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 1,745 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 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Maryland state average of 68% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,745 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- 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%)
- 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 1,745 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 129 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,745 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
129 teachers
Year Founded
1956
First Day of School
Tue. Aug 26, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50
School Mascot
Gladiator
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 0.59, 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%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
7%
Hispanic
59%
23%
Black
24%
33%
White
10%
32%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
83%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
44%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Gladiator
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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 86%.
How many students attend Northwood High School?
1,745 students attend Northwood High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Northwood High School students are Hispanic, 24% of students are Black, 10% of students are White, 4% of students are Asian, and 3% 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
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
