Northwood High School is a public high school in Kemp Mill, Maryland, United States, with a Silver Spring postal address. It is part of the Montgomery County Public Schools system, and is one of five high schools in the Downcounty Consortium. Northwood originally opened its doors in 1956.
Serving 1,654 students in grades 9-12, Northwood High School ranks in the top 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 21% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 63% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 89% 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: 1,654 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 83% (Btm 50% in MD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 63% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 49% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Northwood High School serves the southeast part of Rockville, MD, covering an attendance zone of approximately 7.3 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 2.8 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northwood High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Northwood High School's student population of 1,654 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 117 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,654 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
117 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1956
School Rankings
Northwood High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwood High School is 0.58, 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
#500 out of 1338 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
45%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
4%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
60%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Black
23%
32%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
White
11%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
83%
85.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)50.7%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
48%
46%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Red and Black
School Mascot
Gladiator
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwood High School's ranking?
Northwood High School is ranked #500 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are Northwood High School often compared to?
Northwood High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Montgomery Blair High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 63% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northwood High School?
The graduation rate of Northwood High School is 83%, which is lower than the Maryland state average of 85.8%.
How many students attend Northwood High School?
1,654 students attend Northwood High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Northwood High School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are Black, 11% of students are White, 4% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwood High School?
Northwood High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Northwood High School offer ?
Northwood High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Northwood High School part of?
Northwood High School is part of Montgomery County School District.
School Reviews
Review Northwood 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
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
