Why School?

Going to school is about getting an education. But the social component is in many ways more important. Students can get so caught up in the stress of school that they forget the simple joys that make coming every day worthwhile. Northwest Academy is unique in the sense that everyone goes by choice, which means that while most students won’t enjoy coming all the time, they almost always have a reason to come.

This collection of photos showcases the small, underappreciated moments that all students here can relate to, whether it be a quiet lunch at the park or an impromptu game of Monopoly. Each photo was taken during the first or second week of school, and is complete with a caption by their photographer. Also included are quotes from students who were asked: why do you come to school every day?

– NWA Students eating lunch at the Portland Art Museum.

– Students get ready for the annual back-to-school block party.

“I go for social and educational reasons. I get to see and interact with both friends and people I might have never met, and also to learn about various subjects to become a more well-rounded person,” — Nolan H., Senior.

– Four freshmen eat lunch on the South Park Blocks.

– Two students in Sean Cain’s class practice their grayscale painting skills.

“I go to school because I love the way our school fosters art.” — Valentine L., Sophomore.

– Three freshmen playing an intense game of Monopoly during lunch.

– Students warming up for band class.

“Ever since I started 9th grade and got the freedoms and responsibilities that come with high school it’s been really exciting. This is because I can move more freely around the school and the campus, as well as outside of the campus and that allows me more freedom to meet more people,” — Anna M., Freshman.

– Owen Abraham, a sophomore, running to class.

– Kelli Pennington, Jacob L. and Carlo H. in study hall.

“All the teachers really enjoy their subject, which makes classes a lot more engaging for students, so it’s less just sitting there being bored,” — Theo M., Sophomore

– Two sophomores (Kai N. and Quinn M.) working studiously together.

“Northwest Academy has a very special community that is really hard to find in another school. It is more inclusive and everyone cares about the school to some degree,” —Aidan V., Senior

– Students in the Blue Box Theater auditioning for the school play.

“It’s good to have an avenue by which to meet people my own age, and not just adults. Also, it is fun to learn things that are going to be very useful later in life,” — Max O., Sophomore.