International Application Process
Applying To Northwest As An International Student
The Northwest School welcomes students from around the world.
In our Upper School, grades 9 through 12, we offer both day and boarding enrollment options. Our on-campus boarding program is small compared to other schools, creating a home-like experience with the benefit of a full court gym and dining hall only a few steps away. The central location on Capitol Hill in Seattle allows students to not only gain an excellent education, but to also experience many aspects of culture while living in one of the most exciting cities in the U.S.
Upper School students, grades 9 through 11, who can benefit English language support will participate in our English Language Learning (ELL) program, which is integrated into the Humanities course and includes English grammar classes while their language skills improve. Students in the ELL program attend all other classes (math, science, arts, and athletics) side by side with local students who are fluent in English and develop lasting friendships along the way.
Applicants can apply through Ravenna or through the Standard Application Online (SAO). When you are ready, click the Apply Now button to get started.
Application Process for International Students
Applicants who currently study outside of the United States are considered international students.
The admissions committee reviews applications with a holistic focus on all materials and information submitted. This includes academic transcripts, teacher recommendations, student interview and essays, extracurricular interests, and community engagement.
You can complete your admissions application through either the Ravenna platform, or the Standard Application Online (SAO). To get started, create an online account, locate The Northwest School in the directory, and complete the Preliminary Application.
The Preliminary Application has two parts—an Application for Admission Form, and a non-refundable application fee. If the application fee presents a challenge for your family, please reach out to our admissions team to request a waiver.
There are written components of the application for your family to complete online. The forms include:
- Student Essay
- Interests & Activities Form
- Parent/Guardian Statement
We also require a student interview as part of the application, either in-person or via an online video call service such as Zoom or Skype. In-person interviews can also be scheduled during our recruitment trips outside the United States. Please contact the admissions team to make an appointment or view our international travel schedule.
We also accept interviews submitted to us through Vericant from applicants who attend school in mainland China. If you already have a Vericant interview, we encourage you to send your video to The Northwest School through the Vericant platform.
Please provide school transcripts for the current school year and for the previous two school years: 2024-25*, 2023-24, and 2022-23
If your student has attended more than one school during this timeframe, you will need to send a separate request to all previous schools. All transcripts not in English must be translated into English by a school official or professional translator.
You may provide recommendations from the student’s current or past Math and English teachers, these are optional. Please provide recommendations translated into English by a school official or professional translator if needed.
* Based on your current school’s evaluation periods, we understand that some records will be shared with us after the application deadline in January 2025.
Our programs serve a global population of students and families and offer support for English Language Learners (ELL) in grades 9 - 11 while their language skills improve. For students who are not native speakers of English, The Northwest School requires:
- English proficiency test results, such as the Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or IELTS, and
- a graded English essay from the student's current school, with comments from the teacher
Submission of standardized test results such as SSAT or ISEE is optional.
Students who are native English speakers or who fully meet the English language proficiency requirement can attend all classes without ELL support.
Recommended English Language Proficiency Test Score by Grade
Because The Northwest School offers courses to support English language learners in grades 9 to 11, we do not have strict minimum score requirements for English proficiency. For reference, information about recommended test scores by applicant grade levels is below. Please note, a lower score would not disqualify an applicant from consideration in this process.
| GRADE | DUOLINGO | TOEFL | IELTS |
| 9 (ELL) | 85 | IBT50 | 5.0 |
| 10 (ELL) | 95 | IBT60 | 5.5 |
| 11 (ELL-Transitional) | 110 | IBT80 | 6.0 |
| 12 | 120 | IBT90 | 6.5 |
| 6-11 (without ELL Support) | 120 | IBT90 | 6.5 |
The process was clearly defined and easy to navigate. We appreciated getting quick and thorough answers to all the questions we asked.
Application Deadline: January 16, 2025
Decisions will be shared with families on Friday, February 21, 2025 if the application is received by the application deadline (January 16, 2025).
Applications completed after the January 16, 2025 deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
We Look Forward to Meeting You During International Travel Visits
We travel internationally to participate in recruitment fairs, meet with prospective students and counselors, and to conduct admission interviews. We look forward to connecting with families across the globe each Fall. Please plan to meet us at one of our upcoming fairs, or email us to schedule an individual meeting.
Mexico City, Mexico
Dates pending confirmation
Beijing, China
November 10-13: Individual meetings with agents, or families and students
Shenzhen, China
November 14-15: Individual meetings with agents, or families and students
November 15-16: Enrollment Management Association (EMA) agent and student fair
Shanghai, China
November 17-18: Enrollment Management Association (EMA) agent and student fair
November 17-19: Individual meetings with agents, or families and students
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
November 21: Enrollment Management Association (EMA) agent and student fair
November 22: Individual meetings with agents, or families and students
Tokyo, Japan
November 24: Enrollment Management Association (EMA) agent and student fair
November 25-26: Individual meetings with agents, or families and students
Student Non-discrimination Policy
The Northwest school admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.