Northwood School is an internationally recognized boarding and day school, pairing rich academics with elite sports to form confident, globally-minded students.
Situated in the world-renowned Olympic destination of Lake Placid, our campus is home to 190 students from every region of the United States and over 24 countries, who are eager to experience the location`s unique offerings.
Northwood students bring with them rich perspectives and graduate with the passion and know-how to immerse themselves in our ever-changing world.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12, PG
- Enrollment: 190 students
- Yearly Tuition (ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Students): $66,960
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $46,170
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Northwood School ranks among the top 10 schools with < 200 students (out of 83 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Selectivity
Student Test Scores
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
n/a
Year Founded
1905
1907
Campus Size
85 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
190 students
315 students
% Students of Color
17%
27%
% International Students
35%
20%
% Students ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø
75%
70%
Average SAT Score
1146
(Out of 1600)
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »
SAT range (25th-75th percentile)
1030 - 1230
-
Average ACT score
23
(Out of 36)
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Average Class Size
10 students
12
* National Avg. »
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
10
18
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
50%
72%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$10 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Students)
(ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Students)
$66,960
$66,590
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$46,170
$36,000
Tuition international students
$66,960
$57,650
% Students on Financial Aid
41%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$27,000
(FA Granted Based on Need-Based Process)
(FA Granted Based on Need-Based Process)
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Admissions
Application Deadline
Jan. 31 / rolling
Jan. 15
Average Percentile SSAT
50%
-
Acceptance Rate
43%
64%
Director of Admissions
Gino Riffle
Associate Director of Admissions
Carrie Wardlaw
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
10
18
Courses
A.P. English Language and Composition, AP Biology, AP Literature & Composition, Calculus A/B, Humanities Research, Psychology, Statistics, Stem Research, US History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
8
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Community Service Club, Newspaper, Northwood Outing Club, Outdoor Leadership, Reading Club, Student Government, Sustainability Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Yearbook
Community Service Club, Newspaper, Northwood Outing Club, Outdoor Leadership, Reading Club, Student Government, Sustainability Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Yearbook
College Matriculation
Year: 2019 - 2021
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
St. Lawrence University
9
Universtiy of Nebraska at Omaha
6
Cornell University
4
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
4
Clarkson University
3
Skidmore College
3
Dartmouth College
2
Middlebury College
2
Trinity College
2
Union College
2
School Notes
- The Northwood Difference - At Northwood, no one is anonymous. The Northwood experience begins with strong personal faculty-student and peer-to-peer relationships, instilling students with the confidence and maturity to engage with the outside world. We leverage our environment to create a high-touch, comprehensive educational experience. While focusing on place-based learning, students engage with nature, Olympic facilities, and the local community with an impact that extends well beyond our intimate pastoral grounds.
- LD types supported: Yes
- Northwood School accreditations: N.Y.S.A.I.S.
- 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 $66,960 for boarding students and $46,170 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Northwood School?
The acceptance rate of Northwood School is 43%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 64%. Northwood School's acceptance rate is ranked as one of the top boarding schools 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 16 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Climbing, Crew, Freestyle Skiing, Golf, Ice Hockey, Indoor Soccer, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Nordic Skiing, Riding, Rock Climbing, Ski Jumping, Snowboarding and Soccer.
What is Northwood School's ranking?
Northwood School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Large student body (number of students), Low acceptance rates and High SSAT scores.
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 ).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
The academics are very challenging. The professors really care about the success of each student. They will offer assistance to ensure the rigorous material is thoroughly understood. The classes are very small, perfect for serious. . .
Recent Articles

Understanding Financial Aid
We explore the intricacies of financial aid within boarding schools, exploring how institutions are working to make quality education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.

What is Progressive Education?
The promise of progressive education is as the students come to the solution, they’re active, they’re engaged, they’re motivated, and they’re learning. Most progressive schools encourage students to explore other areas of their development where young people find focus or uncover the contentment of stillness. It is about learning how to think, not what to think.

February 09, 2025
America's Elite Catholic ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Schools: Tradition Meets ExcellenceExplore the distinguished world of America's top Catholic boarding schools, where academic excellence, athletic achievement, and Catholic values create a transformative educational experience. This comprehensive overview highlights ten institutions that exemplify the finest in Catholic secondary education.