A Coeducational School | Early Learners to Third Grade
About
Our Story
For more than 85 years, Beauvoir’s beautiful view of learning has provided young students with a dynamic foundation on which to build the rest of their lives. Beauvoir blends a unique history and tradition with constant innovation, creating an environment that respects and challenges young children.
Beauvoir was founded in 1933 as a coeducational primary school for students who would move on to one of the Cathedral Schools (St. Albans or the National Cathedral School). In 1939, Beauvoir was established as a "separate and independent school in the Cathedral system" by the Cathedral Chapter. Beauvoir's Head of School Elizabeth Glascock Taylor and her faculty were motivated to do more than just instruct through memorization and recitation. Their mission was to make children's education exciting so that their students would be inspired to learn. Mrs. Taylor’s goal for her students was that they might "learn the joy of work well done."
Mrs. Taylor's influence is still felt by students today: Beauvoir still celebrates hands-on, active experiences; movement in the classroom; the encouragement of classroom discussion; recognition of different learning styles among children; work both individually and in groups; an emphasis on developing community values and individual character; the concept of resources in art studios; science labs, gardens, gymnasiums and performing spaces as places of learning; and above all, the emphasis on joy as the basis for educational innovations and as a central tenet of its mission today.
Setting trends in early childhood education is nothing new to Beauvoir. Beauvoir was one of the first elementary schools to introduce a reading readiness and math program for pre-school children. The school created a "World Mindedness" program to teach children about establishing a worldview emphasizing respect for differences with others. In the 1950's, Beauvoir was the first school affiliated with the Cathedral to racially integrate. Finally, Beauvoir has consistently placed a strong emphasis on the importance of faculty professional development, integrating brain research into classroom teaching and prioritizing character education.
Beauvoir was founded in 1933 as a coeducational primary school for students who would move on to one of the Cathedral Schools (St. Albans or the National Cathedral School). In 1939, Beauvoir was established as a "separate and independent school in the Cathedral system" by the Cathedral Chapter. Beauvoir's Head of School Elizabeth Glascock Taylor and her faculty were motivated to do more than just instruct through memorization and recitation. Their mission was to make children's education exciting so that their students would be inspired to learn. Mrs. Taylor’s goal for her students was that they might "learn the joy of work well done."
Mrs. Taylor's influence is still felt by students today: Beauvoir still celebrates hands-on, active experiences; movement in the classroom; the encouragement of classroom discussion; recognition of different learning styles among children; work both individually and in groups; an emphasis on developing community values and individual character; the concept of resources in art studios; science labs, gardens, gymnasiums and performing spaces as places of learning; and above all, the emphasis on joy as the basis for educational innovations and as a central tenet of its mission today.
Setting trends in early childhood education is nothing new to Beauvoir. Beauvoir was one of the first elementary schools to introduce a reading readiness and math program for pre-school children. The school created a "World Mindedness" program to teach children about establishing a worldview emphasizing respect for differences with others. In the 1950's, Beauvoir was the first school affiliated with the Cathedral to racially integrate. Finally, Beauvoir has consistently placed a strong emphasis on the importance of faculty professional development, integrating brain research into classroom teaching and prioritizing character education.
Photos from the Archives
The 1940's
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Mrs. Ackerson and students gardening in the mansion's front yard -
Visiting the Cathedral construction workers -
Nursery school block project at the Gatehouse -
Playing on the terrace at the rear of the mansion -
A musical performance in the Gatehouse nursery school -
Diplomatic visitors admire a work in progress -
Annual Kindergarten field trip to the Soldier's Home Farm -
Gathered in the garden house in the Bishop's Garden -
Beauvoir Choir singing in Bethlehem Chapel
The 1960's
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Performing the Maypole in the bus circle outside Taylor Hall -
A classroom inside the old Beauvoir mansion -
Members of the Class of 1969 -
Working with the latest technology -
Buoyant string quartet -
Viewing a terrarium during science class -
Performing a Christmas play in Taylor Hall -
Third graders perform Aida for the whole school -
Mrs. Taylor in the Children's Chapel of the Cathedral -
Playground next to Taylor Hall
The 1980's
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Experimenting in the science room -
Making candles -
Looking up Beauvoir Drive -
Sunny smiles -
Top hats performance -
Principal Mary T. (Polly) Moreland -
Quiet reading -
Third Grade trip to the Capitol
The 1950's
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Painting a paper mache globe -
Admiring a Beauvoir rabbit. -
Hard at work on clay masterpieces -
"World-mindedness" and a collection of dolls from around the world -
Celebrating United Nations Day -
Easels and smocks in the art workshop -
Using "squeaky pens" in the art workshop -
Beauvoir bunnies performing on the lawn behind the mansion -
Strange visitors from another planet in Taylor Hall -
Taking in a world-mindedness exhibit -
50th Birthday party for the Cathedral -
Christmas Chapel performance by Third Graders in the Cathedral.
The 1970's
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Play deck gymnastic -
Building with blocks -
Ms. Marshall (Mrs. Cato) and students -
Stocking feet in the new library -
Lining up in the classroom -
Performing under a tent -
Dance performance in the courtyard -
Beauvoir gatehouse and the classroom addition -
Ms. Julia Morse with her Third Grade class -
Nursery class in the Gatehouse -
Principal Frances Borders in a classroom
The 1990's
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Colonial studies with Mrs. Marcoux -
Head of School Paula J. Carreiro with students -
Finding fish in the courtyard pond -
On the Kindergarten play deck -
A fun class portrait -
Mrs. Cato with her students -
Screen time -
Mrs. Jean Iker and her young artists -
Dean Baxter with students in St. Joseph’s Chapel -
Waiting beside the original Beauvoir sign -
Ms. Hartmeyer’s first grade class
3500 Woodley Road, NW
Our Mission
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.
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