The Nora School (Top-Ranked �� School for 2026)

955 Sligo Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Tel: (301) 495-6672

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The Nora School Photo #2 - A small school in an urban location provides much opportunity for building independence and for academic exploration.

The Nora School Photo #3 - A school of belonging.

The Nora School is a progressive, college preparatory high school for socially conscious students in Silver Spring, Maryland that is intentionally small by design. Grades 9-12. A nonprofit school with 501(c)(3) status.

The Nora School's mission is to guide students to identify their talents, understand where their challenges lie, and honor their unique identities.

We work toward this goal through a diverse, active curriculum that utilizes pedagogical and operational strategies to promote social equity, justice, and environmental stewardship.

Social Education strategies include monthly Community Service projects, a Social Justice Travel program that follows the path of Civil Rights from Atlanta, Georgia to Selma, Alabama, and an Experiential History trip in the Dakotas and Montana

Social/Emotion learning is supported through small classes, weekly Advisory, individual college counseling and a experience with students with anxiety, depression and/or ADHD.

Students often attend Leadership Conferences in and out of the state, and internal classes such as Future Issues, Global Communities, and Environmental Science bring focused learning to important topics.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked MD School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 76 students
Yearly Tuition: $38,000
Average class size: 8 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Nora School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
State or regional independent school association
Other school association(s)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Mild LD ADD ADHD

Year Founded

1964

School Calendar

First Day of School

Tue. Sep 1, 2026

Last Day of School

Fri. Jun 11, 2027

Student Body

Total Students

76 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

28%

State avg.: 38%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

11 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

7:1

National avg.:

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

80%

Average Class Size

8 students

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$38,000

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Adjusted Tuition for families.

% on Financial Aid

30%

College Acceptance Rate

95%

Admissions Director

Marcia Miller

Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered

4 sports

Sports

BasketballRock Climbing

SoccerSoftball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

5 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Chess ClubPhotography Club

Prom CommitteeStudent Government Association

Yearbook Committee

School Notes

The Nora School offers a college preparatory curriculum on the edge of revolutionary and small classes in a relaxed, nurturing environment.
The Nora School aspires to uncover and strengthen the intelligence and talents of bright students who have been frustrated in school.
Their frustration may stem from a variety of sources: learning disabilities, health problems, family circumstances, or simply dealing with large bureaucratic structures.
The Nora School assists students in turning their lives around, to get them excited and confident about learning, help them take responsibility for their actions and their lives, and view the world more critically, and to prepare them for post-secondary education.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Katie H, Grinnell College ‘20

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Nora School cost?

The Nora School's tuition is approximately $38,000 for private students.

Who are famous alumni from The Nora School?

The Nora School famous alumni include: Katie H, Grinnell College ‘20.

What sports does The Nora School offer?

The Nora School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Rock Climbing, Soccer and Softball.

What is The Nora School's ranking?

The Nora School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.

When is the application deadline for The Nora School?

The application deadline for The Nora School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

In what neighborhood is The Nora School located?

The Nora School is located in the Downtown Silver Spring neighborhood of Silver Spring, MD. There are 2 other private schools located in Downtown Silver Spring.