Frequently asked Questions
Why must my child attend a wilderness program before she attends Northwest Academy?
Attending a wilderness program will help your child create the emotional foundation she needs to be successful at Northwest Academy.
What kind of therapy will my child receive?
Your child will be assigned a licensed therapist who provides an initial assessment and remains actively involved with your child, providing weekly individual and group therapy. In addition, the therapists are integral members of your child's faculty team and work closely in developing and monitoring your child's plan for success. In addition, your child participates in peer group counseling and receives mentoring and counseling from our
personal growth staff.
Will my child go to college?
Each child is different, however, our experience is that 80 percent of our students go on to higher education, having completed the application process with
our staff assistance.
Is there staff supervision 24-hours a day?
Yes, your child will be supervised 24-hours including during sleeping hours. In addition, our low staff to student ratio in the classroom and throughout campus illustrates to your child our deep sense of our concern for their well-being and lets us pay close attention to their needs and progress.
What kind of training does your staff have?
All of our staff are thoroughly trained and certified in CPR and CPI (Crisis Prevention and Intervention) and have undergone rigorous background checks before
being hired. Our teachers are state certified and our clinicians hold applicable licensure.
How do you handle emergencies?
We have a detailed emergency-response plan in place that is frequently reviewed, and we hold simulated evacuation exercises regularly in conjunction with local emergency response teams. We maintain an excellent collaborative relationship with our community's emergency-services personnel. In case of medical emergencies, we have a registered nurse on campus during business hours and on-call after
business hours. The nearest hospital is seven miles from campus.
Do you have any religious affiliation?
No our academy is secular but we recognize and respect each student's right to practice a religion of their choosing. We also understand the importance of a spiritual component in daily life. The practice of religious beliefs is on a voluntary basis and the withholding of this right as a disciplinary action is strictly forbidden.
What kind of clothing should I send with my child?
We will provide you with a list of clothing items for your child and can direct you to a web site that carries clothing specifically selected for Northwest Academy students. Your child will be attired in the same functional clothing as all of the other students. This is done to eliminate the distraction that clothing and fashion typically present to an adolescent.
Where is Northwest Academy?
NWA is situated at the base of the Cabinet Mountains near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, in the Idaho panhandle, and is accessible from domestic and international flights via Spokane International Airport (GEG). Vacation areas surround NWA, so numerous options are available for accommodations in the Idaho cities of Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, Hope, Priest Lake, and Coeur d'Alene. Accommodations are also available within driving distance in Spokane, Washington; British Columbia, Canada; and in northwestern Montana. The Sandpoint, Idaho, region is surrounded by beautiful lakes, mountains, and rivers that attract visitors from all over the world. In addition to its natural resources, Sandpoint is a hub for music, art, culture, and recreation. Snow-filled winters offer fantastic downhill and Nordic skiing at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. In other seasons, Lake Pend Oreille, the fifth-largest lake in the western United States, is home to world-class fishing and boating. We invite you to come visit us at any time.
