Q: How do families visit the school?
A: Visits by prospective families are welcomed and encouraged. Individual visits include a tour of the building and an opportunity to have your questions answered by an admission staff member. Families may visit The Northwest School during an evening Open House and any weekday upon an appointment. Please contact International Admissions to arrange an individual visit. Our Open House events are designed to give families an overview of The Northwest School.
The 2011-2012 Open House dates are:
Q: What is the admission process?
A: Please see the Application Checklist.
Q: Does The Northwest School accept International students to the Middle School?
A: The school does accept to our Middle School those International students who demonstrate advanced proficiency in the English language, as we do not offer ESL classes in the Middle School as we do in the Upper School. International applicants to the Middle School should use the International Application, but the Admission deadline dates are as follows:
- January 12, 2012: Application deadline
- January 19, 2012: Supplemental Materials deadline
- March 15, 2012: Admission decision letters are sent
- March 26, 2012: Family response date
Q: How are students selected for admission?
A: Admission to The Northwest School is competitive, but not limited to one measure. A committee comprised of faculty and administrators considers the following sources of information: the application, academic records, teacher evaluations, personal recommendation, test score (IELTS or TOEFL), school visit/interview, and a student’s talents, character and leadership qualities. The Admission Committee will consider multiple factors and determine the most suitable program for the applicant. The minimum English test score for each grade level is listed below.
All applicants must take the IELTS or TOEFL exam. Please note international student applications will not be processed without an official test score report.
Below are the recommended minimum test scores for each grade level:
Q: What is the enrollment of the school? How large are classes?
A: Total enrollment, including our international students, is approximately 472 students (Middle School 122, Upper School 350).
40 - 50 boarding students.
The student-teacher ratio is 9 to 1.
Class size varies from 12 to 20 students.
Q: Is a student required to submit a writing sample with the application?
A: Yes, applicants are required to submit one spontaneous writing sample. The admissions committee places special emphasis on a review of the student's submitted hand-written essay.
Q: Are sibling applicants given special consideration?
A: Siblings of current / past NWS students and children of alumni and faculty go through the same admission process and, if fully qualified, are given special consideration.
Q: What is the 2011-2012 tuition? What additional costs should be anticipated?
A: Upper School (Grades 9-12) Tuition & Fees:
Tuition: $27,015
Lunch and Books: $1,625
Total Cost: $28,640
Dormitory Room & Board: $13,135
One-time International Fee: $500
Sports fees and class trip fees vary according to activity.
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: No. Regrettably, we do not have the financial resources to provide financial aid to international students or boarding aid to domestic students.
Q: How will I know that all of my application materials have been received?
A: You are welcome to contact International Admissions at any time to check on the status of your application file. International Admissions can be reached by telephone at 206-682-7309 or by email at: international@northwestschool.org. Once your file is complete, you will be sent an email confirming that all application requirements have been met.
Q: Are there application deadlines?
A: Yes, please refer to the International Admissions Timeline for more information about when to apply.
Q: Where can an applicant register for an English test?
A: Please visit each testing website:
- IELTS: www.ielts.org
- TOEFL: www.ets.org/toefl
- SLEP scores are only accepted from SLEP tests administered at The Northwest School.
Contact the International Admissions Coordinator to schedule a SLEP test.
If you have further questions, please call International Admissions at 206-682-7309.
Q: How much interaction will the ESL students have with the domestic students?
A: International students who receive ESL support are gradually integrated into more courses with American students each year. Physical education, sports teams, arts courses, class trips, the Environment Program, and the Outdoor Program offer additional chances for interaction.