Serving 2,300 students in grades 9-12, Northwest High School ranks in the top 20% 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 51% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 27%). 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 79% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Maryland state average of 69% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,300 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 30% in MD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 51% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 73% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 63% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Northwest High serves the west part of Germantown, MD, covering an attendance zone of approximately 28.4 square miles. The typical drive to the school is around 10-12 minutes, with an average distance of 4.3 miles from the school to the edge of the zone, reaching up to 7.1 miles at its furthest point.
- 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
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Northwest High School's student population of 2,300 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 138 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,300 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
138 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1998
School Rankings
Northwest High School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,338 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
#145 out of 1338 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
45%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
21%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
26%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Black
26%
32%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
White
21%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
95%
85.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33.6%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
28%
46%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, White, Silver
School Mascot
Jaguars
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwest High School's ranking?
Northwest High School is ranked #145 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% 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, Quince Orchard High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
51% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% 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 95%, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 85.8%.
How many students attend Northwest High School?
2,300 students attend Northwest High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
26% of Northwest High School students are Hispanic, 26% of students are Black, 21% of students are Asian, 21% of students are White, and 6% 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 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Northwest High School part of?
Northwest High School is part of Montgomery County School District.
School Reviews
4 10/10/2025
Northwest High School upholds a high level and quality education for a very diverse community.
5 10/10/2025
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 10/10/2025
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.
Review Northwest High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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