NW Academy

The Northwest Academy is an independent school, grades 6 through 12, committed to education through academics and the arts. The Academy offers motivated and talented students programs which emphasize and value creative thinking, individual choice, academic rigor, and self-discipline, taught by master teachers and professionals active in their fields.

The Northwest Academy program is based on the research of noted educators, especially Howard Gardner, whose work on multiple intelligences revealed the importance of arts-infused curriculum for the benefit of all students. The Northwest Academy has proven that the mix of arts training and rigorous academic work gives its graduates options and choices for the challenges and adventures of the 21st century.

The Northwest Academy accepts bright, highly creative students from all backgrounds. Placement at grade level is based on each applicant's accomplishments, current knowledge, and demonstrable skill, not chronological age. Link to admission application and information.

The Northwest Academy is an equal opportunity employer offering salaried positions in its teaching, administration, development programs. View current openings.


	EDUCATIONAL MODEL The Northwest Academy offers motivated and talented students programs which emphasize and value creative thinking, individual choice, academic rigor, and self-discipline, taught by master teachers and professionals active in their fields. The average student/teacher ratio is 15:1, and the school is located in a culturally rich, urban setting, which constitutes an integral part of extracurricular and multicultural programs. Finally, the school’s Arts After Hours program is an integral component of students’ coursework, and is also open to part-time students from throughout the Portland metro area. PROFICIENCY BASED CURRICULUM Perhaps the most innovative aspect of the school is its proficiency-based curricular structure. All courses in the school's program are sequential and developmental. Students know from the beginning what proficiencies they will need to master in order to proceed to the next level in the curriculum. Students may proceed through the school curricula at personal levels of challenge and achievement. Middle School Curriculum focuses on building fundamental learning and study skills. High School Curriculum is a college-prep curriculum. Small class size and high quality of personal attention eliminate the need for “AP” or “IB” designations; all students receive college-preparatory training. Our graduates attend some of the finest colleges in the country. EVALUATION Student work is assessed and evaluated based on applied demonstration of knowledge, skill and critical analysis of the subject. Transcript grades follow the traditional letter grading system, with C- being the lowest passing grade. The student must meet proficiency with a C- or above in a course before being promoted. Additionally, in acknowledgement of extraordinary application of proficiency, the NWA may award a Highest Honors (HH) assessment. Reserved for rare and exemplary work by a young student, this grade is seldom given and therefore exceeds our 4 point scale. GPA Legend is found on the back page of the Transcript.