Academics



At NORTHWEST ACADEMY we use multi-model teaching methods which will instill your child with life-long learning skills. The essence of our curriculum is the integrated application of both cognitive (thinking) and emotional (feeling) learning processes.

Cognitive learning is facilitated through problem solving, recall, and application. Social and emotional learning aids in the development of the skills, attitudes, and values necessary to achieve personal goals and understand and manage relationships. We have found that the combination relationship of Northwest Academy's personal growth program and academic curriculum will ultimate enable your child to be receptive to cognitive learning.

Accreditation

Northwest Academy is accredited by both the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools and the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. Our academic program uses a variety of teaching methods which develop life-long learning skills. The essence of our curriculum is the application of both cognitive and emotional learning.

The integration of Northwest Academy's personal growth program, therapeutic program, and academic curriculum ultimately provides students with a fully comprehensive education.

We offer small classes with teacher-driven instruction, which average eight students per class. This class size ensures students receive the attention they need, and allows for individual direction and structure.

Curriculum and Instructional Format

Each Northwest Academy student is provided with an Educational Plan, designed to meet the student's academic needs. Certificated instructors provide classroom instruction, and are effective in individualizing course content according to students' specific learning styles.

As students progress through the program at Northwest Academy, they are provided opportunities to participate in Job Shadow experiences chosen to complement their area of interest. Some examples of student placement in Job Shadow are: Student Mentor at the elementary school, Head Start, mechanics businesses, and bed-and-breakfasts.

Community service such as working for Habitat for Humanity and the animal shelter provides additional opportunities for students. In addition to the core academic courses, Northwest Academy also provides students opportunity for instruction in music and art. Specific areas of interest are explored, and students are given the tools to expand their knowledge in these areas through onsite or online learning.

Dual enrollment, which provides students with the opportunity to initiate their college education while receiving high school credit, is offered through North Idaho College.

Download our complete academic profile.

Academic Schedule 2011
Pentamester System
Five Graduationa

TERM #1 Winter (12-27-10 through 2-25-11)

Winter Graduation

02-25-11

CBW

02-28-11 through 03-04-11

TERM #2 SPRING (03-07-11 through 05-2011)

Spring Break

04-06-11 through 04-08-11

Academic Conference
& Parent Workshop

03-17-11 to 03-18-11

Spring Graduation

05-20-11

CBW

05-23-11 through 05-27-11

Term #3 summer (05-30-11 through 08-12-11)

Academic Conference
& Parent Workshop

05-30-11 through 08-12-11

CBW

07-04-11 through 07-08-11

Summer Graduation

08-12-11

CBW

08-15-11 through 08-19-11

Term #4 early fall (08-22-11 through 10-14-11)

Academic Conference
& Parent Workshop

09-15-11 to 09-16-11

Early Fall Graduation

10-14-11

CBW

10-17-11 to10-21-11

Term #5 late fall (10-24-11 through 12-16-11)

Late Fall Graduation

12-224-11

CBW

12-23-11 through 12-30-11

Post-secondary planning

Guidance/College counseling/ SAT/ACT

Preparation and planning for post-Northwest Academy education, training or employment is a major component of our educational program. Students form a plan along with the assistance of Devorah McIntosh, and their parents. Devorah, who is certified as a guidance counselor assists students through the post-secondary planning process from beginning to end. She initiates interet inventories as they begin their journey, and continues through the process of preparing and registering for college entrance and placement examinations, reviewing essays, and submitting college applications. Students are encouraged to visit the colleges to which they have applied and been accepted.

Transcripts

Transcripts are available upon written request at:

NORTHWEST ACADEMY
Registrar
P.O. Box 370
Naples, ID 83847

College acceptance list

Recent Northwest Academy graduates have been accepted to the following colleges and universities:

  • Arizona State University
  • Augustana University
  • Ball State
  • Berklee College of Music
  • Butler University
  • Cal State – Chico
  • Carroll College
  • Chapman College
  • Colby Sawyer College
  • College of DuPage
  • Colorado Mountain College
  • Colorado State University
  • Columbia College of Chicago
  • Dean College
  • DePaul University
  • De Vry
  • Galveston Community College
  • Hawaii-Pacific University
  • Harcum College
  • Illinois State University
  • Kendall College
  • Loyola University
  • Lynn University
  • New England College
  • New Mexico State University
  • Northern Arizona University
  • Northen Idaho College
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Pine Manor College
  • Quinnippiac University
  • Ripon College
  • Southern Illinois University
  • Southern Oregon University
  • Temple University
  • University of Alaska, Fairbanks
  • University of Arizona
  • University of Portland
  • University of Redlands
  • Western Illinois University
  • Western Michigan University

Graduation Requirements

A student must successfully complete course required for a high school diploma as dictated by the State of Idaho Department of Education. Additionally, five credits are required from the Personal Growth curriculum (Theory and Practice of Life Skills). Our Personal Growth curriculum consists of individual, group and family therapy, substance abuse education, relapse prevention, anger management, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, self-awareness, social responsibility and post-secondary planning. For the student entering Northwest Academy, Five personal growth credits are earned during a stay of five terms over a period of one year.

Personal fitness class

We believe physical fitness is a key factor in emotional health. Personal Fitness is more than an academic credit; it is an important coping skill for lifelong management of stress, anxiety, and many other mental health issues. For this reason, all students participate in a Personal Fitness class each term. The instructor initiates both group and individual fitness goals by assisting students to strive for healthy lifestyle changes. This includes instruction in cardio workouts, weight training, yoga, nutrition, group and individual sports, and health for life.

 

Full academic program

A student who enrolls as a senior with fewer academic credits to earn may be involved in taking college courses through North Idaho College as a Dual Enrolled Student, and gaining meaningful work experience within the community through a supervised Job Shadow.

 

High School Graduation Requirements

Listed below are the Northwest Academy graduation requirements which are closely aligned to the Idaho State Department of Education:

Subject
Required Credits

English

8.0

Speech

1.0

Science
(must be laboratory science)

4.0

Mathematics

4.0

U.S. History

2.0

U.S. Government

2.0

Economics

1.0

Humanities

4.0

May be Foreign Language

 

Health

1.0

Physical Education

2.0

Additionally, NWA Personal Fitness Class

5.0

Electives

6.0

Computer Literacy
(demostrated proficiency)

1.0

Theory & Practice of Life Skills

5.0

 

 

For students graduating in the year 2013, an additional 2 credits of science and an additional 2 credits of mathematics will be required to meet the Idaho Stated Department of Education graduation requirements. A Senior Project will be included in the graduation requirements.

Class list

Download our complete class list.

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