Northwest High School is a public high school in Germantown, Maryland. It is part of the Montgomery County Public Schools public school system. As of 2022, it enrolled 2,484 students.
Serving 2,386 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 68% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,386 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%)
- 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
Diversity
School Overview
Northwest High School's student population of 2,386 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 144 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,386 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
144 teachers
Year Founded
1998
Colors
White, Black, Silver
First Day of School
Tue. Aug 26, 2025
School Mascot
Jaguars
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%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
36%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
21%
7%
Hispanic
26%
23%
Black
26%
33%
White
21%
32%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
44%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Jaguars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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 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 86%.
How many students attend Northwest High School?
2,386 students attend Northwest High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
26% of Northwest High School students are Black, 26% of students are Hispanic, 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
5 3/29/2024
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 3/29/2024
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.
4 8/3/2020
Northwest High School upholds a high level and quality education for a very diverse community.
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