Northwood School

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)

  • 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
Sports offered
School History

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 Learning Differences
Year Founded
1905

Student Body

Total Students
185 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
27%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Northwood School Student 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
Average ACT score
24
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
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

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

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 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
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Corporal Punishment Still Exists
Corporal Punishment Still Exists
Did you think that corporal punishment in our schools was extinct? Sadly, it isn't. Here are some facts and some suggestions as to what you can do to help eliminate corporal punishment once and for all.
Rolling Admissions
Rolling Admissions
Discover why many institutions opt for rolling admissions and how it can offer flexibility and opportunities for applicants throughout the year.
Leadership, Legacy, and Learning: Pillars of Top Schools
March 21, 2024
Leadership, Legacy, and Learning: Pillars of Top Schools
We explore the key elements contributing to the success of leading private schools, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, a rich legacy, and a focus on comprehensive learning experiences.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • 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

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in New York is $21,554 for elementary schools and $27,745 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in New York is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Quick Links