Average
#1083 of 3,190 schools in MI
Top 34% in state
Northwestern High School
High School · Detroit Public Schools Community District
2200 W GRAND BLVD, Detroit, MI 48208
Enrollment
291
Student-Teacher
12.1:1
Score
6.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
291
Student-Teacher
12.1:1
Score
6.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Detroit
#37 of 150
public schools
Michigan high schools
#203 of 812
In district
#33 of 99
Detroit Public Schools Community District
School environment
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Northwestern High School
Northwestern High School serves 291 students in grades 9-12 in Detroit's 48208 neighborhood. This regular public high school maintains a favorable 12:1 student-teacher ratio with 24 full-time equivalent teachers, allowing for more personalized attention in the classroom. The school has earned recognition for its academic performance, ranking #310 out of 3,204 Michigan high schools and placing in the 90th percentile statewide with a MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 out of 10.
This strong ranking demonstrates the school's commitment to student achievement despite serving a community where nearly two in five residents live below the poverty line. Northwestern High School is located in a diverse urban neighborhood where the median household income is $24,046 and about 23% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The area's median home value sits at $162,700, reflecting the working-class character of this Detroit community.
The school's impressive state ranking suggests it provides quality educational opportunities for students in an environment that fosters academic growth. With its manageable size and strong teacher-to-student ratio, Northwestern High School offers a more intimate learning environment within Detroit's large city setting, serving families in a neighborhood that values educational advancement despite economic challenges.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Northwestern High School — Students at Northwestern High School score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 19%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
88.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 test records from MI 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: 5.5/10.
How Northwestern High School Compares
See how Northwestern High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 12% (2019) to 10% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 17% (2019) to 10% (2021).
Location
2200 W GRAND BLVD, Detroit, MI 48208
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Northwestern High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Central High School (rated 6.7/10, 1.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Detroit Lions Academy (rated 6.5/10, 1.2 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, University Preparatory Academy PSAD High School (rated 6.4/10, 1.5 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Detroit, see our Detroit schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.8 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 48208 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$29,742
Median Home Value
$186,700
Median Rent
$842/mo
Population
7,904
College Educated
26.6%
Homeownership
34.8%
Avg Commute
22.7 min
Poverty Rate
34.3%
Median Age
37.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Northwestern High School has a median household income of $29,742. It is an area where 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $186,700, with a median rent of $842/month. The area has a poverty rate of 34.3%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 23 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 |
|---|---|
| Athens JuniorSenor High School Athens, MI | 6.9 |
| Bath High School Bath, MI | 6.9 |
| Bellevue JrSr High School Bellevue, MI | 6.9 |
| Ecorse Community High School Ecorse, MI | 6.9 |
| Summerfield JuniorSenior High School Petersburg, MI | 6.9 |
| Troy College and Career High School Troy, MI | 6.9 |
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 291 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Northwestern High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Northwestern High School is 12.1:1. 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 MI?
Northwestern High School is ranked #1083 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Northwestern High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Northwestern High School has a composite rating of 6.9 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 Northwestern High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Northwestern High School has 11.0% math proficiency and 13.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
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?
88.3% 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.
Neighborhood Context
- Walk Score
- 58 Somewhat Walkable
- Transit Score
- 55 Good Transit
- Bike Score
- 80 Very Bikeable
- City Safety
- High (6,148/100K)
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Detroit). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 291
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 24
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 88.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Wayne County
- Phone
- (313) 596-0700
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Detroit Public Schools Community District- District Enrollment
- 48,271
- Schools in District
- 106
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,138
- District Rank
- #33 of 99
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 methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.