A joy-filled, world-class education for gifted and curious learners from preschool through 8th grade.
Founded by educator Carole Nysmith, Nysmith opened with just 55 students in a three-classroom building. More than 40 years later, it is one of the most recognized schools for gifted learners in the country, led today by Head of School Ken Nysmith.
Students are encouraged to go beyond grade-level expectations and tackle genuinely difficult problems.
Hands-on learning, creativity, and exploration keep curiosity alive every single day.
Students learn to trust their ideas, communicate clearly, and act with empathy.
Six things that make a Nysmith education unlike anywhere else.
With a 1:9 in-class ratio, students who show proficiency can study a subject up to four grade levels ahead — continually challenged, never held back.
Learning is maximized during the school day, not pushed into the evening. Homework is purposeful and measured, increasing gradually by grade.
Teachers are specialists in the subjects they teach and know their material deeply — two teachers in every class.
Academic excellence is paired with emotional intelligence and character, producing confident, empathetic problem-solvers.
A globally minded community where students learn alongside peers from many cultures and backgrounds.
Nysmith teams win on the national and world stage in robotics, math, cyber, classics, and literature — year after year.
A student who shows proficiency can study a subject up to four grade levels ahead. With a 1:9 in-class ratio and two teachers in every room, no child waits for the rest of the class.
From preschool through grade 8, children learn from subject-specialist teachers and advance as far as they're ready. Explore each stage:
The difference begins in preschool — sparking curiosity early and building confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning.
Children change classes with each subject, learning from subject-specific teachers who can advance high-achieving students up to four grade levels above.
Schoolwork is thoughtfully diversified and enriched, building advanced skills designed to serve students well beyond high school.
Nysmith teams win on the biggest stages in robotics, math, cyber, classics, and literature — year after year.
Nysmith alumni go on to the region's and the nation's most selective secondary schools, including:
“At Nysmith, I found my voice. I gained confidence — not just inside, but the kind other people can see too.”
“I learned so much at Nysmith in terms of academics and life skills. I became a leader and developed communication skills.”
“Nysmith was the sole foundation of my love of school. I learned how work ethic and effort can lead to success just as much as natural talent can.”
“At Nysmith, questions were encouraged and explored — even if they led down the “wrong” path, or weren't directly related.”
“We learned not to be followers, but to create our own path.”
Learning doesn't stop at 3:00. Nysmith offers 150+ clubs and enrichment programs across two daily time blocks.
Regional bus routes for families with busy schedules or longer commutes.
Fresh lunch options from local restaurants that students look forward to.
A.M. Care 7:00–8:00 · Transition 2:30–3:00 · P.M. Care 3:00–6:30 · Drop-In as needed.
Bright, spacious rooms built for subject-specific, small-group learning.
Dedicated spaces for coding, robotics, and research.
Over 15,000 books plus media and research resources.
Two gyms with athletics space and climbing walls.
A stage for concerts, plays, and student presentations.
All-weather fields for play, PE, and field day.
Courts plus a track and fitness areas.
Safe, engaging play spaces designed by age group.
Nysmith offers year-round rolling admissions, so families can apply at any point in the year. The path is simple:
Families begin by touring the campus and meeting the community.
Parents submit an application and the required materials.
The applicant spends time in a Nysmith classroom.
When helpful, the school may request teacher recommendations or school records.
The admissions team reviews all information together.
Families are notified once a decision is reached.
A place is secured once the enrollment agreement and fee are received.
Apply any time, or come see a joy-filled day for yourself. Tours run year-round.
Nysmith School
13625 EDS Drive, Herndon, VA 20171
Tel 703-713-3332 · Fax 703-713-3336