Below Average
#1163 of 1,363 schools in MD
Northwestern High
High School · Prince George's County Public Schools
7000 Adelphi Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20782
Enrollment
2,381
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
4.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,381
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
4.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Maryland schools
#1,163 of 1,363
In Hyattsville
#11 of 13
public schools
In district
#154 of 194
Prince George's County Public Schools
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Northwestern High
High School in Hyattsville · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Greenwood School Operated by Georgetown Hill
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Chelsea School
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Northwestern High
Northwestern High is a public high school in Hyattsville, MD, part of Prince George's County Public Schools. Northwestern High serves approximately 2,381 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Northwestern High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,163 of 1,363 schools in MD.
Structured state assessment records for Northwestern High show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 4.4 · Below Average
- District avg 5.5
- MD avg 6.1
What Parents Should Know
Northwestern High is a large school: 2,381 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
62% of students at Northwestern High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Northwestern High — Students at Northwestern High score 25% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 20%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
79.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)
Based on 28 test records from MD state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 4.5/10.
How Northwestern High Compares
See how Northwestern High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
7000 Adelphi Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20782
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Northwestern High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. College Park Academy (rated 8.2/10, 1.5 miles away, in nearby Riverdale), which scores notably higher. Another option is CHELSEA SCHOOL (rated 7.7/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, DEMATHA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 7.0/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Hyattsville, see our Hyattsville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| GREENWOOD SCHOOL OPERATED BY GEORGETOWN HILL Hyattsville | 0.4 mi | — |
| CHELSEA SCHOOL Hyattsville | 0.6 mi | 7.7 |
| University Park Elementary Hyattsville | 0.7 mi | 6.9 |
| Nicholas Orem Middle Hyattsville | 0.8 mi | 6.6 |
| Lewisdale Elementary Hyattsville | 0.7 mi | 4.4 |
| Edward M. Felegy ES Hyattsville | 0.9 mi | 8.1 |
| Hyattsville Middle Hyattsville | 1.1 mi | 5.7 |
| Rosa L. Parks Elementary Hyattsville | 1.2 mi | 3.9 |
| DEMATHA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Hyattsville | 1.3 mi | 7.0 |
| Hyattsville Elementary Hyattsville | 1.5 mi | 7.4 |
| ST JEROME ACADEMY Hyattsville | 1.6 mi | 5.6 |
| Cesar Chavez Elementary Hyattsville | 1.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Mary Harris Mother Jones Elem Adelphi | 1.8 mi | 4.4 |
| College Park Academy Riverdale | 1.5 mi | 8.2 |
| Riverdale Elementary Riverdale | 1.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Thomas S. Stone Elementary Mt. Rainier | 2.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Carole Highlands Elementary Takoma Park | 1.7 mi | 4.8 |
| Paint Branch Elementary College Park | 1.7 mi | 5.1 |
| Adelphi Elementary Adelphi | 2.1 mi | 4.9 |
| Langley Park-McCormick Elementary Hyattsville | 1.9 mi | 4.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 20782 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$88,226
Median Home Value
$431,300
Median Rent
$1,789/mo
Population
34,646
College Educated
37.3%
Homeownership
43.9%
Avg Commute
35.2 min
Poverty Rate
9%
Median Age
36.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Gaithersburg High Gaithersburg, MD | 4.4 |
| High Point High Beltsville, MD | 4.5 |
| Bladensburg High Bladensburg, MD | 4.7 |
| Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High Upper Marlboro, MD | 4.7 |
| South Hagerstown High Hagerstown, MD | 4.7 |
| Suitland High Suitland, MD | 4.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northwestern High
What grades does Northwestern High serve?
Northwestern High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Northwestern High?
Northwestern High has an enrollment of approximately 2,381 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Northwestern High?
The student-teacher ratio at Northwestern High is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Northwestern High rank in MD?
Northwestern High ranks #1,163 of 1,363 schools in MD.
What is Northwestern High's MySchoolScout rating?
Northwestern High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 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?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Northwestern High has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Northwestern High a charter school?
No, Northwestern High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Northwestern High a Title I school?
No, Northwestern High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northwestern High?
79.3% of students at Northwestern High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,381
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 143
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 79.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Prince George's County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 62.1%
- Phone
- (301) 985-1820
- 4-Year Graduation
- 71.0%
Resources & Links
District
Prince George's County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 131,310
- Schools in District
- 199
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,789
- District Rank
- #154 of 194
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