Serving 1,478 students in grades 9-12, Northern 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 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 77% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Maryland state average of 69% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,478 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 31%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 20% in MD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 52% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 77% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 69% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: Northern High serves the northern part of its school district in Owings, MD, encompassing an area of approximately 49 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 10-12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northern 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
School Overview
Northern High School's student population of 1,478 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 80 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,478 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Year Founded
1973
School Rankings
Northern High School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northern High School is 0.50, which is less 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
#109 out of 1338 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
77%
45%
Showing 2011–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
3%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Hispanic
7%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 34-year historical data
Black
11%
32%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 37-year historical data
White
69%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Two or more races
10%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Graduation Rate
96%
85.8%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.5%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
18%
46%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northern High School's ranking?
Northern High School is ranked #109 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are Northern High School often compared to?
Northern High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Huntingtown High School, Calvert 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 27% MD state average), while 77% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northern High School?
The graduation rate of Northern High School is 96%, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 85.8%.
How many students attend Northern High School?
1,478 students attend Northern High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Northern High School students are White, 11% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northern High School?
Northern High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Northern High School offer ?
Northern High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Northern High School part of?
Northern High School is part of Calvert County School District.
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