North Country School

4382 Cascade Road
Lake Placid, NY 12946
previous
North Country School Photo #1 - North Country School's 220-acre campus is located in the Adirondack Mountains near Lake Placid, New York, a popular resort town and the site of two Winter Olympic Games. Many of our buildings use solar energy and biomass heating to help reduce the school's carbon footprint and to teach and model responsible and sustainable living practices.
next
North Country School Photo #1 - North Country School's 220-acre campus is located in the Adirondack Mountains near Lake Placid, New York, a popular resort town and the site of two Winter Olympic Games. Many of our buildings use solar energy and biomass heating to help reduce the school's carbon footprint and to teach and model responsible and sustainable living practices.
North Country School Photo #2 - North Country School offers students an opportunity to be outside every day. On-campus activities include soccer, skiing, horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking and basketball, among others.
North Country School Photo #3 - North Country School students come from diverse backgrounds, cultures and countries - and they are known well by the dedicated, multi-talented adults who teach, live with and care for them.
North Country School Photo #4 - Through a variety or teaching methods, hands-on projects, and innovative uses of technology, North Country School students acquire critical academic skills in the humanities, math, sciences and the arts. NCS has high expectations for students, and the school also recognizes that all children learn differently. Each child is challenged according to their ability.
North Country School Photo #5 - While remaining intentionally low-tech outside of the classroom, NCS still offers students the chance to take STEM courses, including robotics, coding and 3-D design.
North Country School Photo #6 - Extracurricular activities at North Country School take full advantage of our mountain setting, offering students wide-ranging opportunities to try new activities, acquire new skills, and gain confidence. Hiking, backpacking and camping outings are common throughout the year. Our on-campus ski hill allows students daily opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, while students also enjoy weekly trips to Olympic ski resort Whiteface.
North Country School Photo #7 - North Country School's annual spring theatre production involves the entire school and highlights student actors and sophisticated theatre technology. Students may choose to be actors, set designers, musicians, or members of the stage crew. NCS provides students with many avenues for creative expression that promote a life-long love of the arts.
North Country School Photo #8 - North Country School's horseback riding program includes 10 horses, two riding rings, and miles of mountain trails. NCS operates a working farm and extensive vegetable gardens that teach students lessons about responsibility and community.
North Country School Photo #9 - North Country School students live with a roommate in small houses of 8-10 children. The house becomes the place for much of a student's learning and growth. Wednesdays are "home nights" when each house prepares and eats dinner together and enjoys house games and activities.
North Country School Photo #10 - We invite you to visit our campus and see first-hand what the NCS experience is like!
North Country School (NCS) is a progressive boarding and day school in Upstate New York. Serving grades 4-9, NCS offers a project- and place-based program that develops students' intellect and creativity. The curriculum is built upon the 220-acre campus' natural assets, which include a working farm, extensive organic gardens, a private lake, a rock climbing ledge, an alpine ski hill, and extensive cross-country trails. The NCS experience integrates classroom academics, hands-on learning in the farm and gardens, extensive studio and performing arts, and family-style residential life. NCS students come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and countries, and graduates attend competitive independent schools.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 4-9
  • Enrollment: 78 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $64,900
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $20,900
  • Acceptance rate: 77%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

North Country School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 289 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Student Attention

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
North Country School
Grades Offered
4-9
School Type
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Religious Affiliation
Year Founded
1938
Campus Size
220 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
78 students
% Students of Color
33%
% International Students
26%
% Students Boarding
66%

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
Classroom Dress Code
Average Class Size
8 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
ESL Courses Offered
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
33%
Summer Program Offered
Summer Program Details

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$16 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$64,900
(Tuition includes all weekend activities, skiing, m)
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$20,900
(Tuition includes all weekend activities, skiing, music lessons, computer and laundry fees, etc.)
Tuition international students
$70,200
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
$49,900
Summer Program Cost
$10,200
(There is a 7-week session that costs $10,200 and a 4-week session that costs $7,500. Financial aid is available.)
% Students on Financial Aid
32%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$32,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
Acceptance Rate
77%
Director of Admissions
Bill Newman
Associate Director of Admissions
Haze Liff

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
16
Extracurriculars
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Ceramics Club, Chorus, Fiber Arts, Rock Band, Studio Art, Theater, Theatre Arts, Theatre Tech

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding, Basketball Club, Camping Club, Hiking Club, Music Theatre Club, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding

College Matriculation

Year: 2017 - 2020
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
Westtown School
5
Northwood School
4
The Putney School
4
Dublin School
3
Gould Academy
3
Buxton School
2
Holderness School
2
The Darrow School
2
Cate School
1
The Lawrenceville School
1

School Notes

  • ACADEMICS: Our traditional core curriculum, enriched by hands-on projects and activities, focuses on the acquisition of solid academic skills. Small classes allow for attention and instruction that challenge and support each child as an individual. Children learn by doing, and they grow by exploring new things, all with the guidance of caring, creative adults. In our academic program, the emphasis on experiential learning is evident in hands-on projects and lessons that focus on our location. In North Country School classes, math students learn about measurement and acquire new computer skills when they record and track the weights of newborn lambs in the barnyard. Science students learn the physical properties of snow pack during a winter term unit on avalanches. In English class, students write persuasive letters to elected officials about current issues they have researched; they create hand-bound, hard-cover journals of their writing and artwork. In arts electives, students paint barn murals, renovate a rowboat in disrepair, or dye wool from our sheep to use in knitting and felting projects. To help students acquire the skills they need in all core academic disciplines, NCS teachers employ a mix of instructional strategies. From collaborative group work to lectures to hands-on labs and projects, students experience innovative teaching strategies on a daily basis. Learning support services are also available to meet students` needs. Finally, while remaining low-tech outside of the classroom, North Country School embraces the use of computer technology as a critical learning tool. Homework and other class projects are posted on Google Classroom, facilitating student-teacher communication. The computer lab is equipped with modern video and photo editing software. While NCS keeps current with technological advances, the school takes pride in a judicious use of technology in order to minimize students' unproductive computer time.
  • RESIDENTIAL LIFE - Students at NCS live with a roommate in one of six small houses of 8-10 children. A team of faculty houseparents works carefully to support and supervise each child. Sharing living spaces and the daily routines of morning wake-up, evening study hall, and bedtime creates strong relationships among the children and adults in the house. The house becomes the place for much of each student's learning and growth. "Home nights" every Wednesday - when each house prepares and eats dinner together and enjoys special activities - help students feel a sense of family and a "home away from home."
  • ARTS: "Art every day" are words we live by at North Country School. For a school our size, we have an unusually large group of arts teachers (more than one-third of the faculty teaches an arts class) and an impressive array of course listings. All students have the equivalent of at least one art class every day, with younger students rotating through core classes in music, theatre, painting and drawing, ceramics, fiber arts, photography, and woodshop. 7th-9th graders choose from electives that provide opportunities for advanced mastery of core arts, as well as exposure to new offerings. Students of all ages have opportunities to submit their work to juried art shows sponsored by local arts organizations. 
  • FARM & GARDEN: Our students all contribute to the community with daily chores, helping care for the animals on our farm and planting, weeding and harvesting food from our gardens. As a founding member of the Edible Schoolyard program, we have long valued incorporating education around food, cooking, and sustainability into our programming. Our horseback riding program allows all students to learn to ride and allows experienced riders to progress to more advanced skills such as jumping.
  • OUTDOORS & ATHLETICS: Taking full advance of our spectacular mountain setting, the Outdoor Program offerings range from a walk in the woods to ambitious multi-day hiking and backpacking trips. We offer team sports such as soccer, basketball, cross-country skiing and ultimate frisbee, as well as an equestrian program with ten horses, two riding rings and miles of mountain trails. In the winter months we have extensive snow sport offerings, including skiing and snowboarding on our own ski hill and at Whiteface Mountain, Nordic skiing, skating, and ice climbing. The outdoor program encourages students to take risks, acquire new skills, and gain confidence. All gear, except for personal clothing, is provided so that all children have the opportunity to participate in all offerings.
  • North Country School accreditations: The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) and NY Association of Independent Schools (NYAIS)
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Eileen Rockefeller Growald - Author and philanthropist
    • Richard Rockefeller - Physician and philanthropist
    • Robel Teklemariam - Olympian (cross-country skiing)
    • David Loud - Musician and conductor
    • Matt Salinger - Actor, son of author JD Salinger
    • David Sloan Wilson - Evolutionary biologist
    • Yasmin Aga Khan - Philanthropist
    • Adam Guettel - Composer and lyricist; Tony award winner
    • Jessica Tuck - Actress
    • Guillaume de Ramel - Philanthropist
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does North Country School cost?
North Country School's tuition is approximately $64,900 for boarding students and $20,900 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of North Country School?
The acceptance rate of North Country School is 77%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 60%.
Who are famous alumni from North Country School?
North Country School famous alumni include: Eileen Rockefeller Growald, Richard Rockefeller, Robel Teklemariam, David Loud, Matt Salinger, David Sloan Wilson, Yasmin Aga Khan, Adam Guettel, Jessica Tuck and Guillaume de Ramel.
What sports does North Country School offer?
North Country School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Drill Team, Equestrian, Freestyle Skiing, Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding and Soccer.
Does North Country School offer a summer program?
Yes, North Country School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is North Country School's ranking?
North Country School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small average class sizes and Low student:teacher ratio.
When is the application deadline for North Country School?
The application deadline for North Country School is Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Submit Review for North Country School
Earn $20 by submitting your alumni review!

Recent Articles

5 Tips for Applying for a Boarding School Job
January 21, 2024
5 Tips for Applying for a Boarding School Job
Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching career, these tips will help you navigate the competitive landscape of boarding school job applications. Discover the strategies that can make your application stand out and increase your chances of landing a job at a boarding school.
How I Made Latin One of the Most Popular Classes
January 19, 2024
How I Made Latin One of the Most Popular Classes
Discover the fascinating journey of how Latin became one of the most popular classes in my school. Join me as I share my experiences, strategies, and insights from my years of teaching Latin, and making it an engaging and sought-after subject for students.
Landing Your Dream Job in a Boarding School: Tips and Guidance
January 02, 2024
Landing Your Dream Job in a Boarding School: Tips and Guidance
Discover the secrets to successfully securing a teaching position in a private school with our comprehensive guide. We'll walk you through the online application process, offer tips on polishing your application, and provide insights into the specific requirements and expectations of boarding schools. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the field, this article will help you stand out and land your dream job in a boarding school.

Featured Schools

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 4-9
  • Enrollment: 78 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $64,900
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $20,900
  • Acceptance rate: 77%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Quick Links