What sets Headfirst apart
Everything we do is designed with intention — from how kids are grouped to how progress is recognized — so families can trust the experience and kids can grow with confidence.
St. Albans School & National Cathedral School Northwest DC | Cathedral Heights
Summer in Cathedral Heights
Made for big days, with people who know your name.
Headfirst @ St. Albans & National Cathedral School (NW DC)
Set in the shadow of the National Cathedral, the St. Albans and National Cathedral School campus offers an inspiring and welcoming setting for Headfirst Summer Camps. With shaded green spaces, historic architecture, bright classrooms, and access to exceptional indoor and outdoor facilities across both schools, the campus feels purpose-built for summer exploration, creativity, and play. This location is also deeply woven into Headfirst’s story - our very first programs ran here 30 years ago, and that legacy still shapes the experience today. While the setting is iconic, the experience is personal: campers feel seen, known, and celebrated in a community that values connection, care, and growth.
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30 Years in D.C.
Trusted by generations of families across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for over 30 years.
History
Community & Belonging
Campers feel welcomed, included, and part of a supportive community from day one.
Camps at St. Albans and NCS
Jr. Day Camp
- Nurturing
- Joyful
- Confidence-Building
Day Camp
- Fun
- Engaging
- Inclusive
Multi-Sport I
- Active
- Exploratory
- Confidence-Building
Multi-Sport II
- Active
- Exploratory
- Confidence-Building
Multi-Sport III
- Active
- Exploratory
- Confidence-Building
Innovators, Inc
- Creative
- Curious
- Empowering
Sprouting Scientists
- Curious
- Hands-On
- Exploratory
Pro-Sports Camp
Nationals Baseball Camps
- Immersive
- Aspirational
- Unforgettable
Pro-Sports Camp
D.C. United Summer Camps
- Team-Driven
- Energetic
- Inspiring
St. Albans & National Cathedral School Location Details
What to expect at our STA/NCS campus – from swimming to arrival and pick-up
Swimming is a valued part of the day at St. Albans & National Cathedral School, giving campers a chance to cool off, build confidence, and enjoy structured water time in the safe, supportive setting of St. Albans’ indoor pool.
Instructional Swim
Junior Day Camp, Day Camp, and Multi-Sport I campers (Rising K–1st) participate in daily instructional swim tailored to each child’s comfort level and ability. Instruction is led by trained Headfirst swim instructors in small groups focused on water comfort, skill development, and confidence.
Campers are closely supervised at all times by swim instructors, lifeguards, and Headfirst counselors, with a 3:1 child-to-staff ratio in the pool. Families receive weekly swim progress updates, so you can stay connected to your child’s growth.
Recreational Swim
Multi-Sport II+ (Rising 2nd–5th) and Innovators, Inc. campers enjoy daily recreational swim, including supervised free swim and pool-based games. Campers complete a swim assessment to determine appropriate pool access, ensuring a safe and positive experience for every swimmer.
We offer morning and afternoon Extended Day options for families who need additional coverage before or after regular camp hours.
Morning Extended Day (AMX) begins at 7:30 a.m. Campers ease into the day with relaxed, small-group activities, such as coloring, building, board games, or story time, supported by our caring Headfirst counselors before formal programming begins.
Afternoon Extended Day (PMX) runs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with pickup available at any time during the window. Campers enjoy a variety of engaging, age-appropriate activities that extend the spirit of the camp day in a lighter, more flexible way. From creative art projects and fun group games to hands-on tinkering, outdoor play, and a Goldfish snack break, there’s something for every camper. Our flexible structure encourages choice and exploration, helping campers stay active, happy, and engaged throughout the afternoon.
- AM Extended Day Tuition: $100/week
- PM Extended Day Tuition: $200/week
Headfirst utilizes three carpool zones (A, B, and C) on the Cathedral campus. To ensure a safe, smooth arrival and dismissal each day, we ask families to drop off and pick up campers at the zone where their program takes place.
- Drop-off: 8:30–9:00 a.m.
- Pick-up: 2:30–3:00 p.m.
If you have campers enrolled in multiple programs, please drop off and pick up each child at their respective zone. We appreciate you taking this extra step and will keep hustling to make the carpool experience safe, efficient, and joyful for everyone. Our team runs a friendly, well-organized carpool system and will share detailed instructions with families closer to the start of the summer.
Zone A (Junior Day Camp & Day Camp)
Please enter the Cathedral campus from one of the following locations:
- Massachusetts Ave & Pilgrim Rd, NW
- Wisconsin Ave & South Rd, NW
Remain in your vehicle and follow posted signage to Zone A.
Zone B (Multi-Sport Camp & Washington Nationals Camp)
Please enter the Cathedral campus from one of the following locations:
- Massachusetts Ave & Pilgrim Rd, NW
- Wisconsin Ave & South Rd, NW
Remain in your vehicle and follow posted signage to Zone B.
Zone C (Innovators, Inc., Sprouting Scientists & D.C. United Camp)
Drop-off and pick-up take place at:
- 3612 Woodley Rd NW
Additional Headfirst locations nearby
Bethesda, MD
- Mater Dei School
Northwest DC | Palisades
- St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School
Northeast DC
- Catholic University
St. Albans School & National Cathedral School
3101 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016
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