The Northwest School
The Northwest School is a co-ed, middle and high school with a student population of about 500 students.
Located in downtown Seattle, The Northwest School offers a college preparatory experience grounded in vigorous study. Its challenging curriculum teaches students to discover the connections between historic, scientific, and artistic fields of knowledge. The school has a national reputation as a vibrant intellectual community and has been recognized by the US Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
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Top Rankings
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The Northwest School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 303 schools) for:
- Category Attribute
- Student Test Scores High SSAT scores
| Definition of Terms | 2021 School Data | The Northwest School | Boarding School Avg. |
| School Focus | College Prep | College Preparatory |
| Grades Offered (Boarding) | 9-12 | 9-12 |
| Grades Offered (Day) | 6-12 | 9-12 |
| School Type | Co-ed | Co-ed |
| Supports Learning Differences (LD) | Yes | Yes |
| Religious Affiliation | Non-denominational | Non-denominational |
| Year Founded | 1980 | 1907 |
| Campus Size | 2 acres | 125 acres |
Student Body
| Enrollment | 460 students | 300 students |
| % Students of Color | 30% | 25% |
| % International Students | 16% | 20% |
| % Students Boarding | 11% | 70% |
| Average SAT Score | 1340 | * National Avg. »View |
| SAT range (25th-75th percentile) | 1210 - 1470 | - |
| Average ACT score | 28 | *National Avg. » View |
| Offers Post-Grad Year | No | No |
Academics and Faculty
| Saturday Classes | No | No |
| Classroom Dress Code | Casual | Casual |
| Average Class Size | 16 students | 12 *National School Avg. » 20 |
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 6:1 | 7:1 |
| ESL Courses Offered | Yes | Yes |
| % Faculty with Advanced Degree | 47% | 70% |
| Summer Program Offered | Yes | Yes |
| Summer Program Details | Link to Summer Program Details | |
Tuition Cost
| Endowment Size | $9 million | $25 million |
| Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students) | $65,690 (Boarding fee $19,105 Includes room and board ) | $59,500 |
| Yearly Tuition (Day Students) | $46,585 ($46,585 Includes tuition ($44,560), lunch ($1,450), health insurance ($575)) | $33,500 |
| % Students on Financial Aid | 15% | 40% |
| Avg. Financial Aid Grant | $27,000 | $25,000 |
| Merit Scholarships Offered | No | No |
Acceptance Rate
| Application Deadline | Dec. 11 / Feb. 12 / rolling | Jan. 15 |
| Accepts Standardized Application | Yes | No |
| SSAT Required | Yes | Yes |
| Average Percentile SSAT | 79% | - |
| Acceptance Rate | 48% | 58% |
| Director of Admissions | Michelle Sanchez | |
Course Listings
| List of Courses Offered | Link to List of Courses |
AP / Advanced Courses
| # of AP / Advanced Courses Offered | n/a | 18 |
| Courses | Advanced Calculus, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Drawing, Advanced English Composition, Advanced Photography, Advanced Spanish | |
Sports
| # Interscholastic Sports Offered | 6 | 16 |
| Sports | Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball | |
Extracurriculars
| Total Extracurricular Organizations | 11 | 23 |
| Extracurriculars | Club or Organization: Asian Art Club, Badminton Club, Black Student Union, GLAM, Habitat for Humanity, International Student Union, Math Club, Model UN, Outdoor Program, Programming Interest Group, The Cooking Space | |
College Matriculation
| Year: 2015 - 2019 | 10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled) | |
| University of Washington | 35 | |
| Western Washington University | 18 | |
| Whitman College | 15 | |
| Colorado College | 13 | |
| Macalester College | 10 | |
| Scripps College | 9 | |
| Seattle University | 8 | |
| University of Redland | 8 | |
| Boston University | 7 | |
| Occidental College | 6 | |
| Link to Matriculation Data | ||
School Notes
- The Northwest School campus is anchored in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood of downtown Seattle. The school`s urban campus is surrounded by many art studios, museums, concert halls and theaters. The campus is just a few minutes` walk from the shore of the Pacific Ocean, famous Pike Place Market, the first Starbucks coffee shop, the Paramount Theater, the Pacific Science Center, the Space Needle and many other cultural landmarks and recreational activities.
- The Northwest School is the only school in Seattle with a co-ed international boarding program. The school`s dormitory located on campus offers a safe environment in which faculty and students work together to create a community that supports personal growth. The faculty help students gain communication, conflict resolution, and academic skills, while living together in a joyful, vibrant learning community.
- The Northwest School`s unique interdisciplinary program of studies consist of an integrated humanities program, applied mathematics, science, language study, visual and performing arts experiences, and athletic competition. The school offers 55 art courses in Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts taught by professional artists. It fields 30 teams in Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track and Field, and Ultimate Frisbee.
- Graduates of The Northwest School attend some of the top universities in the nation and abroad. Every year representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities from across the United States visit the school to recruit NWS students. All school`s graduates are admitted to universities and colleges.
- NWS students are actively engaged in sports, the arts, community projects, and outdoor activities. The Northwest School provides many opportunities for students to experience the natural environment beyond the city, through sea kayaking, rock climbing, skiing, hiking, biking and camping. The Outdoor Program offers a schedule of day and weekend-long trips throughout the year.
- The Northwest School accreditations: NWAIS, NAIS, TABS, NSLA, PBC, NBOA, DIEN, the National Summer Learning Association
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Emmett Shear - American internet entrepreneur and investor. He is the co-founder of live video platforms Justin.tv and TwitchTV. He is the Chief executive officer of Twitch. [2] He's also a part-time partner at venture capital firm Y Combinator.[3] Shear is also co-foun
- Stone Gossard - Musician, co-founder of American rock band Pearl Jam.
- Liz Mair - Political strategist
Profile last updated: 11/09/2020
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