Get to Know Northwest

Get to Know Northwest

You and your family are always welcome to visit and engage with us at The Northwest School — attend a Discovery Day, campus tour, student visit day, or give us a call and we’ll arrange a meeting. We will also offer virtual events throughout the year. We look forward to getting to know you and your family!

Discovery Days (Open House)

Join us for Northwest's version of an Open House!

    Discovery Days are an opportunity to hear about our programs and community, connect with faculty, and experience our dining program. Discovery Day will feature distinct programs tailored separately for students and their families.

    Complete our inquiry form to register for a Day of Discovery!

    Middle School Program

    • October 27, 2024, 10:30 a.m. – Noon, with optional tours starting at 9:30 a.m.
    • November 17, 2024, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m., with optional tours starting at 1 p.m.

    Upper School Program

    • October 27, 2024, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m., with optional tours starting at 1 p.m.
    • November 17, 2024, 10:30 a.m. – Noon, with optional tours starting at 9:30 a.m.

    Can’t join us for an in-person Discovery Day? 
    No problem, feel free to check out a recording of our Virtual Discovery Day!

      On September 22, 2023, interested families joined Director of Admissions Alex Halladay and Head of School Ray Wilson for an introduction to The Northwest School followed by a Q & A featuring faculty and students. Recorded in Zoom.

      In-Person Campus Tours

      Our campus tours are designed for parents and caregivers* of students who are considering applying to Northwest. Tours will be offered on a weekly basis during the application season and pre-registration is available through Ravenna. You may also  email  the admissions team or call 206-816-6032 so we can assist you.

      *Once an application is submitted, students will be invited to register for a student visit day, including an optional campus tour.

      Virtual Campus Tour

      Take a virtual walk around our main building to see the classrooms. Visit the 401 E. Pike, which houses our dining hall, theater, gym, rooftop playfield and athletic mezzanine. You can also visit our student dorm and our farm and garden, then take in a campus vista. We’ll be adding the newest addition to our campus, the Summit Building, to the virtual tour later this year.

      Virtual Tour

      International Fairs and Meetings


      We look forward to connecting with you and your family through our international fairs across the globe, or an individual meeting. The admissions team will be visiting the following cities this year: 

        • Beijing, China
        • Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
        • Mexico City, Mexico
        • Shanghai, China
        • Shenzhen, China
        • Tokyo, Japan

      To sign up for an appointment by please email the admissions team. Please also complete our inquiry form  so we have your contact information. 

      Student Visit Days

      Once you’ve decided to apply to Northwest and have completed the preliminary application step, students are invited to sign up for a Student Visit Day. During the visit, you’ll meet current teachers and students and learn more about Northwest through a variety of activities. Our community members look forward to learning more about prospective students during the visit as well!

        A required step in your application process, Student Visit Days are held late October–January. Pre-registration is required via Ravenna and will open in October.

        Learning Support Webinar

        The Learning Support Team met with prospective families on Zoom to discuss The Northwest School's comprehensive approach to meeting our students' social, emotional and academic needs. The meeting included a substantial Q&A session.

        A video of that presentation, recorded on November 17, 2023, appears below.

        Viewing Tips

        The video includes closed captions, and can also be viewed full-screen (helpful for reading the slide presentation), using the video control panel.

        Affinity and Identity Panel

        Prospective families hear from Catalina Martinez, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at The Northwest School, about what Affinity Groups are, and how our community embraces diversity and multiculturalism as a core value. This Zoom webinar, led by Admissions Director Alex Halladay, begins with an introduction by Catalina, followed by Q&A with some incredible Northwest faculty and student affinity leaders.

        This video was recorded on February 7, 2024, and includes closed captions.