West Nottingham Academy (WNA) is a small college-preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9-12 and post graduates, conveniently located in Northeastern Maryland and a one hour drive from both Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Founded in 1744, WNA is the oldest boarding school in America.
Our student body is approximately 20% day and 80% boarding, with 50% of our students coming from more than 18 countries around the world.
If you are ready to be part of a unique and challenging school that will prepare you for college and the rest of your life, then we just might be the right fit for you! At West Nottingham we love helping students who enjoy learning, being challenged, and sharing their educational journey with others.
WNA is home to the highly regarded Chesapeake Learning Center, which works with approximately 10% of our population diagnosed with mild learning differences.
Our Artist-in-Residence program provides students in all grade levels the chance to work with three differentprofessional artists each year through our partnernship with the New York Academy of Art.
Studets passionate about sustainabiltiy, fine arts, and STEM/STEAM can pursue one of our signature programs in these areas. Please inquire for more information!
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked MD School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 105 students
- Yearly Tuition: $19,800
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 10 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
West Nottingham Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild to Moderate Learning Differences
Year Founded
1744
Student Body
Total Students
105 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
71%
State avg.: 37%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
69%
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
14 courses
Average SAT score
1110
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
21
(Out of 36)
Average Percentile SSAT
48%
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
polo shirts & khakis
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 10 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$19,800
Tuition Notes
$19,800 Day Student Tuition (2020-21)
$52,500 Boarding School Tuition (2020-21)
% on Financial Aid
70%
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Len Armstrong
Admissions Associate
Corinne Kahler
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Robotics, Service Learning, Student Environmental Council, Student Government Association, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Ensemble, Chorus, Drama/Theatre Club, Photography
Robotics, Service Learning, Student Environmental Council, Student Government Association, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Ensemble, Chorus, Drama/Theatre Club, Photography
School Notes
- West Nottingham Academy (WNA) is a small college-preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9-12 and post graduates, conveniently located in Northeastern Maryland and a one hour drive from both Baltimore and Philadelphia.
- Founded in 1744, WNA is the oldest boarding school in America.
- Our student body is approximately 20% day and 80% boarding, with 50% of our students coming from more than 18 countries around the world.
- If you are ready to be part of a unique and challenging school that will prepare you for college and the rest of your life, then we just might be the right fit for you! At West Nottingham we love helping students who enjoy learning, being challenged, and sharing their educational journey with others.
- WNA is home to the highly regarded Chesapeake Learning Center, which works with approximately 10% of our population diagnosed with mild learning differences.
- Our Artist-in-Residence program provides students in all grade levels the chance to work with three differentprofessional artists each year through our partnernship with the New York Academy of Art.
- Studets passionate about sustainabiltiy, fine arts, and STEM/STEAM can pursue one of our signature programs in these areas. Please inquire for more information!
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Samuel Finley - Founder of WNA and 5th president of Princeton University
- Benjamin Rush - Signer of the Declaration of Independence and prominent early physician
- Richard Stockton - Signer of the Declaration of Independence
- Ebenezer Hazzard - 1st United States Postmaster General
- William Shippen & John Morgan - Founders of the University of Pennsylvania Medical School
- Alexander Martin - Former governor of North Carolina
- Josh Boone - NCAA Champion (UCONN), Former NBA Player (Nets)
- Ross Cameron - President of Charms Candy
- Eric Fischl - World renowned artist and sculptor
- Taylor Crothers - Professional photographer, famous for working with the Dave Matthews Band and Phish
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does West Nottingham Academy cost?
West Nottingham Academy's tuition is approximately $19,800 for private students.
What schools are West Nottingham Academy often compared to?
West Nottingham Academy is often viewed alongside schools like The Tome School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of West Nottingham Academy?
The acceptance rate of West Nottingham Academy is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. West Nottingham Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Maryland with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from West Nottingham Academy?
West Nottingham Academy famous alumni include: Samuel Finley, Benjamin Rush, Richard Stockton, Ebenezer Hazzard, William Shippen & John Morgan, Alexander Martin, Josh Boone, Ross Cameron, Eric Fischl and Taylor Crothers.
What sports does West Nottingham Academy offer?
West Nottingham Academy offers 10 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball and Weightlifting.
What is West Nottingham Academy's ranking?
West Nottingham Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for West Nottingham Academy?
The application deadline for West Nottingham Academy is Feb. 10 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 10 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: West Nottingham Academy vs. The Tome School
People that viewed West Nottingham Academy also viewed these schools: Tri-state Christian Academy, The Tome School, Good Shepherd Catholic School, Notre Dame Preparatory School and The Bryn Mawr School.
The nearest high school to West Nottingham Academy is Cedar Valley School (6.2 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Freemont View School (5.3 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Bethany Christian School (6.9 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
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School Reviews
5 10/27/2023
My son started at West Nottingham this year after struggling in the public school system in our hometown. I am so happy that I selected WNA. He is really doing great at WNA. The small class size and sense of community are great for him. Worth the money!
5 3/3/2023
This is school is great and growing! My son has seen it grow in just the three years he has been going there! They have reestablished programs and have incorporated a curriculum where the student can choose from several offerings to individualize their learning. Class sizes are smaller, and the staff and student body are just like family. The learning environment is very warm and inviting. There are always several activities going on and my son, who is a day student, is always doing something different. He has even enjoyed team sports and learning from his professors. WNA is a great environment and a beautiful campus. Students are friendly and focused, and the staff is supportive. Many alumni come back for visits and share what they are doing after school. The school even offers a postgraduate program and is very diverse. All students matter here, and it shows. We love this school and all it has to offer!
5 5/17/2016
West Nottingham is a great small community with a lot of love and support from both the students and faculty. I love being a boarding student at WNA! It's great to feel as though you are right at home on campus. Unlike most schools, we have a lot of children running around campus! The teachers are more than educators; they act as a second family! The personalized attention is perfect for all the students, especially you don't fully understand a topic during class. The teachers are always available for you! WNA offers many fun activities on the weekends for both boarding and day students! Students don't have to be afraid to ask questions or make suggestions, the administrators are always open to new ideas!
5 5/17/2016
West Nottingham offers a really diverse and accepting environment that you won't receive at most schools. People who are different at WNA and greeted with open arms. The small classes really help with learning. Being in a small school really helps you with knowing everyone. It's not one of those schools where you pass kids in the hallways and don't even know their name. All of the weekend field trips are a bonus. I highly recommend West Nottingham for anyone who wishes to seek a higher level of education within a warm, and welcoming community.
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