Summer Camp

Summer Camp

Exploration is the Path to Discovery

Explore, Learn and Make Friends—Locally and Globally!

Are you ready for a summer camp that’s fun and engaging and offers a variety of classes? You can dance, make music, act onstage and bring an artistic vision to life, dive into Marine Biology, design a robot or build an architectural model. It is all possible this summer.

You can look forward to:

  • Creating your own schedule from a wide variety of classes
  • Being part of a culture of belonging and possibility
  • Making connections with campers from around the world
  • Refueling your body and mind with tasty eco-friendly lunches

Visit Beautiful Seattle During the Summer!

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Seattle region and have fun integrating with campers from Seattle during the day. It’s a great way to improve your English while making new friends and learning new things.

International campers can look forward to:

  • Making friends with campers from the greater Seattle area
  • Practicing your English
  • Experiencing American culture
  • Taking fun classes

Camp At-A-Glance

Campers aged 10–16 join us from across Seattle, the U.S., and the world.
Boarding available for ages 12–16

2024 Dates

Registration for the 2024 Summer Camp sessions is now closed.
Send us an email ✉️ to get information about the 2025 Summer Camp.

  • Session 1: July 8 - 19 
  • Session 2: July 22 – August 2 
  • Session 3: August 5 – August 16 

Camp runs from Monday-Friday each week. No classes are offered on the weekends. Boarding campers will enjoy planned activities evenings and weekends.

Note: The dorms are full for all sessions

Daily Schedule

8:30–9:00 a.m. Drop-off, doors open at 8:30 a.m.
9:00–10:30 a.m. Block 1
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Block 2
12:00–1:00 p.m. Lunch + midday activities
1:00–2:30 p.m. Block 3
2:30–4:00 p.m. Block 4
4:00–4:30 p.m. Pick-up, doors close at 4:30 p.m.

2024 Tuition & Fees per Session (Lunch Included)

  • Half day: $600
  • Full day: $1075
  • Full day + boarding: $2600

Registration

Registration begins February 12, 2024 on a first-come, first-served basis. 

A $100, nonrefundable deposit, per session, per camper, holds your registration. Full payment is due June 1, 2023.

Payment can be made via Credit Card, Bank Transfer (additional processing fee applies), Check or Money Order

Cancellation and Refund Policies

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to the Summer Camp Director.

  • Registration deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Cancellations made:
    • Before June 1, will receive a full refund, minus the deposit
    • After June 1, but more than two weeks prior to camp, will receive 50% refund
    • Less than two weeks prior to camp is non-refundable
  • Airport Transportation fees and medical insurance fees are not refundable if cancelled less than two weeks before the camp session begins.
  • International campers needing visas to enter the U.S. will receive a full refund (less the deposit) if their visa is denied, regardless of the date. We may ask for written proof of the denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the camp located?

The Northwest School Summer Camp is held at The Northwest School campus at 1415 Summit Ave.

Who do we notify if we’re going to be late or absent one day?

If your child is going to be late or has a planned absence, please inform the Summer Camp Office at 206-816-6070. Campers arriving after 9:00 a.m. must check in with the Summer Camp Office before proceeding to their class. Parents/Guardians who pick up after doors close at 4:30 p.m. will be charged $1 per minute. We will call you if your child is not present and we have not received notice.

What types of lunch are served?

We provide a fresh, nutritious lunch prepared on-site daily in a nut-free facility, served in our dining hall. The daily menu will include vegetarian and gluten-free and dairy-free options. If your camper has any dietary needs, please contact the Summer Camp Office so that we can notify the kitchen.

How do field trips work?

Many classes will include off-site field trips; this is another reason it’s important to arrive to camp on time. We will provide transportation from and back to the school. If you need to pick up your child early for any reason, please make sure their class will not be on a field trip during that time.

Are there any special instructions for Half Day campers?

Half Day AM campers must sign out in the Summer Camp Office before departing for the day, and Half Day PM campers must sign in prior to attending their Block 3 class. Both Half Day AM and PM campers are welcome to join us for lunch at no extra cost.

Do you insure campers’ personal property?

The Northwest School is unable to insure personal property, including equipment used in classes, such as digital cameras. Campers, faculty, and guests absolve The Northwest School of all responsibility for theft, loss, or any damage to their personal property.

What is your policy on camper conduct?

Campers are expected to contribute to a healthy and collaborative atmosphere of respect for themselves, others, and the environment. Campers who display aggressive or disruptive behavior, or leave campus without permission, will be dismissed for the day. Return to camp will be based on a discussion with the camper and parent or guardian. No refunds are offered for campers removed from camp due to behavior; and parents or guardians are responsible for any travel charges incurred by dismissal from the program.

Do I need a Student Visa?

Because our summer camp program is considered a recreational activity, international campers do NOT need a student visa and we do not issue I-20s. If you are a citizen of a country NOT on the visa waiver list, you will need a tourist visa to enter the U.S. Please contact your local embassy for information on how to apply for a tourist visa. Begin this process as soon as possible, as waiting lists for appointments may be long and get longer closer to summer.

Will I Need medical insurance if I am an international day camper?

All campers are required to have medical insurance. We offer short-term medical insurance for an additional fee for international day campers. The cost is included in the fees for campers who are boarding. The cost in 2024 is as follows:

  • One session (2 weeks): $65
  • Two sessions (4 weeks): $95
  • Three sessions (6 weeks): $115
What if we are waitlisted for a session or class?


To provide ample individual attention, enrollment is limited to 8-12 students per class. Maximum numbers depend on the specific class.

Waitlists are available for individual classes, day sessions, and boarding sessions.

If your camper is waitlisted for a class and space becomes available, we will inform you by email. You will then have a set amount of time (usually 48 hours) to claim the space before it is offered to the next person on the waiting list.

Summer Camp Director

Leilani Nussman

Summer Program & Extended Learning Director

Summer Camp
The Northwest School
1415 Summit Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
nwssummer@northwestschool.org

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Northwest School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, use of service animals, national or ethnic origin or any other trait or characteristic protected by law in admission of otherwise qualified students; in providing access to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at The Northwest School; or in its administration of educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, athletics and other school-administered programs.