Serving 2,396 students in grades 9-12, Northwestern High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 5% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority 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: 2,396 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 65% (Btm 50% in MD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Northwestern High serves the northwest part of Hyattsville, MD, covering an area of approximately 8.8 square miles. Most families within the attendance zone are located within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance from the school to the zone edges of about 1.9 miles and the furthest edge reaching up to 3.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Northwestern High School's student population of 2,396 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 153 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,396 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
153 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Year Founded
1951
School Rankings
Northwestern High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwestern High School is 0.43, 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
#1118 out of 1338 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
5%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
45%
Showing 2011–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
1%
7%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Hispanic
73%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Black
21%
32%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 37-year historical data
White
4%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Two or more races
1%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 14-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Graduation Rate
65%
85.8%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)61.7%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
95%
46%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwestern High School's ranking?
Northwestern High School is ranked #1118 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are Northwestern High School often compared to?
Northwestern High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like College Park Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 30% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northwestern High School?
The graduation rate of Northwestern High School is 65%, which is lower than the Maryland state average of 85.8%.
How many students attend Northwestern High School?
2,396 students attend Northwestern High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Northwestern High School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are Black, 4% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwestern High School?
Northwestern High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Northwestern High School offer ?
Northwestern High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Northwestern High School part of?
Northwestern High School is part of Prince George's County School District.
School Reviews
4 10/10/2025
My child has just completed his 9th grade year at this school and I must say I am pleased with how the school year went. He finished with a 3.8 GPA. Some of the teachers here seem to be very involved and not much trouble on their part when you try to reach out to them, although i struggled to talk to them in the beginning. The programs here are what drew me to this school and I was not let down. My child got the opportunity to participate in two programs here which he benefited from in his academics. I would say, so far this is a good school for your child.
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