Wichita Northwest High School, known locally as Northwest High, is a public secondary school in Wichita, Kansas, United States. It is operated by Wichita USD 259 school district and serves 1,320 students in grades 9 to 12.
Serving 1,424 students in grades 9-12, Northwest High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Kansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 19% (which is lower than the Kansas state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 22% (which is lower than the Kansas state average of 32%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Kansas state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Kansas state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,424 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 50% in KS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Northwest High serves the west part of Wichita, KS, encompassing an area of approximately 18.4 square miles. Families within this zone can expect a typical drive to the school of about 10-12 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone located around 7.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
School Overview
Northwest High School's student population of 1,424 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 88 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,424 students
Total Classroom Teachers
88 teachers
Year Founded
1978
Colors
Gold, Royal blue
School Calendar
School Rankings
Northwest High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,269 schools in Kansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwest High School is 0.68, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#960 out of 1269 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
32%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
31%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
26%
23%
Black
15%
7%
White
48%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
89%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35%
24.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
54%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Grizzlies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwest High School's ranking?
Northwest High School is ranked #960 out of 1,269 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Kansas.
What schools are Northwest High School often compared to?
Northwest High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Northeast Magnet High School, Heights High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% KS state average), while 22% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 32% KS state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northwest High School?
The graduation rate of Northwest High School is 90%, which is higher than the Kansas state average of 89%.
How many students attend Northwest High School?
1,424 students attend Northwest High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Northwest High School students are White, 26% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwest High School?
Northwest High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Kansas state average of 13:1.
What grades does Northwest High School offer ?
Northwest High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Northwest High School part of?
Northwest High School is part of Wichita School District.
School Reviews
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