The Northwest School

Northwest is such a special place. We so appreciate the top-notch faculty who support students academically and personally. The small size is an asset because students are seen, known, and valued. The arts program is amazing and NWS 'walks the talk' on living their values. Students get into great colleges that are also a great fit for them. My two kids and three nephews, who are very different people, all thrived at Northwest and after Northwest based on what they learned there - not just writing and analytical thinking, but also creativity, self-knowledge, curiosity, and ability to learn.

Having had two children attend Northwest, one currently a junior and another an alumni, I can confidently recommend the school for its exceptional focus on both academics and extracurricular activities. NWS's commitment to "Learning without Limits" is evident not only in the classroom but also on the playing field. Both my children have thrived in the school's sports program, particularly Ultimate Frisbee, which perfectly exemplifies the school's values of community, creative problem-solving, and social justice. Ultimate Frisbee, with its emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship, has fostered a sense of community and camaraderie in my children that extends far beyond the playing field.

My son started in G8, after moving from overseas (China). We've been really pleased with the school. It comes off as more of an arts and humanities school in its marketing, but we've been super happy with the level of the science and math taught as well. Some of the best teachers my son has ever had have been at this school. Communications with parents are excellent. The grading system makes sense and is completely transparent. I have three older kids who also attended private schools in other cities, and this one is the best.

I am the parent of two recent graduates. Both went on to highly selective colleges on the east coast and have been extremely well-prepared for that experience by the academic rigor of Northwest. One child is studying engineering and entered a hyper-competitive program a couple of years ahead of most of his peers in math. He says that Northwest gave him the conceptual ability to thrive in advanced mathematics and physics. The math program in particular was great. The other child goes to an Ivy league liberal arts program and continues the love of learning that Northwest instills. Socially, Northwest was an extremely healthy environment for my teens. The peer group was great and there was a lot of fantastic adult mentoring. I was grateful that I found this amazing community. Both kids report their favorite things were the orchestra and the FOOD, which is amazing.

The Northwest School is a stellar academic institution. It has the perfect balance of brains and heart. Kids come out with passion and purpose and a strong sense of social (global and local) responsibility. A+

The Northwest School wasn't even on our radar but we threw in an application because we were urged to apply to 6 schools (yikes). When we did more research and visited, we were blown away by how intentional they were, how they walked their talk, how they think about EVERYTHING, how our daughter would be appreciated for both her strengths and weaknesses AND bolstered by experts who knew what was appropriate/inappropriate for her age group. This is a place that knows child development and the way the faculty cares for each student is admirable. Our oldest daughter (who started in 6th grade) is now a senior in college and her sister is also at NWS. Truly a find. Do your own research - I'm confident you'll be amazed.

The Northwest School has been a great academic home for my two children. They are developing a great skill set for life long learning, and a strong moral compass with a foundation in environmental stewardship, social justice and global awareness. The community at the Northwest School is one that nurtures individualism while celebrating the power of working together.

NWS is a gem of a school - close community, strong academics, and most important an emphasis on being a good citizen/person! Student body is made up of 'nice kids'...school motto is 'Courtesy and Common Sense'....and they really walk that talk! Community is down to earth and welcoming. Very engaged and committed teachers - personal attention by great mentors. A wonderful place to grow up! Oh yes...and kids go to top notch colleges too!

Our family has two children attending the Northwest School. Both girls started at 6th graders, the oldest will graduate this spring, the younger will enter the upper school this next Fall. Our family are firm supporters of the school for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, is the excellent caliber of both the administration, and more importantly the staff. Each and everyone of the teachers we have experienced at the NWS have been stellar. The focus on academics is strong, but infused in the cross curricular studies are social justice, inclusion, and self-expression. We couldn't be happier!

I've spent 40 years in prep school education and Northwest is a real find. It's a perfect combination of academic rigor, individualism and a real commitment to social justice. It has one of the best college placement records in Seattle and more importantly graduates kids who can think, speak and act. It's a very diverse community, full of families who don't look alike, but share a common passion for education, curtsey and common sense.