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Very Good

#749 of 2,268 schools in GA

Top 33% in state

Northwest Whitfield County High School

High School · Whitfield County

1651 Tunnel Hill Varnell Rd, Tunnel Hill, GA 30755

Enrollment

1,130

Student-Teacher

15.5:1

Score

7.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Tunnel Hill

#2 of 3

public schools

Georgia high schools

#79 of 443

In district

#10 of 22

Whitfield County

Academic growth

7.1 / 10

Strong

About Northwest Whitfield County High School

Northwest Whitfield County High School serves 1,130 students in grades 9-12 in Tunnel Hill, Georgia. With 73 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.5:1, providing reasonable class sizes for this large rural high school. Academically, Northwest Whitfield ranks in the 44th percentile among Georgia high schools, with room for growth in core subject areas.

Currently, 48% of students demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts and reading, while 34% meet proficiency standards in mathematics. The school focuses on supporting student development across all grade levels. The surrounding community in ZIP code 30755 has a median household income of $69,993 and a poverty rate of 11.3%.

With a median home value of $166,400, the area offers affordable housing options for families. The local population of 11,199 includes 14% of residents who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher. Northwest Whitfield County High School is situated in a rural setting near the town of Tunnel Hill, providing students with a close-knit community atmosphere while still offering the resources and opportunities of a larger high school.

The school serves families throughout Whitfield County who value the combination of rural charm and comprehensive high school programming.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, Northwest Whitfield County High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.1Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change-0.28 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics6.8Above Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency33.8%
Reading/ELA Proficiency48.1%
Math vs. State Avg-8.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+6.3 pts
Overall Proficiency41%
Expected (poverty-adj.)42%
vs. Expected-1.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile54th
College Readiness9.4Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation19.3%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment4.3Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,781

Northwest Whitfield County High School — Students at Northwest Whitfield County High School score 41% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

63.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores GA GA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 37.5%
School
State
42.1%
ELA Proficiency 43.0%
School
State
41.8%

Based on 8 test records from GA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
44%
ELA
44%
2021*
Math
29%
ELA
34%
2022
Math
43%
ELA
46%
2024
Math
33.8%
ELA
48.1%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.1/10.

How Northwest Whitfield County High School Compares

See how Northwest Whitfield County High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.2/10
67th percentile in GA
Academic
6.8/10
6.8/10
Growth
7.1/10
Above average
Environment
4.3/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
63%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
73 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
19.3% participation·2 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1651 Tunnel Hill Varnell Rd, Tunnel Hill, GA 30755

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Northwest Whitfield County High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Coahulla Creek High School (rated 6.8/10, 4.8 miles away, in nearby Dalton), with a comparable rating. Another option is The Dalton Academy (rated 5.4/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Dalton), a more accessible option. Additionally, Dalton High School (rated 5.0/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Dalton), a more accessible option. For more schools in Tunnel Hill, see our Tunnel Hill schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 7.2 mi
School Distance Rating
New Hope Elementary School Dalton 0.7 mi 7.9
New Hope Middle School Dalton 0.7 mi 8.7
North Whitfield Middle School Dalton 3.2 mi 5.7
Tunnel Hill Elementary School Tunnel Hill 3.5 mi 7.7
Varnell Elementary School Dalton 3.4 mi 5.1
Pleasant Grove Elementary School Dalton 4.3 mi 8.4
Tiger Creek Elementary School Tunnel Hill 4.6 mi 7.0
Coahulla Creek High School Dalton 4.8 mi 6.8
Cohutta Elementary School Cohutta 6.4 mi 5.6
Park Creek Elementary School Dalton 6.5 mi 8.1
Dalton High School Dalton 6.8 mi 5.0
Westwood Elementary School Dalton 6.7 mi 8.6
Hammond Creek Middle School Dalton 6.5 mi 8.9
Dalton Jr. High School Dalton 6.8 mi 6.3
The Dalton Academy Dalton 6.8 mi 5.4
Westside Middle School Rocky Face 7.0 mi 7.4
City Park Elementary School Dalton 7.4 mi 8.5
Westside Elementary School Rocky Face 7.1 mi 4.7
LEARNING TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Dalton 7.6 mi 6.0
Elbert Shaw Regional Youth Detention Center Dalton 7.2 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 30755 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$70,433

Median Home Value

$184,800

Median Rent

$799/mo

Population

10,768

College Educated

16.5%

Homeownership

69.2%

Avg Commute

28.6 min

Poverty Rate

10.5%

Median Age

33.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Northwest Whitfield County High School has a median household income of $70,433. It is a community where 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $184,800, with a median rent of $799/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.5%. The average commute for residents is 29 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Central High School Carrollton, GA 7.2
Bremen High School Bremen, GA 7.3
Academy of Richmond County High School Augusta, GA 7.1
Beach High School Savannah, GA 7.1
Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School Fort Oglethorpe, GA 7.1
Whitewater High School Fayetteville, GA 7.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Northwest Whitfield County High School

What grades does Northwest Whitfield County High School serve?

Northwest Whitfield County High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Northwest Whitfield County High School?

Northwest Whitfield County High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,130 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Northwest Whitfield County High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Northwest Whitfield County High School is 15.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Northwest Whitfield County High School rank in GA?

Northwest Whitfield County High School is ranked #749 out of 2,268 schools in GA.

What is Northwest Whitfield County High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Northwest Whitfield County High School has a composite rating of 7.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Northwest Whitfield County High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Northwest Whitfield County High School has 37.5% math proficiency and 43.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Northwest Whitfield County High School a charter school?

No, Northwest Whitfield County High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Northwest Whitfield County High School a Title I school?

No, Northwest Whitfield County High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northwest Whitfield County High School?

63.1% of students at Northwest Whitfield County High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
17 Somewhat Bikeable
County Safety
Elevated (1,022/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,130
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
73
Free/Reduced Lunch
63.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Whitfield County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Whitfield County
District Enrollment
12,151
Schools in District
22
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,284
District Rank
#10 of 22

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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