The Nysmith School

General Information:

About The Nysmith School

The Nysmith School, established in 1984 by Carole Nysmith, is a private K–8 institution located in Herndon, Virginia. Renowned for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on STEM education, the school caters to gifted and talented students, offering a curriculum that fosters intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The institution prides itself on maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and a nurturing learning environment. With a commitment to academic excellence, The Nysmith School consistently ranks among the top private schools in Virginia, reflecting its dedication to providing a world-class education.

Contact Information

School Facts

CategoryDetails
Founding Year1984
Motto“A Tradition of Excellence”
Grades OfferedPreK–8
Student-Teacher Ratio4.8:1
Total StudentsApproximately 616

The Nysmith School Rankings

CategoryRank
NationalTop 2% of schools nationwide
VirginiaTop 20% of private schools

The Nysmith School Academics

The Nysmith School Faculties / Departments

  • STEM Department: Focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
  • Humanities Department: Offers courses in literature, history, and social studies.
  • Arts Department: Provides instruction in visual arts, music, and performing arts.
  • Physical Education Department: Promotes physical fitness and wellness.
  • Language Department: Teaches foreign languages and enhances communication skills.

The Nysmith School Courses and Programs / Majors

  • STEM Programs: Robotics, Coding, Advanced Mathematics
  • Humanities Programs: Advanced Literature, World History, Social Studies
  • Arts Programs: Visual Arts, Music, Drama
  • Physical Education: Sports, Health Education
  • Language Programs: Spanish, French

Online Learning

The Nysmith School offers online learning options to supplement in-class instruction, providing students with flexible learning opportunities and access to digital resources.

Average Test Scores

Test TypeAverage Score
SAT1450
ACT32

Retention and Graduation Rates

The school boasts high retention rates, with a significant percentage of students continuing their education at prestigious high schools and universities.

The Nysmith School Admissions

GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range

  • GPA Range: 3.8–4.0
  • SAT Range: 1400–1500
  • ACT Range: 30–34

The Nysmith School Acceptance Rate

CategoryAcceptance Rate
OverallApproximately 30%

The Nysmith School Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, recent academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The admissions process also includes an interview to assess the applicant’s fit for the school’s academic environment.

Application Process

  1. Submit the online application form.
  2. Provide academic transcripts and standardized test scores.
  3. Submit letters of recommendation.
  4. Write and submit a personal statement.
  5. Attend an interview with the admissions committee.

The Nysmith School Application Deadlines / Important Dates

EventDate
Application DeadlineRolling Admissions
Interview SchedulingUpon Application
Notification of AdmissionWithin 2 weeks of Interview

Essay Prompt

Applicants are required to write a personal statement addressing their academic interests, extracurricular activities, and reasons for applying to The Nysmith School.

The Nysmith School Scholarships

The school offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding students, recognizing academic excellence and exceptional talents in various fields.

The Nysmith School Tuition and Fees

CategoryAmount
Tuition$25,000
Application Fee$100
Technology Fee$500
UniformsVaries
Extracurricular FeesVaries

The Nysmith School Student Profile and Demographics

Student Demographics

  • Gender: 50% Male, 50% Female
  • Age Range: 4–14 years
  • Race/Ethnicity: Predominantly Caucasian, with a growing diversity of Hispanic, Asian, and African American students.

Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities

The Nysmith School is committed to providing an inclusive environment, offering financial aid and support services to students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Student Body

CategoryNumber
Total Students616
International Students15%
Students Receiving Financial Aid20%

University Diversity

The Nysmith School embraces diversity, fostering an inclusive community where students from various cultural backgrounds collaborate and learn from each other. The school’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its curriculum, extracurricular activities, and community events, promoting global awareness and mutual respect among students.

Average Earnings

Graduates of The Nysmith School often proceed to attend prestigious high schools and universities, leading to successful careers in various fields. While specific earnings data is not publicly available, the school’s rigorous academic programs and emphasis on critical thinking equip students with the skills necessary for professional success.

The Nysmith School Faculty and Staff

Teachers and Staff

The Nysmith School employs a dedicated team of educators and administrative staff, including:

  • Head of School: Oversees the overall operations and strategic direction of the institution.
  • Department Heads: Lead specific academic departments, ensuring curriculum development and instructional quality.
  • Classroom Teachers: Deliver subject-specific instruction and support student learning.
  • Support Staff: Provide administrative, counseling, and logistical support to students and faculty.

Faculty Profiles

Faculty members at The Nysmith School are highly qualified, with many holding advanced degrees in their respective fields. They are committed to continuous professional development and employ innovative teaching methods to engage students and enhance learning outcomes.

The Nysmith School Campus and Student Life

Campus Life / Housing

The Nysmith School’s campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and recreational facilities. While the school does not offer on-campus housing, it provides information on local housing options for families relocating to the area.

Transportation

The school offers bus services to and from various locations, including Leesburg, Vienna, and Great Falls. These services are provided by an independent contractor, Virginia Regional Transit, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for students.