Why WNA
Why choose West Nottingham?
You’ve come to the right place to find the school that prepares you academically, emotionally, socially and physically and helps you to find your passion and unleash your potential!
- West Nottingham Academy has been educating, preparing and inspiring leaders, innovators and changemakers for centuries.
- We offer three Signature Certificate Programs in the areas of STEM and Innovation, Visual Arts and Environmental Sustainability complementing our highly individualized curriculum.
Situated in the rolling countryside of northeastern Maryland, just a few miles from the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay, West Nottingham Academy is the longest-standing boarding and day school in the United States.
From its founding in 1744, the development of the whole student has been at the center of life at West Nottingham Academy. Academics form the core of our program, but the development of each student’s character is addressed in myriad forms from first arrival on campus to graduation day.
Our mission is to inspire and educate students to become socially aware leaders and innovators, who positively impact their communities around the world. Our teaching methods, which include round-table discussions, student-driven projects, research exercises, labs, lectures, and interdisciplinary activities, are tailored to assist each and every student and their educational background. Teachers encourage students to find ever more positive results through hard work and dedication, while providing a supportive and caring environment. This endeavor remains true to our motto, established since we were chartered with the state of Maryland in 1812: ”Nihil Sine Labore” (Nothing Without Work).
Our students who attend West Nottingham Academy as day students, 5-day, or 7-day boarders learn and live here on our 100-acre campus while participating in rich student life programming and extracurricular activities like clubs, athletics, and student government.
With a 99 percent college acceptance rate, alumni of West Nottingham go on to do incredible things in our country and across the globe.
Academic Challenge
WNA provides a college-preparatory curriculum with an emphasis on providing an individualized curriculum. The average class size is 11 students with an overall teacher-to-student ratio of 1:7. This ratio offers a multitude of opportunities for the enrichment of the whole student while ensuring a safe environment as students mature through their high school years. It allows the chance to ask questions, seek help, and develop a deeper understanding of a subject through strong relationships with the teacher and classmates.
For those students who seek additional academic support for diagnosed learning differences, ADD or ADHD, or for building the necessary time-management and study skills, the Chesapeake Learning Center offers the opportunity to acquire these skills and reach academic potential through individualized programming and coaching. We offer three Signature Certificate Programs in the areas of STEM and Innovation, Visual Arts, and Environmental Sustainability complementing our progressive and hands-on approach to curriculum. Each year, we also offer a number of AP classes that prepare students for college-level curriculum.
Faculty Guidance and Support
WNA thrives through its teachers, who are the essence of our school. Our faculty and staff are passionate and talented individuals committed to helping each student achieve her or his full potential. Teachers are also the advisors, coaches, and dorm parents who ensure that learning continues well beyond the classroom. All students meet with an advisor regularly to touch base on all aspects of community life, from academic challenges to social and personal issues.
West Nottingham Academy also provides students access to mental health services through an on-campus licensed mental health practitioner. The counselor’s primary role is to support the students with daily stressors, interpersonal relationships, and assessment of other mental health needs.
College Preparation and Counseling
Whether it is finding the right college fit, preparing for standardized testing, seeking guidance to complete a successful application, or setting up campus visits, the College Counseling Office is a valuable resource for all students and families. The college counseling process at WNA is comprehensive and highly personalized.
Student Life and Boarding
You’ve come to the right place to find the school that prepares you academically, emotionally, socially and physically and helps you to find your passion and unleash your potential!
- Leaders
- Entrepreneurs
- Passionate and Driven
- Individuals
- Empathetic and Compassionate
- Informed
- Resilient
- Changemakers
How to Apply to West Nottingham Academy
We are so excited you’re interested in applying to West Nottingham Academy! The information on this page outlines the application process and timeline.
Follow These Steps to Apply to West Nottingham Academy:
Step 1: Complete Inquiry
Step 2: Schedule your visit & interview
Step 3: Complete your application using the Standard Application Online (SAO)
A completed application consists of the following: Student Profile, Parent Statement, Transcripts, and Teacher Recommendations.
Tuition
2023-24 Tuition and Fees
| Type | Cost |
| Day Student Tuition | $17,949 |
| Domestic Boarding Student Tuition | $54,075 |
| International Boarding Student Tuition | $63,140 |
| Chesapeake Learning Center (full-time) | + $9,750 |
| Chesapeake Learning Center (part-time) | + $5,850 |