Serving 2,484 students in grades 9-12, Northwest High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 52% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 25%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 73% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Maryland state average of 67% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,484 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 20% in MD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 52% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 73% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 63% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northwest High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Northwest High School's student population of 2,484 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 145 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,484 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
145 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Northwest High School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,347 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwest High School is 0.78, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#111 out of 1347 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
25%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
36%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
21%
7%
Hispanic
24%
22%
Black
27%
33%
White
23%
33%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
96%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
46%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwest High School's ranking?
Northwest High School is ranked #111 out of 1,347 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are Northwest High School often compared to?
Northwest High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Seneca Valley High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
52% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 25% MD state average), while 73% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northwest High School?
The graduation rate of Northwest High School is 96%, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 86%.
How many students attend Northwest High School?
2,484 students attend Northwest High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
27% of Northwest High School students are Black, 24% of students are Hispanic, 23% of students are White, 21% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Northwest High School?
Northwest High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Northwest High School offer ?
Northwest High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Northwest High School part of?
Northwest High School is part of Montgomery County School District.
School Reviews
5 3/29/2024
NWHS is an excellent school as well as very diverse and the teachers are all wonderful and professional. The surrounding community is a great area to live in and very safe to raise a family.
5 3/29/2024
NWHS provides an excellent quality of education to all students. The staff are caring, attentive, and all-around professional. The school provides many extracurricular activities for the students.
4 8/3/2020
Northwest High School upholds a high level and quality education for a very diverse community.
Review Northwest High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Drug Testing Teachers: Testing Positive or Negative?
This article examines the ongoing debate about drug testing for teachers in public schools. It discusses the rationale behind such policies, privacy concerns, cost implications, and the relatively low prevalence of drug use among educators. The piece also explores future considerations for drug testing policies in educational settings.
Head in the Clouds: Why Public Schools are Embracing Cloud Computing
Explore how public schools are integrating cloud computing into their educational frameworks. Understand the advantages such as enhanced collaboration, cost savings, and accessibility, as well as the challenges schools face in adopting this technology.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.