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 (2024-25)
- Grades: 4-9
- Enrollment: 91 students
- Yearly Tuition: $62,600
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
North Country School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 4-9
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
mild-moderate learning differences, ADHD/ADD, Executive function challenges
Year Founded
1938
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Student Body
Total Students
91 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
25%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
33%
Average Class Size
8 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$62,600
Tuition Notes
Tuition includes all weekend activities, skiing, music lessons, computer and laundry fees, etc.
Summer Program Cost
$12,000
Summer Program Cost Notes
There is a 7-week session that costs $12,200 and a 4-week session that costs $8,500. Financial aid is available.
% on Financial Aid
32%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$28,000
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Bill Newman
Admissions Associate
Catherine Bemis
Endowment Size
$16 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
17 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
16 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Cooking, Robotics
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Choir and Band, Music Lessons, Theater Program, Theater Tech
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Canoeing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Ice Climbing, Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding
Cooking, Robotics
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Choir and Band, Music Lessons, Theater Program, Theater Tech
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Canoeing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Ice Climbing, Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding
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.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- 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 $62,600 for private students and $12,000 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of North Country School?
The acceptance rate of North Country School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 79%.
Who are famous alumni from North Country School?
North Country School famous alumni include: Richard Rockefeller, Robel Teklemariam, David Loud, Matt Salinger, David Sloan Wilson, Yasmin Aga Khan, Adam Guettel, Jessica Tuck and Guillaume de Ramel.
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 sports does North Country School offer?
North Country School offers 17 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Climbing, Cycling, Dance, Equestrian, Freestyle Skiing, Intramural Sports Only, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Ski Jumping, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis and Ultimate Frisbee. North Country School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New York for most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for North Country School?
The application deadline for North Country School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the North Country School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Thanksgiving Break
November 24, 2024 (Sunday)
Last day of classes before winter break
December 17, 2024 (Tuesday)
Students depart for spring break
March 01, 2025 (Saturday)
NCS Spring Break
March 02, 2025 (Sunday)
School Reviews
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