NCA is a private boarding school in safe and scenic Ladysmith, Wisconsin, USA, and we are pleased to serve students aged 14 through 19 with our classical American high school curriculum. At NCA, we pride ourselves on our devotion to natural and environmental serenity and weave these themes into our curriculum in unique ways. This focus, coupled with our Advanced Placement and university pathway program offerings, ensures we prepare students for success long after their time on our campus.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12, PG
- Enrollment: 30 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $54,800
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $35,600
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 5 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
North Cedar Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 307 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Boarding Focus
Affordability
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
2014
1909
Campus Size
96 acres
125 acres
School Calendar
Student Body
Enrollment
30 students
300 students
% International Students
100%
20%
% Students Boarding
100%
70%
SAT range (25th-75th percentile)
1015 - 1580
-
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student-Teacher Ratio
3:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
3
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
45%
70%
Tuition Cost
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$54,800
( The tuition rate is for the highest grade offered.)
( The tuition rate is for the highest grade offered.)
$59,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$35,600
( The tuition rate is for the highest grade offered.)
( The tuition rate is for the highest grade offered.)
$33,500
% Students on Financial Aid
70%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$25,000
(Merit and need-based.)
(Merit and need-based.)
$25,000
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
80%
58%
Director of Admissions
Alyssa King
Application URL
Course Listings
List of Courses Offered
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
3
17
Courses
Advanced PhysicsAP Statistics
AP United States Government and Politics
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
29
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
3D Printing ClubBoard Game Club
Esports ClubGardening Club
International Cooking ClubOutdoors Club
Robotics ClubSAT Prep
Teen LeadershipTOEFL Prep
Arts and Music Programs:
Art ClubCommunity Choir
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Bowling ClubGolf Club
Hiking ClubIntramural badminton
Intramural basketballIntramural cheerleading
Intramural soccerIntramural volleyball
Kayaking ClubLifetime Sports & Wellness
Rockhounding ClubWinter Sports Club
College Matriculation
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
University of Wisconsin - Madison
10
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
8
Augustana University
5
University of Wisconsin - Stout
3
Truman State University
2
University of Arizona
2
University of California
2
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
2
Cornish College of the Arts
1
Gonzaga University
1
School Notes
- NCA's 96-acre campus sprawls on the banks of the scenic and historic Flambeau River in one of the American Midwest's most rural and picturesque regions. Boasting four distinct seasons, the town of Ladysmith provides an idyllic backdrop for our students' academic, social, & emotional development. We are pleased to be among the most secure boarding schools in one of the safest regions in the United States. Despite our rural setting, we are conveniently situated only a few hours from Minneapolis and Chicago.
- Among our many advantages, NCA provides students with a serene learning environment that leans into nature as a means of helping maximize the development of the whole self. We promote the pursuit of natural curiosity and prize kindness, goodness, thoughtfulness, and personal responsibility.
- Students in grades 11 or 12 can also apply for admission to one of our university pathway programs and, if accepted, can earn up to 60 university credits and guaranteed acceptance to the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, the University of Minnesota Duluth, or Middle Tennessee State University.
- Each dorm room accommodates a maximum of two students. Our Dean of Resident Life assigns roommates to ensure maximum cultural exchange.
- We invite you to visit our Resident Life webpage to view pictures and details of recent academic and extracurricular excursions, activities, and events: https://northcedar.net/resident-life
- We invite you to visit our Regional Activities webpage to learn about Ladysmith, the Northern Wisconsin region, and related travel destinations and activities: https://northcedar.net/regional-activities
- North Cedar Academy accreditations: National Private School Accreditation Group (NPSAG), ICEF, SEVP
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Mary Hancock, 2020 graduate, continued studies at Occidental College and Harvard Kennedy School. -
- School Motto: Live. Learn. Lead.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does North Cedar Academy cost?
North Cedar Academy's tuition is approximately $54,800 for boarding students and $35,600 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of North Cedar Academy?
The acceptance rate of North Cedar Academy is 80%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 58%.
Who are famous alumni from North Cedar Academy?
North Cedar Academy famous alumni include: Mary Hancock, 2020 graduate, continued studies at Occidental College and Harvard Kennedy School..
What is North Cedar Academy's ranking?
North Cedar Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small student body (number of students), High percentage of boarding students, High percentage of international students and High percentage of students on financial aid.
When is the application deadline for North Cedar Academy?
The application deadline for North Cedar Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
North Cedar Academy prides itself on the dual enrollment program, which allows students to obtain their Associates of Arts & Sciences degrees upon their high school graduation. This is certainly a unique opportunity, but what. . .
North Cedar Academy dual enrollment with UW Eau Claire-Barron County that had gotten further my education path and made me ready for University. North Cedar Academy give me incredible opportunities in terms of volunteer work. . .
North Cedar Academy gave me an opportunity to improve my English very well and meet new friends from all over the world. I am enjoying to be here. Also, North Cedar Academy gives you an. . .
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