Frequently Asked Questions

An independent school set in an urban campus that is housed in a historic landmark cared for by our students, we provide a curriculum for grades 6–12 that offers an international perspective and encourages independent and creative thinking in every class. We educate and shape our students into global citizens who will one day shape our community, nation, and world.

During the summer we welcome students ages 10–18 to experience the spirit of The Northwest School in a dynamic and enriching summer environment. We value community, diversity, and global perspective—embracing students and faculty with ranging ages, physical abilities, and backgrounds.

Summer Camp students design a liberal arts style schedule, selecting courses across an adventurous array of disciplines: athletics, college and SAT prep, English as a second language, science, language arts, math, performing arts, and visual arts. We also offer the Campbassador Internship, a dynamic leadership opportunity for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

While we encourage our own students to attend the Summer Camp, our programs are open to students from schools all over the Seattle-area, Washington state and US at large, and students from all over the globe.

We welcome all students ages 10–18 who are interested in being part of a community of dynamic summer learning.

Once you have downloaded, completed, and submitted the complete registration packet, your will receive an email from the Summer Camp confirming receipt. Once your registration and payment are processed, you will receive additional confirmation including your class schedule, invoice, and more detailed information about the camp.

While there is no guarantee that particular classes will be available, early registration is the best option for securing the courses that you are most interested in. Your class schedule will be confirmed once you have submitted complete registration.

While your initial registration and deposit will hold a space in the camp, class schedules are not guaranteed without full tuition payment by Friday, July 1, 2012.

Classes may be canceled for low enrollment. In this case, the camp will contact you directly to decide upon an alternative choice. Families are encouraged to make a 2nd and 3rd choice for every class period at the time of registration.

Any class cancellations will be made after the Friday, July 1, 2012 payment deadline.

All campers must pay a $100 deposit per session at the time of registration. Full payment is due on Friday, June 1, 2012. After June, 1, 2012 full payment is due upon registration.

The camp must receive written notice of withdrawal for a refund of all payments less the registration deposit before the Friday, June 1, 2012 payment deadline.

The Northwest school is located in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle, close to Downtown and Capitol Hill—view our Maps and Directions. Summer campers must make their own arrangements for transportation to and from school each day. The camp is housed in the Main Building.

Airport transportation from SeaTac International Airport is available for campers who register for our dormitory. To sign up for Airport Transportation service, you must indicate your request in the Program Choices and Fees Form of our registration packet. There is a $100 fee each way for transportation.

The Northwest School Summer Camp will provide all materials needed for complete participation in class with the exclusion of the following:

• digital cameras for digital photography (manual cameras for Dark Room Studio are available for loan upon request)
• head phones for Digital Music Studio
• apparel for Athletics
• personal spending money (not required)

Lunch is provided daily at our cafeteria at no additional charge.

Please note that The Northwest School cannot assume responsibility for campers' personal items.

Boarding at the Summer Camp is an all-inclusive experience, just one block from the Northwest School main building. Students eat all meals in our cafeteria and enjoy daily community building activities, along with excursions around the Seattle area.

Students who register for the dormitory program should expect to have a roommate of the same gender and roughly the same age. It is our intention that students board with someone from different country to provide more opportunities to strengthen English skills.

Boarding is available for student ages 12 and up. To sign up for the dorm, please indicate your interest at the time of registration.

You should bring casual and comfortable clothes like shorts, jeans, long sleeve and short sleeve shirts, rain wear, light jacket, comfortable and athletic clothing and shoes, personal hygiene products, towels, wash cloths, backpack, and an alarm clock. All students who register for the dormitory will received a more complete packing list.

The dorm will provide bedding and laundry facilities for campers to wash their own clothing.

The cost of all dormitory excursions are covered by the camp, however students must provide their own spending money.

The Northwest School cannot assume responsibility for campers’ personal items.

We provide lunch every day—cooked from scratch—by our professional kitchen staff. We enjoy a wonderful menu adapted from a variety of world cuisine that always includes a vegetarian option, salad bar, and fresh fruit.

Please contact the Summer Camp with any information about dietary restrictions and food allergies.

Community Meeting is one of the hallmarks of The Northwest School experience. During the academic year, all students and faculty meet every Thursday in our commons for announcement, presentations, and performances. During the Summer Camp, Community Meeting is part of the daily schedule from 12:30 to 1:10, after lunch.

At the beginning of each session, Community Meeting is used for orientation to the camp, and as an opportunity for students to get to know each other. At the end of the session, Community Meeting is time to showcase student work. In between, the Campbassador Interns lead structured social time, allowing multiple opportunities for students to create connections outside of the classroom.

A parent or guardian must call the Summer Camp office as soon as possible to speak to a faculty member or leave a message. You are also welcome to send an email.

Summer Camp Office: 206-816-6070
Main School Office: 206-682-7309
Summer Camp Email: nwssummer@northwestschool.org

If no notice is received, your student will be searched for until their whereabouts are confirmed.

If you need to leave early, we require a written note or phone call from an adult with the exact date and time that you will be leaving along with the name of the person who will be picking you up.

Summer Camp Office: 206-816-6070
Main School Office: 206-682-7309
Summer Camp Email: nwssummer@northwestschool.org

During business hours (8:00am–5:00pm) please call the Summer Office at 206-816-6070 or the Main Office at 206-682-7309. After business hours, on weekends, and during holidays, please call 206-819-6229.

Campers need only a B1/B2 visa or can use the Visa Waiver Program to receive entry into our camp. The Northwest School will not issue an I-20 for the summer camp.

Airport transportation from SeaTac International Airport is available for campers who register for our dormitory. To sign up for Airport Transportation service, you must indicate your request in the Program Choices and Fees Form of our registration packet. There is a $100 fee each way for transportation. Students who do not request airport transportation must make their own arrangements.

No prior testing is required to participate in the camp for International and ESL students. We offer a variety of classes for students of different ages and varying levels of English proficiency and enthusiastically welcome all levels to join us.