parent and caregiver volunteers who share their time and talents enriching the life of the School.
There are ample opportunities for parents and caregivers to deepen their understanding of early childhood development through events, seminars, and coffees during the school year.
Family members, grandparents, and caregivers of Beauvoir students are engaged, welcomed, and celebrated as important members of the School community.
Alumni remain actively involved at Beauvoir long after they graduate, returning regularly for reunions, supporting the School, and enriching and enlivening the Beauvoir community.
Beauvoir is located on the beautiful grounds of the Washington National Cathedral, along with St. Albans School and National Cathedral School.
The 59-acres of the Cathedral Close serve as an extension of the classroom, providing all students with outdoor learning spaces. We invite you to experience the Children’s Garden, Olmstead Woods, and the Bishop’s Garden, places in which our students explore and learn daily.
The Cathedral’s mission as “a house of prayer for all people” supports Beauvoir’s mission by valuing differences, recognizing commonality, and respecting all cultures, faiths, and non-faith perspectives.
All students participate in monthly chapel services that recognize all faiths and feature faith leaders from DC, across the country, and around the world. Our all-school chapel events take place in the Great Crossing of the Cathedral to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the end of the school year.
Beauvoir’s outdoor play space is a unique setting that supports and expands the curriculum outside of the traditional classroom, providing an experiential learning environment where children take healthy risks and build lasting relationships. The outdoor play space is open to the community on the weekends.
Children plant produce in the Beauvoir Children’s Garden and bring the harvest to the School’s kitchen for inclusion in school meals and snacks.
“Whatever you’re doing, you’re learning things in a fun way.”
In partnership with a full-time Outplacement Team of administrators, Beauvoir parents and caregivers are given the opportunity to reflect on their child’s strengths and explore the many educational possibilities available. Beauvoir children enter the next step of their educational journey with confidence and a love of learning.
The Outplacement Team guides parents and caregivers throughout the entire admissions process. The team advocates for students through a keen knowledge of each child and a strong relationship with other schools. Schools attended in recent years are listed below.
Throughout the fall, Beauvoir hosts admissions directors from area schools to provide information to third grade parents and caregivers about their programming and processes for admission.
Schools attended by Beauvoir graduates over the past several years include:
• Blessed Sacrament School
• Bullis School
• Capitol Hill Day School
• Georgetown Day School
• Grace Episcopal Day School
• Holton-Arms School
• The Lab School of Washington
• Landon School
• The Langley School
• Lowell School
• Maret School
• Mater Dei School
• McLean School
• Montgomery County Public Schools
• National Cathedral School
• National Presbyterian School
• Norwood School
• The Potomac School
• St. Albans School
• St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
• St. Bartholomew School
• St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School
• St. Stephen and St. Agnes School
Sheridan School
• Sidwell Friends School
• Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
Washington Episcopal School
• Washington International School
Beauvoir is committed to enrolling children in pre-kindergarten through third grade from a wide variety of family structures, as well as ethnic, racial, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Beauvoir enrolls between 365 to 370 children in pre-kindergarten through third grade. We admit about 60 children to pre-kindergarten and 25 children to kindergarten each year. We welcome first, second and third grade applicants and children are admitted to those grades when an appropriate opening occurs. We hope the chart below helps to clarify which grade to consider for your child.
Applicants: Age: By:
Pre-Kindergarten 4 years old August 31, 2023
Kindergarten 5 years old August 31, 2023
First Grade 6 years old August 31, 2023
Second Grade 7 years old August 31, 2023 Third Grade 8 years old August 31, 2023
This year we hope to offer both in-person and virtual events including Parent/Caregiver Meetings and Tours, Information Sessions, Receptions, and Group Applicant Visits for the children. If for any reason and in keeping the safety of our children and yours a priority, the school decides to move all events to a virtual platform, we thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
Parents and caregivers interested in applying children for the 2023–2024 school year are required to tour Beauvoir unless they have previously toured the school. Tours are offered on select weekday mornings from mid-September through December and last approximately 75 minutes. We ask you to tour the school prior to your individual parent/ caregiver meeting. Please register for a tour online at beauvoirschool.org/admissions.
Parents and caregivers interested in meeting with a member of the Admissions Team are asked to tour the school prior to their appointment. We are pleased to offer these meetings both virtually and in-person to better accommodate everyone’s schedule. Meetings are limited and are available from September through December. We encourage you to register in a timely manner at beauvoirschool.org/admissions
The various admissions opportunities offered will explore the dynamic teaching and learning that occurs each and every day throughout Beauvoir. You will have the chance to hear more about Beauvoir’s philosophy and program directly from faculty, administrators, and members of our community. Please explore the options and register online at beauvoirschool.org/admissions
Apply online through Ravenna, our online application portal, at beauvoirschool.org/ admissions. An application is required in order for the Admissions Team to schedule a prekindergarten and kindergarten group visit for your child(ren). There is a non-refundable $70 application fee.
Children will be invited to visit Beauvoir with about six other applicants similar in age. Beauvoir embraces and celebrates each child’s unique qualities, so whether your child is soft spoken or teeming with news to share, please know that we will joyfully focus on making them feel at home during our time together! Our goal is to make this a child-friendly visit.
These in-person group visits will be scheduled for your child(ren) by the Admissions Office. The Admissions Team will send you an email with the date and time of your child’s visit about two weeks prior to the scheduled visit. Group visits occur from mid-November through February. Please note, visits can only be scheduled after an application has been submitted for your child(ren). We are unable to offer tours during this time.
We welcome first through third grade applicants and encourage families interested in these grades to apply! Children are admitted in these grades when an appropriate opening occurs, therefore not all applicants will be scheduled for a visit to the school. Should the possibility of an appropriate opening occur and once all required documents are received, the Admissions Team will be in touch with further details about the process.
(Required for all applicants. Due January 13, 2023)
One teacher recommendation from the 2022–2023 school year is required for each applicant (pre-kindergarten – third grade). Beauvoir values the observations and thoughtful impressions from your child’s teacher. Please submit the form to your child’s teacher via Ravenna after November 11, 2022. This allows teachers time to get to know your child. Completed forms are due to Beauvoir by January 13, 2023. Forms should be submitted directly by the teacher via Ravenna or by email to Lauren Pate at lauren.pate@cathedral.org
(Required for third grade applicants only.
Due January 13, 2023)
The WISC-V evaluation is required for third grade applicants, only. If this presents a challenge for any reason, please contact a member of the Admissions Team. We look forward to partnering with you.
Parents schedule an appointment with an evaluator of their choice. Results should be sent directly from the evaluator to lauren.pate@cathedral.org
An evaluation is neither required nor accepted for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first, and second grade applicants during this admissions season.
REPORT CARD (Required for first, second and third grade applicants only.
Due January 13, 2023)
A copy of your child’s most recent report card from the 2022–2023 school year is required and should be sent directly from the current school to lauren.pate@cathedral.org.
We are thrilled to welcome out-of-town applicants to Beauvoir and look forward to partnering with you to accommodate your schedule! Whenever possible, we prefer that children who are applying for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten join our regularly scheduled group visits. Please inform us as soon as possible of any dates you plan to be in the area so we can schedule an in-person visit for your child. Our admissions process can also offer a virtual option and we hope this flexibility helps to streamline the process for you. Should the possibility of an appropriate opening occur for first through third grade applicants and once all required documents are received, the Admissions Team will be in touch with further details about the process. We also know your questions may be unique to your circumstances, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time.
Beauvoir welcomes families to apply for financial aid and is committed to making a Beauvoir education accessible to families from a wide variety of economic backgrounds. Admissions decisions are made without regard to whether a family has applied for financial aid. Financial aid applications are confidential and are not shared with the Admissions Committee.
To help determine a fair award, Beauvoir relies on the expertise of Clarity. Beauvoir uses the Clarity calculation as a guide in determining a family’s contribution.
Beauvoir considers the income and assets of any adult who plays a significant financial role in a student’s life. Therefore, financial information will be required of all adults involved in the applicant’s life including, but not limited to, stepparents if remarried, and both parents if separated or divorced.
Beginning on October 1, 2022, families can apply online at clarityapp.com . The application and all preliminary required documents are due by January 20, 2023.
For more information and deadlines, please go to the Tuition and Financial Aid portion of Beauvoir’s website at beauvoirschool.org/ financialaid
Preliminary financial aid estimates will be sent to newly accepted families on March 3, 2023. Estimates are subject to change upon submission and further review of 2022 tax documents and any new information that adjusts a family’s financial picture.
Who can apply for financial aid?
Anyone may apply for financial aid and the School encourages families to submit an application if they feel they may not be able to afford Beauvoir. Funds are allocated on the basis of need as determined by Beauvoir and Clarity. Although we try to accommodate as many families as possible, we are not always able to meet all requests for such assistance.
Will my application for financial assistance affect my child’s chances for admission?
No. Admissions decisions are made independent of financial aid decisions.
What factors do the Financial Aid Committee consider when making financial decisions?
Clarity uses a formula to calculate how much a family can contribute to their child’s independent school education. It takes into consideration a family’s income, assets, and liabilities, as well as factors including, but not limited to family size, living expenses, and the number of children in tuition-charging schools. As the Committee looks at financial aid applications, it differentiates between necessary expenses and money spent for lifestyle choices. With respect to the latter, beyond a certain point, we are unable to provide aid to offset ‘lifestyle’ expenditures that could have been directed to education.
Is financial assistance available for other programs and services beyond tuition?
Yes. Families who receive financial aid for tuition are eligible for financial assistance for the After Beauvoir Center (ABC) and Enrichment classes held after school. In addition, there is financial support for testing, the Book Fair, and tutoring.
We only have one parent working; does this affect our financial aid grant?
The Financial Aid Committee will impute a full-time income for a parent who is able, but not currently working. If one parent is at home taking care of a pre-school aged child or an elderly parent, we give that careful consideration. We recognize that each case is individual.
Beauvoir recognizes that each family’s situation is unique and welcomes a conversation and/or additional documentation to clarify a family’s financial picture. In general, if an applicant’s parents are living separately, both custodial and non-custodial parents must complete the financial aid application and submit required documentation. The Financial Aid Committee expects both parents to contribute to the education of their child. If the non-custodial parent’s whereabouts are unknown, further documentation may be needed to verify that this parent has no contact with the applicant.
Which members of our family need to fill out an application for aid?
Beauvoir considers the income and assets of any adult who plays a significant financial role in a student’s life. Therefore, financial information will be required of all adults involved in the applicant’s life, including stepparents if remarried, and both parents if separated or divorced.
Do I need to reapply for aid each year? Yes. Grants are awarded for one year and families receiving financial aid must reapply each year if they wish to be reconsidered. Grants may be renewed only upon evidence of continuing need.
Beauvoir’s tuition for the 2022–2023 school year is $39,900. This includes lunch, snack, field trips, and all materials. Please go to Beauvoir’s website for more details.
Are there any payment plans available? Yes, there are full, two-installment, and ten-installment payment plans available for tuition.
If you need support in completing your application, please contact Clarity at support@claritytuition.com
The Admissions Team will be happy to help you during the admissions process. We hope that you will call us with any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with you.
Director of Admissions and Financial Aid (202) 537-6492
margaret.hartigan@cathedral.org
Lauren Pate
Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid (202) 537-6493 lauren.pate@cathedral.org
Salma Agha
Assistant Director of Admissions (202) 537-5720
salma.agha@cathedral.org
Decision notifications, contracts and financial aid grants are communicated to prospective parents/caregivers in early March and contracts are due back in midMarch. If vacancies occur after that time, they are filled from the waiting list.
Application Fee $70
Registration Fee $1,250
Tuition
$39,900
This includes lunch, snack, field trips and all materials. Full, two-installment, and ten-installment payment plans are available for tuition.
Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School does not discriminate based on age, color, creed, disability, gender, national origin or ancestry, race, religion, sexual orientation, or medical condition.
All steps are required unless designated as optional.
Weekdays from mid-September through December.
Parent/Caregiver Meeting (Optional)
Weekdays from mid-September through December. Appointments are limited and scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis
Receptions and Information Sessions (Optional)
Explore opportunities and register via Ravenna.
Application
Please apply directly online at beauvoirschool.org/admissions
The application and a non-refundable fee of $70 is due by Friday, January 6, 2023.
Photo
Please upload a photo to your child’s Ravenna student profile by Friday, January 6, 2023.
Visits are scheduled from mid-November through mid-February for those who have submitted an application. The Admissions Office will schedule and contact you with details regarding your child’s in-person visit.
You may submit the form to your child’s current teacher after November 11, 2022. Due by Friday, January 6, 2023.
Application and 2021 documents are due by Friday, January 20, 2023. More information about the financial aid application process and other deadlines can be found at beauvoirschool.org/financialaid
Weekdays from mid-September through December.
Weekdays from mid-September through December. Appointments are limited and scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Explore opportunities and register via Ravenna.
Application
Please apply directly online at beauvoirschool.org/admissions
The application and a non-refundable fee of $70 is due by Friday, January 6, 2023.
Photo
Please upload a photo to your child’s Ravenna student profile by Friday, January 6, 2023.
If an appropriate opening becomes available and after all application materials have been received, the Admissions Office will contact you to schedule your child’s visit.
Applicant Evaluation: Third Grade Only WISC-V test results due by Friday, January 13, 2023.
You may submit the form to your child’s current teacher after November 11, 2022. Due by Friday, January 13, 2023.
Due by Friday, January 13, 2023. If needed, a records request form can be found on Beauvoir’s website.
Application and 2021 documents are due by Friday, January 20, 2023. More information about the financial aid application process and other deadlines can be found at beauvoirschool.org/financialaid
