Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Leading Elementary Education in Washington, DC
National Presbyterian School has been dedicated to nurturing childhood education since its founding in 1969. Our institution provides a rigorous academic curriculum alongside Core Values such as Love, Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty, fostering students' intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. With over five decades of experience, we specialize in creating a joyful, developmentally appropriate environment for children aged 3 through Grade 6.Our faculty, experts in early childhood education, design interdisciplinary, play-based learning experiences that cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. We maintain a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while preparing students for a smooth transition to middle school and beyond.
Services
Early Childhood Education
Elementary School Program
After School Enrichment
Community Outreach
Summer School Programs
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- Dedicated solely to early childhood education since 1969
- Integrated Core Values curriculum promoting ethical development
- Specialized faculty with expertise in childhood pedagogy
- Balanced approach combining academic rigor with social-emotional learning
- Strong community partnerships and inclusive environment
What people say
Joyful learning environment
Strong ethical foundation
Dedicated teachers
Community focused
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our Pre-Kindergarten programs (ages 3-4) focus on play-based, student-driven learning. Through thematic exploration and interdisciplinary activities, we cultivate curiosity, social skills, and foundational academic concepts. Children engage in hands-on experiences that promote cognitive development while maintaining the wonder of childhood through age-appropriate activities and supportive guidance.
Elementary School Program
Offering comprehensive instruction from Kindergarten through 6th grade, our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development. Students explore core subjects through project-based learning while integrating arts, technology, and service learning. Our developmentally appropriate approach ensures academic challenge within a nurturing environment that respects childhood's unique developmental stages.
After School Enrichment
Our After School Program provides extended learning opportunities through diverse enrichment classes. Students choose from rotating options including music, sports, arts, STEM activities, and language programs. These fee-based classes foster skill development and exploration while maintaining a structured, supportive environment from 3:15-4:15 pm Monday-Friday during scheduled sessions.
Summer School Programs
NPS Summer School offers continued educational engagement through themed programs. Designed to maintain academic skills while encouraging creativity, our summer curriculum blends structured learning with recreational activities. Programs vary annually to provide fresh experiences while maintaining continuity with our educational philosophy of nurturing childhood development through engaging, purposeful play.
Community Outreach
Integrated throughout our curriculum, service learning connects classroom education with real-world impact. Students participate in age-appropriate community service projects that reinforce empathy, responsibility, and civic engagement. From local initiatives to global awareness activities, these experiences embody our Core Value of Love while teaching practical applications of ethical decision-making in real-life contexts.
People
Malcolm Lester
Head of School
Malcolm Lester leads National Presbyterian School with over two decades of educational leadership experience. He oversees the school's strategic direction while maintaining strong community partnerships.
Jack Devlin
Upper Division Director
Jack Devlin coordinates Grades 4-6 programs, ensuring smooth academic progression and preparing students for middle school transitions. He brings expertise in elementary administration and curriculum development.
Jessie Grees
Lower Division Director
Jessie Grees oversees early childhood and Grades K-3 programs. Specializing in early literacy and developmental education, she ensures our youngest students receive appropriate nurturing and academic challenges.
Susanne Rusan
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Susanne Rusan leads curriculum development and teacher professional growth. With extensive educational design experience, she maintains high academic standards aligned with our childhood-focused mission.
Kerry Richardson
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Kerry Richardson develops inclusive programming and equity initiatives across all grade levels. She ensures our DEI commitments are integrated throughout curriculum and school culture.
Questions
What age groups does National Presbyterian School serve?
We educate children from age 3 through 6th grade, covering preschool through elementary school years.
Is National Presbyterian School affiliated with a religious organization?
Yes, we are an educational mission of the National Presbyterian Church, integrating spiritual foundations with academic excellence.
What sets your school apart from other elementary programs?
Our unique focus on preserving childhood through developmentally appropriate education while emphasizing Core Values distinguishes our approach.
Do you offer after-school programs?
Yes, our After School Program provides enrichment classes Monday-Friday from 3:15-4:15 pm with seasonal activity rotations.
How does the school support social-emotional development?
Our Social-Emotional Learning program, led by specialized counselors, integrates emotional intelligence into daily curriculum and school culture.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
We maintain small class sizes with dedicated teachers to ensure personalized attention throughout all grade levels.
