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Average

#2183 of 3,813 schools in IL

Northwestern High School

High School · Northwestern CUSD 2

30889 Route 111, Palmyra, IL 62674

Enrollment

84

Student-Teacher

6.5:1

Score

5.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Illinois schools

#2,183 of 3,813

In Palmyra

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#1 of 3

Northwestern CUSD 2

School environment

8.6 / 10

Excellent

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Northwestern High School

5.9/10

High School in Palmyra · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Northwestern JR High School

3.4/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Northwestern Elem School

5.4/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Northwestern High School

Northwestern High School is a public high school in Palmyra, IL, part of Northwestern CUSD 2. Northwestern High School serves approximately 84 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 6.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Northwestern High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #2,183 of 3,813 schools in IL.

Structured state assessment records for Northwestern High School show 32% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.7 pts below IL schools
  • This school 5.9 · Average
  • IL avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

At 84 students, Northwestern High School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

At 6.5:1 students to teachers, Northwestern High School sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Northwestern High School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.4Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-5.37 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics3.5Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency10% (2021 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency10% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency10% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)23% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-13.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile16th
College Readiness6.6Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.6Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio6.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$21,915
Chronic Absenteeism31%

Northwestern High School — Students at Northwestern High School score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

57.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 32.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2021)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 38.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 27 test records from IL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
69.5%
ELA
69.5%
2010
Math
49.5%
ELA
49.5%
2011
Math
64.5%
ELA
54.5%
2012
Math
90%
ELA
69.5%
2013
Math
49.5%
ELA
49.5%
2014
Math
10%
ELA
49.5%
2015
Math
10%
ELA
49.5%
2016
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2017
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2018
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2019
Math
10%
ELA
30%
2020*
Math
10%
ELA
10%
2021*
Math
10%
ELA
10%
2022
ELA
10%

* 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: 5.4/10.

How Northwestern High School Compares

See how Northwestern High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.9/10
43th percentile in IL
Academic
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
5.4/10
Average
Environment
8.6/10
Excellent
Sports
11
5 boys' · 6 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
57%
Teaching Staff
7:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
31.0%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics11sports offered
5 boys'·6 girls'·11 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

30889 Route 111, Palmyra, IL 62674

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Northwestern High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Greenfield High School (rated 7.0/10, 13.5 miles away, in nearby Greenfield), which scores notably higher. Another option is Carlinville High School (rated 6.8/10, 12.7 miles away, in nearby Carlinville), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Waverly Jr/Sr High School (rated 6.7/10, 10.2 miles away, in nearby Waverly), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Palmyra, see our Palmyra schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 16.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Northwestern Jr High School Palmyra 0.0 mi 3.4
Northwestern Elem School Palmyra 0.1 mi 5.4
Waverly Elementary School Waverly 10.2 mi 5.3
Waverly Jr/Sr High School Waverly 10.2 mi 6.7
Franklin East Grade School Franklin 12.5 mi 8.0
Franklin Jr/Sr High School Franklin 12.6 mi 5.9
Franklin Elementary School Franklin 12.6 mi 8.4
Carlinville Intermediate School Carlinville 12.3 mi 7.0
Carlinville High School Carlinville 12.7 mi 6.8
Carlinville Middle School Carlinville 12.8 mi 5.6
Carlinville Primary School Carlinville 13.5 mi 7.2
North Mac Intermediate Girard 11.3 mi 4.2
North Mac Middle School Girard 11.3 mi 6.2
North Mac Elementary Virden 12.4 mi 4.6
North Mac High School Virden 12.6 mi 5.2
Greenfield High School Greenfield 13.5 mi 7.0
Greenfield Elem School Greenfield 13.6 mi 5.3
Auburn High School Auburn 16.7 mi 6.3
Auburn Middle School Auburn 16.7 mi 3.2
Auburn Elem School Auburn 16.7 mi 7.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 62674 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$54,196

Median Home Value

$102,600

Median Rent

$695/mo

Population

1,319

College Educated

13.6%

Homeownership

79.1%

Avg Commute

38.9 min

Poverty Rate

20.5%

Median Age

46.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Greenview Jr/Sr High School Greenview, IL 5.9
Pleasant Hill High School Pleasant Hill, IL 5.9
Chrisman High School Chrisman, IL 6.0
Valmeyer High School Valmeyer, IL 6.0
Brownstown High School Brownstown, IL 5.8
Thompsonville High School Thompsonville, IL 5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Northwestern High School

What grades does Northwestern High School serve?

Northwestern High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Northwestern High School?

Northwestern High School has an enrollment of approximately 84 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Northwestern High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Northwestern High School is 6.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Northwestern High School rank in IL?

Northwestern High School ranks #2,183 of 3,813 schools in IL.

What is Northwestern High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Northwestern High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Northwestern High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Northwestern High School has 32% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Northwestern High School a charter school?

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

Is Northwestern High School a Title I school?

No, Northwestern High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northwestern High School?

57.1% of students at Northwestern 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
5 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
84
Student-Teacher Ratio
6.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
57.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Macoupin County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
31.0%

District

Northwestern CUSD 2
District Enrollment
320
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$21,915
District Rank
#1 of 3

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