Northwood School is a nationally recognized private boarding and day school located in the world-renowned Olympic destination of Lake Placid, New York.
Founded in 1905, Northwood School is among the nation`s top boarding schools for quality education, elite sport, college placement, and innovative educational programming. Northwood's student body is comprised of 190+ students from around the United States and the world, 85% of whom live on campus.Northwood School boasts a student to faculty ratio of 5:1, with an average class size of 10 students.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked NY School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 185 students
- Yearly Tuition: $63,860
- Acceptance rate: 55%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Northwood School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
185 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
27%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
10 students
Number of AP Courses
10 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics, Advanced Placement Psychology, Advanced Placement World History, AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP US History
Average SAT score
1100
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
24
(Out of 36)
Average Percentile SSAT
50%
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Khaki pants and collared shirts
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 31 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$63,860
Tuition Notes
$63,860 Boarding
$45,000 Day
$1,700 International Student Fee
$4,700 ESL
% on Financial Aid
55%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$40,000
Acceptance Rate
55%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Gino Riffle
Admissions Associate
Elenor Mandigo
Endowment Size
$10 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
20 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Black Student Union, Community Service Club, International Student Council, Robotics Team, Sustainability Club, Yearbook Committee
Arts and Music Programs:
Band Program, Drama Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Soccer, Outing Club, Recreational Skiing
Black Student Union, Community Service Club, International Student Council, Robotics Team, Sustainability Club, Yearbook Committee
Arts and Music Programs:
Band Program, Drama Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Soccer, Outing Club, Recreational Skiing
School Notes
- Northwood School is a nationally recognized private boarding and day school located in the world-renowned destination of Lake Placid, New York, host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Founded in 1905, Northwood School`s diverse student body is comprised of 190 students from all parts of the United States and the world. In addition to offering regular level, Honors and A.P. courses in every academic discipline, Northwood`s innovative curriculum also features several signature academic programs that distinguish its graduates in the college admission process. As a result, Northwood`s graduates consistently earn opportunities to continue their academic and athletic careers at some of the most selective colleges and universities in the United States and around the world.In addition to its historic campus, Northwood School takes advantage of the unique facilities and unmatched beauty of the Adirondacks to provide its students with an academic and athletic experience that is unmatched at the secondary school level.
- For students and their families that are considering an independent boarding school experience, Northwood School is the independent boarding school that in addition to offering the comprehensive traditional college-prep curriculum found at all independent schools, Northwood School also provide students with four distinct academic programs:Innovation and Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship, the L.E.A.P. program and a Learning Center as well as a wide ranging co-curricular program that includes competitive athletics. Rather than providing instances for "hands on" learning, Northwood School students engage in "first hand experiences" that not only create outstanding college options but provide them with the skills necessary to be successful at and beyond the collegiate level.
- Northwood School`s commitment to excellence in academic programming will soon extend into a new, progressive 12,000+ square foot facility in downtown Lake Placid. The Innovation Hub at Northwood School will provide a flexible, open classroom and event space. It will be a center for real-world application, creative thinking andcommunity collaboration, providing a hub for modern day learning.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Eleanor Powell '80 - Executive Director, Investor Relations at The Estee Lauder Companies Inc
- Theodore Davidge Lockwood ‘42 - Former President of Trinity College, 1968-1981
- Mike Richter '85 - 1988, 1998, 2002 Olympics, Ice Hockey
- Dr. Amanda Donohue ‘94 - Cardiologist with Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
- Darcy Prime ‘73 Owner - Darcy Prime Consulting, Former Assistant Director of Admissions, Stanford University
- Thomas Vonn '94 - 2002 Olympics, Alpine Skiing
- Nancy Kirhoffer ‘82 - Post Production Supervisor, Hollywood Film Industry
- Andrew Weibrecht '03 - 2010, 2014 Olympics, Alpine Skiing
- Craig Randall '61 - Mayor Lake Placid, NY
- Brad Olch '69 - Former Mayor, Park City, Utah
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Northwood School cost?
Northwood School's tuition is approximately $63,860 for private students.
What schools are Northwood School often compared to?
Northwood School is often viewed alongside schools like Mountain Lake Academy by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Northwood School?
The acceptance rate of Northwood School is 55%, which is lower than the national average of 79%. Northwood School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New York with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Northwood School?
Northwood School famous alumni include: Eleanor Powell '80, Theodore Davidge Lockwood ‘42, Mike Richter '85, Dr. Amanda Donohue ‘94, Darcy Prime ‘73 Owner, Thomas Vonn '94, Nancy Kirhoffer ‘82, Andrew Weibrecht '03, Craig Randall '61 and Brad Olch '69.
What sports does Northwood School offer?
Northwood School offers 20 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Climbing, Crew, Dance, Freestyle Skiing, Golf, Ice Hockey, Indoor Soccer, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Ski Jumping, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball and Weightlifting. Northwood School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New York for most sports offered.
What is Northwood School's ranking?
Northwood School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Northwood School?
The application deadline for Northwood School is Jan. 31 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 31 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
Endorse Northwood School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.