Founded in 1938, North Country School has a long history of using nature, hands-on learning and meaningful work to educate children in grades 4-9, allowing them to grow, develop and explore under the guidance of talented, nurturing adults. Our values of sustainable living and social responsibility guide our curriculum and community expectations and are evident in all aspects of our programming, from our daily chores, family-style residences and Net Zero performing arts center to our emphasis on healthy, locally-sourced food, the diverse perspectives we bring to our classrooms and our extensive daily art offerings. Our 220-acre campus in upstate New York’s Adirondack Park features a sustainable farm, a private lake, a rock-climbing crag, a ski hill and miles of forest trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. A North Country School education helps children develop into confident and curious learners who contribute positively to the world around them.
Unique Characteristics
At North Country School, “art every day” is more than a motto; it’s a way of life. Through theater, stagecraft music, visual arts, culinary arts, and design and build classes, creativity and collaboration are encouraged seven days a week.
The outdoor leadership program builds confidence and skill as students hike, ski (on our own ski hill and at Whiteface, VT), climb, paddle, and backpack through the Adirondack wilderness while learning real-world skills and respect for wild places.
North Country School’s Farm and Garden Program allows students to grow food and care for animals, including horses, sheep, pigs, goats and chickens. Their 220-acre campus has its own lake, rock climbing crag, tree houses, and miles of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and Nordic skiing.
North Country School’s summer program, Camp Treetops, has been in existence prior to 1938 and the founding of NCS.