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Education is Everything

Education is Everything

And we’ll pack as much into yours as possible. That’s a promise.

Our philosophy: Learning should have no limits

This is your time to explore, try new things, make mistakes, discover passions, and explore some more. 

Visit the Duwamish River to learn how its ecology supported ancestral native people.  Perform at iconic Seattle venues, like the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. Examine the social impacts of technology, data security, and copyright. 

To be tomorrow's great problem-solvers, you’ll need to think differently.

It starts here.

Get to Know Northwest

50+ Arts Courses

The best problem solvers are creative thinkers - the arts are central to our academic program. 

#1 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Washington (Niche, 2026)

82% of our Faculty hold Advanced Degrees

Curiosity is contagious. We’re a community of learners with an insatiable hunger for knowledge.

One Unparalleled Program

We’ve crafted a holistic learning experience that allows students to explore the big picture and all its intersections.

In ninth grade I was timid - now I’m a senior and a student leader. The community environment shaped my personality and prepared me for life by teaching me responsibility, and how to be inclusive and support each other.
– Keelen, 12th Grade Student, 2023

Meet Our Students

8th Grade Student

“I’m learning to learn, instead of just how to get a good grade for college. I’m learning interesting things and I know how to do the work, not just make the grade.”

9th Grade Student

“Everyone’s so friendly and the whole community is very social justice-minded. I feel seen, heard, and respected.”

12th Grade Student

"At Northwest, we’re challenged on a daily basis to question the world around us, to look past the surface and find the hidden truths. All this critical thinking and analysis has given me a stronger sense of my own voice and values."

1980
1980
Founding Year
6-12
6-12
Grade Levels
419
419
Students Enrolled
43
43
Boarding Students
44
44
International Students (students on an F-1 Visa)
44%
44%
Students of Color (includes international students)
21%
21%
Families Receiving Financial Aid
7:1
7:1
Ratio of Students to Teaching Faculty

Latest News

Alumni Spotlight: Harrison Chotzen

Harrison Chotzen (Class of '15) recently visited campus to reminisce about his time at Northwest, reconnect with NWS Athletics faculty, and share where his journey has taken him.

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NWS Co-Founder Spotlight: Mark Terry

As Northwest celebrates a 45-year legacy, Co-Founder Mary Terry reminisces about the people and programs that shaped this vibrant and meaningful place of learning.

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NWS Math Students Excel at National Math Competition

Seven Northwest students recently participated in the prestigious American Mathematics Competition - two scored in the Top 25% and one of them placed in the Top 1% nationwide!

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Keep up with Northwest  on Instagram

Northwest Alumni Spotlights

Alumni Spotlight: Harrison Chotzen

Harrison Chotzen (Class of '15) recently visited campus to reminisce about his time at Northwest, reconnect with NWS Athletics faculty, and share where his journey has taken him.

Read more

Alumni Spotlight: Tao Large

Tao Gelernter Large (’10) earned a Ph.D. in physical inorganic chemistry at Stanford University in August, 2025. His post-doctoral plans include developing structural methods to map genetics and their energetics to static physical structures.

Read more

Alumni Profile: Max Sarkowsky

Max Sarkowsky (Class of '16) is a freelance designer for the performing arts. From the hall guitars to time in arts classes, and incorporating artistic assignments into the humanities, math and science - read how the arts enriched his Northwest experience.

Read more

Summer Camp 2026