Northwestern High School is one of three high schools in Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States. It was opened in 1971 as the city's second high school, replacing Emmett Scott High School, which had been designated for African American students during the era of segregated schools.
Serving 1,764 students in grades 9-12, Northwestern High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in South Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 59% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 43%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 81% (which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 52%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the South Carolina state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the South Carolina state average of 53% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,764 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 82% (Btm 50% in SC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 59% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 81% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 56% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northwestern High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Northwestern High School's student population of 1,764 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 106 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,764 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
106 teachers
Year Founded
1971
Colors
Purple, Gold
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
School Motto
Tradition Never Graduates
School Rankings
Northwestern High School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,118 schools in South Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwestern High School is 0.66, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#175 out of 1118 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
59%
43%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
81%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
14%
14%
Black
41%
31%
White
39%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
82%
84%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), SC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwestern High School's ranking?
Northwestern High School is ranked #175 out of 1,118 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina.
What schools are Northwestern High School often compared to?
Northwestern High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Rock Hill High School, South Pointe High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 43% SC state average), while 81% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% SC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northwestern High School?
The graduation rate of Northwestern High School is 82%, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of 84%.
How many students attend Northwestern High School?
1,764 students attend Northwestern High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Northwestern High School students are Black, 39% of students are White, 14% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Northwestern High School?
Northwestern High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the South Carolina 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 York 03 School District.
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