We are now accepting applications on a rolling basis through Ravenna, our application platform. Once you start an application you will have access to a checklist of steps to apply. 

Once you submit an application, you will have access to the remaining components of the application after two business days. Please note that there is a $70 application fee due at the time of submission. If this presents a challenge for your family, please reach out to our Admissions Office to request a waiver.

Other application materials include:  

• Parent/Guardian Statement 
• Interests & Activities Sheet
• Student Essay 
• Two teacher evaluations 
• Transcripts for the 2020-21, 2021-22, and current school year 
• Student Visit Day 
• Parent Interview (sixth-grade applicants) 
• Student Interview (seventh through twelfth-grade applicants) 

A Note on testing: The Northwest School does not consider standardized tests in its application process for domestic applicants. 

Need Help? 

If you need assistance with any part of the application process, please contact us at admissions@northwestschool.org or by calling us at 206-816-6032. 

Students who will require an F-1 visa to study in the United States are considered international applicants. 

We are accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year on a rolling basis. Applicants can apply through Ravenna or through the Standard Application Online (SAO).

Once you start an application you will have access to a checklist of steps to apply. To be considered for the 2023-24 school year please apply by one of the following deadlines. Preference is given to applicants who apply by our Round 1 deadline.

• Round One Application Deadline: January 5, 2023 
• Round Two Application Deadline: February 9, 2023 
• Rolling Admissions Process Begins: February 9, 2023 

Applications submitted after final deadline will be considered as space is available. Once submitted you will have access to the remaining components of the application after two business days.

Please note that there is a $100 application fee due at the time of submission.  

Below are the materials that must accompany your application: 

• Student Questionnaire
  
• Parent/Guardian Statement
• Transcripts for the 2020-21, 2021-22 and current school years
• Student Interview

You can find more detailed information about the application steps and application process on the international admissions page.

We have an early decision option for current Northwest families and faculty members with children applying to 6th grade for the 2023-24 school year. For current families and faculty with children applying to 7th – 12th grades, students are considered during the standard admissions timeline.  

It’s important to note that under this policy, sibling and faculty child applicants are not guaranteed admission. All children who apply, regardless of the timing of their applications, are evaluated holistically, based upon the myriad materials submitted.  

Early Decision Timeline 

• Mid-September: Application opens on the Ravenna application website 
• October 20, 2022: Early Sibling Preliminary Application due 
• November 4, 2022: Supplemental application materials and financial aid applications due 
• December 9, 2022: Decision notification 
• December 16, 2022: Enrollment confirmation deadline 

English Language Requirement 

The Northwest School serves a global population of students and families, and offer English Language Learning (ELL) opportunities. Students who meet the English language proficiency requirement can attend regular classes without ELL support. 

Students who do not fully meet the English language proficiency requirements are gradually integrated into more courses without ELL support over the course of their study at The Northwest School. In grades 9-11, they take two classes (Humanities, ELL Grammar) with ELL support, and attend all other classes (math, science, PE, and art courses) without English language support. In the 12th grade, all students follow the domestic curriculum without ELL support.  In addition, students take Advanced English Composition to further strengthen their English language skills.    

Students in the ELL supported program who are in good academic standing may petition to transition into domestic Humanities sections and out of ELL Grammar before their senior year. 

Students applying to Middle School must be fluent in English as the school does not offer an ELL program in Middle School.  

English Proficiency Testing

For applicants who do not meet our prerequisites the school requires an English Proficiency test. We accept most such tests, including TOEFL (Code: 1715), IELTS, DuoLingo, TOEFL Jr., and others by request (see table below). We highly recommend the DuoLingo English Test.  

For applicants who are applying from homeschool, we ask for some additional information to better understand your learning program. We ask that the coordinator(s) of your student's program create an overview of their program. We suggest you include the following:

• Goals of the program and educational philosophy 
• Description of the approach to teaching and learning: 
  • Structure and timing of program
  • Links to curriculum and/or online course information
  • Important texts read/used
  • Types of assignments, projects, and volume of workload
  • If this was a cohort homeschool program, please include the number of students and grade levels
  • If you worked with a certificated teacher to provide your homeschool programming, please include teacher names and contact information
• For the current year and two previous years: courses taken, topics covered, and any grades/grading scale, if one was used
• A current year writing and math assessment
• If student is a Washington state resident: A copy of the Annual Assessment or state standardized test score report, as required by the state of Washington for the years the student was homeschooled
• If student is not a Washington state resident: Please include any state-mandated testing/assessments as applicable 

A note on Teacher Evaluations: We require two teacher evaluations as a part of the application. We recommend at least one of the teacher evaluations are submitted by non-family member whenever possible. Other recommenders to consider are coaches, tutors, mentors, or other adults in the student's life!