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Founded: 1744
Enrollment: Boarding and Day
Grades: 9-12 and PG
Student Body: 120 students
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Average Class Size: 10
Campus Size: 100 acres
Faculty with advanced degrees: 85%
Location: Halfway between Philadelphia and Baltimore
Airport: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and BWI International Airport (Baltimore) are each about one hour away.
Climate: West Nottingham enjoys four seasons: warm summers, beautiful autumns, flowery springs, and frosty winters.
Curricular Offerings: 120 courses |AP courses
Welcome to West Nottingham Academy
West Nottingham Academy offers a well-rounded college preparatory education for students in grades 9-12 and postgraduates. Nestled on a scenic 100-acre campus in Maryland, the Academy provides a personalized learning experience with a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1 and an average class size of 10. With over 90 courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) options, students are encouraged to pursue academic excellence. A wide variety of athletic programs, clubs, and arts opportunities ensure a vibrant and enriching student life at West Nottingham Academy.
Our Mark on History
Founded in 1744, West Nottingham Academy (WNA) is the oldest boarding and day school in the United States. Its rich history, combined with a commitment to academic rigor and character development, makes it a premier high school for generations of students.
West Nottingham Academy was established by Reverend Samuel Finley, who later became president of the College of New Jersey, now known as Princeton University. Two of its earliest notable alumni were Benjamin Rush and Richard Stockton, signers of the Declaration of Independence, cementing their roles in history among America’s founding fathers, connecting WNA to the birth of our nation.
In 1895, West Nottingham Academy took a significant step by admitting its first female day students. Just a few years later, in 1899, the school graduated its first class with both a female Valedictorian and Salutatorian, showcasing its early commitment to providing opportunities for women in education.
In 1956, West Nottingham admitted Fletcher Morton, who became the first African American student at WNA. His enrollment marked a significant chapter in the school’s history, further solidifying its reputation as a forward-thinking institution with a focus on education for all.
The school has endured through some of the most challenging periods in American history, including the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. WNA’s resilience was also tested during the Yellow Fever and Spanish Influenza pandemics, yet it continued to serve as an academic haven for its students.
West Nottingham Academy’s ability to adapt and thrive through historical events, from wars to pandemics, speaks to its enduring strength and commitment to academic excellence. It has maintained a tradition of nurturing bright minds and preparing students for leadership roles in an ever-changing world.
Today, WNA continues to offer a rigorous academic curriculum, personalized attention, and a wide range of opportunities in the arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, it is a leader in elevating education through its internship programs with elite universities. With its deep roots and forward-thinking approach, West Nottingham Academy remains a school where tradition and innovation unite to shape the future of education.
World Class Academics
At West Nottingham Academy (WNA), we are dedicated to providing a rigorous, college-preparatory education designed to inspire curiosity, develop critical-thinking skills, and foster a passion for lifelong learning. Our goal is to ensure that every student is well-prepared for higher education and future success.
We collaborate closely with students and their families to craft individualized paths of study that meet our high academic standards and demanding graduation requirements. Our curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated by our Academic Council to ensure it remains at the forefront of educational excellence, consistently meeting and often exceeding state standards.
WNA is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a testament to our commitment to maintaining the highest academic quality. Our robust liberal arts curriculum is further enriched by small class sizes and our exceptional faculty, who bring expertise and dedication to the classroom.
We offer nearly 90 courses, including a variety of Advanced Placement (AP), Advanced, and Honors courses, allowing students to challenge themselves academically while exploring a wide range of subjects.
In addition, we are committed to integrating cutting-edge technology into our curriculum. Each student has access to advanced AI platforms, including ChatGPT, ensuring they are equipped with the digital literacy and technological skills necessary to thrive in the modern world. This integration enhances the learning experience at WNA, preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
At West Nottingham Academy, we combine a strong academic tradition with a forward-thinking approach, creating an environment where students are inspired to achieve their full potential.
