The people of the Northwest Academy, faculty, staff, students, graduates, parents, all contribute to making this a special place.

Rachael Lizio Katzen Kurynny (faculty)

Rachael Lizio Katzen Kurynny’s Earth Science class once again placed in the top ten in the 2007 National Association of Independent Schools’ (NAIS) Challenge 20/20 competition. Rachael, a middle school specialist who received her B.A. from Vassar and her M.Ed from PSU, begins her fifth year at the Northwest Academy teaching math and science. Her pupils’ success in the Challenge 20/20 competition reflects the enthusiasm and energy Rachael brings to her classroom every day. The NWA has been a perfect match for Rachael’s style: “The NWA’s intimate size and unique academic structure,” she says, “allow me to cater to my student’s learning styles and interests, resulting in a truly authentic learning experience.”

James Winchell (faculty)

James Winchell, upper level English/Humanities instructor, has wrapped up another successful “Book Club for Adventurous Readers.” Those interested in participating in the book club “buy in” at the Club Cabaret auction each year. The bookclub usually consists of 10 parents, past parents, prospective parents, and this year, even some prospective grandparents. Dr. Winchell chooses books from the current 11th and 12th grade curriculum, including fictional works such as Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground , James Morrow’s Only Begotten Daughter, and Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, and non-fiction that includes James Carse’s Finite and Infinite Games and the autobiography of Frederick Douglas. “The book club is a great way for interested adults to become familiar with the 11th and 12th grade curriculum, along with my version of the Socratic method – I promise not to lecture – and with the NWA approach to English/Humanitites.”

Helen Van Leuven (’13)

When Helen Van Leuven and her parents set out to find a middle school they were looking for something “better,” says Helen. Better, for Helen, meant academically challenging; she wants to be an architect, has since the third grade, and knew she could do more strenuous academic work than she was being asked to do. When the family found the Northwest Academy, says Helen, “The arts were just great extras on top of the strong academics.” English class was a favorite of Helen’s in her first year. “I really enjoyed all the writing projects, said Helen, “and especially liked that we got to write and produce a novel at the end of the year.” Helen, a violinist since the age of five, brought to the NWA an interest in music, but has since developed an even stronger interest in dance. Esprit, the Northwest Academy’s annual arts performance, was a highlight for Helen, who participated in a tap performance along with her fellow sixth graders. “It was fun being on stage,” she says, “backstage, with all the lights, the makeup, getting ready for the performance.” Helen plans to take more dance and hopes to perform in several Esprit numbers this year. When she first visited the NWA, Helen says, “Everyone was so nice, the teachers and the kids. I just really liked it a lot, thought it was my best option, and I’m really happy I came here.”