Very Good
#460 of 1,850 schools in VA
Top 25% in state
Northwood High
High School · Smyth County Public Schools
PO Box Y, Saltville, VA 24370
Enrollment
230
Student-Teacher
12.8:1
Score
7.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
230
Student-Teacher
12.8:1
Score
7.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Saltville
#3 of 4
public schools
Virginia high schools
#98 of 323
In district
#9 of 13
Smyth County Public Schools
Academic performance
10.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Northwood High
Northwood High stands as an exceptional educational institution in Saltville, Virginia, serving 230 students in grades 9 through 12. This rural high school has earned remarkable recognition, ranking 13th out of 1,856 schools statewide and placing in the 99th percentile with an outstanding MySchoolScout rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 18 full-time equivalent teachers, Northwood maintains an intimate learning environment with a 12.8:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for personalized attention and strong student-teacher relationships.
The school's academic excellence shines through impressive test performance, with 86% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and 83% reaching proficiency in mathematics. These stellar results are particularly noteworthy given the school's community context. The surrounding ZIP code of 24370 has a median household income of $46,648 and a poverty rate of 22.7%, with 18% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher.
Northwood's ability to achieve such exceptional academic outcomes demonstrates the dedication of its educators and the potential of its student body. Located in rural Smyth County, Northwood High serves a close-knit community where median home values of $91,100 reflect the area's affordable, small-town character among the 5,730 residents.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Northwood High 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
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Northwood High — Students at Northwood High score 99% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 67%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 6 test records from VA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.9/10.
How Northwood High Compares
See how Northwood High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 92% (2019) to 100% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 82% (2019) to 98% (2025).
Location
PO Box Y, Saltville, VA 24370
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Northwood High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Holston High (rated 8.2/10, 15.6 miles away, in nearby Damascus), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Patrick Henry High (rated 7.7/10, 7.7 miles away, in nearby Glade Spring), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Richlands High (rated 7.4/10, 14.8 miles away, in nearby Richlands), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Saltville, see our Saltville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Saltville Elementary Saltville | 0.8 mi | 9.4 |
| Glade Spring Middle Glade Spring | 7.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Patrick Henry High Glade Spring | 7.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Chilhowie Middle Chilhowie | 7.1 mi | 8.6 |
| Chilhowie High Chilhowie | 7.2 mi | 6.4 |
| Chilhowie Elementary Chilhowie | 7.3 mi | 8.8 |
| MAIN STREET SCHOOL Cedar Bluff | 9.2 mi | 6.9 |
| Belfast Elementary Rosedale | 9.0 mi | 7.9 |
| Rich Valley Elementary Saltville | 8.2 mi | 8.6 |
| Northwood Middle Saltville | 8.3 mi | 6.7 |
| Meadowview Elementary Meadowview | 10.3 mi | 7.2 |
| FAITH ACADEMY Cedar Bluff | 12.5 mi | 4.9 |
| Oak Point Elementary Marion | 10.5 mi | 5.1 |
| Rhea Valley Elementary Meadowview | 13.8 mi | 5.9 |
| Cedar Bluff Elementary Cedar Bluff | 14.4 mi | 5.9 |
| Richlands High Richlands | 14.8 mi | 7.4 |
| Richlands Elementary Richlands | 15.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Richlands Middle Richlands | 15.0 mi | 6.3 |
| Swords Creek Elementary Swords Creek | 14.2 mi | 3.4 |
| Holston High Damascus | 15.6 mi | 8.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 24370 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$49,309
Median Home Value
$100,700
Median Rent
$597/mo
Population
5,740
College Educated
18.8%
Homeownership
76.9%
Avg Commute
29.9 min
Poverty Rate
20.5%
Median Age
43.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Northwood High has a median household income of $49,309. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $100,700, with a median rent of $597/month. The area has a poverty rate of 20.5%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 30 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 |
|---|---|
| CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL Christchurch, VA | 7.5 |
| TANDEM FRIENDS SCHOOL Charlottesville, VA | 7.5 |
| Bryant High Alexandria, VA | 7.4 |
| Sussex Central High Stony Creek, VA | 7.4 |
| THE NEW COMMUNITY SCHOOL Richmond, VA | 7.6 |
| CHATHAM HALL Chatham, VA | 7.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northwood High
What grades does Northwood High serve?
Northwood High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Northwood High?
Northwood High has an enrollment of approximately 230 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Northwood High?
The student-teacher ratio at Northwood High is 12.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Northwood High rank in VA?
Northwood High is ranked #460 out of 1,850 schools in VA.
What is Northwood High's MySchoolScout rating?
Northwood High has a composite rating of 7.5 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 Northwood High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Northwood High has 84.7% math proficiency and 85.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Northwood High a charter school?
No, Northwood High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Northwood High a Title I school?
No, Northwood High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northwood High?
100.9% of students at Northwood 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 230
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Smyth County
- Phone
- (276) 496-7751
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Smyth County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 3,892
- Schools in District
- 14
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,196
- District Rank
- #9 of 13
Other Schools in This District
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
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