North Cedar Academy is a private, international university-pathway boarding school situated on ninety-six acres along the Flambeau River in Ladysmith, Wisconsin.
NCA offers motivated and committed American and International students in grades 9 through 12 the opportunity to graduate from high school with a high school diploma and Associate of Arts & Science (AAS) degree simultaneously.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
- Enrollment: 60 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $54,800
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
North Cedar Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 296 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Boarding Focus
Affordability
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
2014
1906
Campus Size
96 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
60 students
315 students
% Students of Color
70%
25%
% International Students
80%
20%
% Students Boarding
100%
69%
SAT range (25th-75th percentile)
1015 - 1580
-
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
3
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
65%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$54,800
(Tuition shown is for Upperclassmen enrollment. )
(Tuition shown is for Upperclassmen enrollment. )
$62,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,070
% Students on Financial Aid
70%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$25,000
(Merit & Need-Based)
(Merit & Need-Based)
$25,000
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate
80%
58%
Director of Admissions
Donald W. Smith
Alyssa King
Alyssa King
Course Listings
List of Courses Offered
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
3
17
Courses
Advanced Physics, AP Statistics, AP United States Government and Politics
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
1
16
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
29
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
3D Printing Club, Board Game Club, Chess Club, Coding Club, Esports Club, Gardening Club, International Cooking Club, Outdoors Club, Robotics Club, SAT Prep, Teen Leadership, TOEFL Prep
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Community Choir, Concert Band, Concert Choir
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Bowling Club, Golf Club, Hiking Club, Intramural badminton, Intramural basketball, Intramural cheerleading, Intramural soccer, Intramural volleyball, Kayaking Club, Lifetime Sports & Wellness, Rockhounding Club, Winter Sports Club, Yoga
3D Printing Club, Board Game Club, Chess Club, Coding Club, Esports Club, Gardening Club, International Cooking Club, Outdoors Club, Robotics Club, SAT Prep, Teen Leadership, TOEFL Prep
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Community Choir, Concert Band, Concert Choir
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Bowling Club, Golf Club, Hiking Club, Intramural badminton, Intramural basketball, Intramural cheerleading, Intramural soccer, Intramural volleyball, Kayaking Club, Lifetime Sports & Wellness, Rockhounding Club, Winter Sports Club, Yoga
College Matriculation
Year: 2016 - 2021
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
University of Wisconsin - Madison
10
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
8
Augustana University
5
University of Wisconsin - Stout
3
Truman State University
2
University of Arizona
2
University of California
2
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
2
Cornish College of the Arts
1
Gonzaga University
1
School Notes
-
The North Cedar Principle: As a student in today`s competitive and connected world, you achieve the success for which you were destined by embracing the next level, by accelerating your education, by becoming a conscientious citizen and leader of the world. The inherent opportunities at North Cedar Academy empower you to reach inside and discover your potential. --------Grades 9 and 10 are formative years where you adjust to campus life, make friends, join clubs, explore the region and develop study routines. Here you begin a personal development journey that includes arts, humanities, lifetime sports and service to the community. --------BluGold Guaranteed Transfer Program (BGTP): You save valuable time and money by taking advantage of NCA`s exclusive university pathway program.
- Students in grades 11 and 12 have the opportunity to be co-enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Barron County campus and can complete up to 2 years of university while still in high school! You will receive a transcript from UWEC for credits earned, which are transferable to other colleges and universities.
- Pathway program students have a direct pathway to the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, as well as University of Minnesota - Duluth!
- The NCA dormitory is a uniquely designed five-story building overlooking the Flambeau River.
- It`s fully supervised - with a resident director`s apartment and office on the main level and resident assistants living on each floor - yet offers the independence you need to live your life.
- Special spaces include a kitchenette, computer lab, a quiet study room, laundry facilities, and common areas on each floor equipped with TVs, streaming services, & game consoles.
- All meals are served in the dining hall in the academic building just a short walk up the hill.
- North Cedar Academy accreditations: National Private School Accreditation Group (NPSAG), ICEF, SEVP
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does North Cedar Academy cost?
North Cedar Academy's tuition is approximately $54,800 for boarding students.
What is the acceptance rate of North Cedar Academy?
The acceptance rate of North Cedar Academy is 80%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 58%.
What sports does North Cedar Academy offer?
North Cedar Academy offers 1 interscholastic sports: Intramural Sports Only.
What is North Cedar Academy's ranking?
North Cedar Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small student body (number of students), High percentage of boarding students, High percentage of international students and High percentage of students on financial aid.
When is the application deadline for North Cedar Academy?
The application deadline for North Cedar Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
North Cedar Academy prides itself on the dual enrollment program, which allows students to obtain their Associates of Arts & Sciences degrees upon their high school graduation. This is certainly a unique opportunity, but what. . .
North Cedar Academy dual enrollment with UW Eau Claire-Barron County that had gotten further my education path and made me ready for University. North Cedar Academy give me incredible opportunities in terms of volunteer work. . .
North Cedar Academy gave me an opportunity to improve my English very well and meet new friends from all over the world. I am enjoying to be here. Also, North Cedar Academy gives you an. . .
Recent Articles

Mastering the Boarding School Selection Process: A 5-Step Guide
Discover the ultimate 5-step guide to choosing the perfect boarding school for your child. Explore essential factors, such as academics, campus facilities, extracurricular activities, and more. Make an informed decision to provide your child with an enriching and transformative educational experience. Read now!

5 Founders and Their Boarding Schools
What prompts somebody to start a boarding school? The motives range from idealism to munificence right on through to capitalism. The common thread seems to be ample capital and a vision of what education can do.

April 24, 2023
Top 5 Reasons To Study Dance At A Boarding SchoolFrom meeting world-renowned guest artists to balancing busy rehearsal schedules, students share how boarding school is preparing them to dance professionally.