Northwestern High School

Summary:

Northwestern High School is a public high school serving 353 students in grades 9-12 in West Salem, Ohio. The school is part of the Northwestern Local School District, which is ranked 221 out of 839 school districts in the state and has a 4-star rating.

Northwestern High School stands out for its strong academic performance, with consistently higher proficiency rates than the state average on Ohio State Tests, including in subjects like American Government (86.3% vs. 69.1%), American History (84.7% vs. 68.5%), and Biology (74.4% vs. 62.9%). The school also maintains high four-year graduation rates, ranging from 93.1% to 97.3%, well above the state average. Additionally, Northwestern has a robust program for gifted and talented students, ranking 82 out of 280 Ohio high schools in this category.

Compared to nearby schools like Mapleton Virtual Academy and Ashland-W Holmes Career Center, Northwestern High School has a larger student population, higher academic performance, and a more diverse racial makeup. However, the nearby schools have lower chronic absenteeism rates and lower student-to-teacher ratios, which are areas of concern for Northwestern High School in recent years.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 7473 N Elyria Rd
       West Salem, OH  44287-9790


(419) 846-3833

District: Northwestern Local

SchoolDigger Rank:
336th of 864 Ohio High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $15,734 Help


Feeder schools for Northwestern High School:

Elementary:    Northwestern Elementary School
Middle:    Northwestern Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  13.7 Help
Number of students:  334

Racial breakdown:

White:
95.2%
Hispanic:
2.7%
Two or more races:
1.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  47.6% Help


 See top rated Ohio high schools

 Compare Northwestern High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Northwestern High School ranks better than 61.1% of high schools in Ohio. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 59.65. (See more...)
Help
The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Northwestern High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (95.2%), Hispanic (2.7%), two or more races (1.8%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 47.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Northwestern High School is 13.7. (See more...)
Help
Compare Northwestern High School employs 24.3 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Northwestern High School is $15,734.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Northwestern High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Northwestern High School 336th of 864 Ohio public high schools. (See Northwestern High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Male students:
White students:


Northwestern Local:

SchoolDigger ranks Northwestern Local 221st of 839 Ohio school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Northwestern High School?

Rank History for Northwestern High School

Help
Compare

Rank History for all students at Northwestern High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools OH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 83.26 101st 681 85.2%
2005 76.09 138th 689 80.0%
2006 77.63 103rd 696 85.2%
2007 69.97 193rd 756 74.5%
2008 63.92 311th 767 59.5%
2009 67.67 265th 791 66.5%
2010 62.05 388th 819 52.6%
2011 63.74 372nd 818 54.5%
2012 66.35 324th 832 61.1%
2013 61.62 368th 767 52.0%
2014 66.62 272nd 769 64.6%
2015 69.70 158th 778 79.7%
2016 68.96 164th 784 79.1%
2017 57.07 314th 773 59.4%
2018 62.25 283rd 800 64.6%
2019 57.85 369th 836 55.9%
2021 62.86 251st 819 69.4%
2022 61.45 295th 836 64.7%
2023 60.62 332nd 867 61.7%
2024 59.65 336th 864 61.1%
See the entire list of Ohio High School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Northwestern High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools OH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 46.50 280th 614 54.4%
See the entire list of Best Ohio High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Northwestern High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools OH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 53.48 350th 758 53.8%
2019 60.13 320th 779 58.9%
2021 79.15 66th 763 91.3%
2022 62.29 270th 773 65.1%
2023 57.95 340th 805 57.8%
2024 54.63 388th 822 52.8%
See the entire list of Best Ohio High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Northwestern High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools OH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 62.60 243rd 751 67.6%
2019 48.91 510th 781 34.7%
2021 61.08 299th 775 61.4%
2022 59.83 343rd 794 56.8%
2023 61.91 340th 813 58.2%
2024 68.27 254th 798 68.2%
See the entire list of Best Ohio High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Northwestern High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools OH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 29.84 432nd 596 27.5%
See the entire list of Best Ohio High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Northwestern High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools OH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 71.92 74th 538 86.2%
2019 41.84 204th 272 25.0%
2021 47.64 236th 349 32.4%
2023 69.29 81st 308 73.7%
2024 69.90 82nd 280 70.7%
See the entire list of Best Ohio High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Northwestern High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools OH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 47.54 400th 763 47.6%
2019 51.19 453rd 792 42.8%
2021 66.45 226th 778 71.0%
2022 65.07 274th 808 66.1%
2023 61.72 333rd 819 59.3%
2024 54.80 412th 816 49.5%
See the entire list of Best Ohio High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Northwestern High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools OH State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 49.09 335th 718 53.3%
2019 52.63 400th 739 45.9%
2021 60.50 266th 727 63.4%
2022 57.81 323rd 749 56.9%
2023 56.74 348th 756 54.0%
2024 55.29 376th 754 50.1%
See the entire list of Best Ohio High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Ohio Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Northwestern High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 



Data source: Ohio Department of Education

We're sorry, but no reviews have been submitted for Northwestern High School.

If you have first-hand knowledge about Northwestern High School, submit a rating!


Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!


Enrollment information for Northwestern High School

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 485 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 485
1989 466 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 466
1990 421 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 421
1991 419 0 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 421
1992 393 0 2 2 0 n/a n/a 0 397
1993 386 0 1 3 1 n/a n/a 0 391
1994 409 1 1 0 1 n/a n/a 0 412
1995 437 2 0 4 1 n/a n/a 0 444
1996 437 2 0 4 1 n/a n/a 0 444
1997 437 0 0 3 0 n/a n/a 0 440
1998 434 0 3 1 0 n/a n/a 0 438
1999 454 0 1 0 1 n/a n/a 0 456
2000 452 0 1 1 0 n/a n/a 0 454
2001 448 0 1 1 0 n/a n/a 0 450
2002 451 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 452
2003 451 0 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 452
2004 470 0 1 0 2 n/a n/a 0 473
2005 473 0 1 1 2 n/a n/a 2 479
2006 474 1 1 0 1 n/a n/a 3 480
2007 480 1 1 2 0 n/a n/a 2 486
2008 489 2 1 2 2 n/a n/a 3 499
2009 467 2 0 3 1 n/a n/a 2 475
2010 393 3 1 3 1 n/a n/a 4 405
2011 381 3 0 4 1 0 3 0 392
2012 388 3 0 3 0 0 5 0 399
2013 378 2 2 6 0 0 6 0 394
2014 393 0 0 7 0 0 2 0 402
2015 409 1 0 9 0 0 2 0 421
2016 406 2 1 14 0 0 2 0 425
2017 392 2 0 8 0 0 5 0 407
2018 393 2 0 11 0 0 8 0 414
2019 364 2 1 8 0 0 7 0 382
2020 381 2 0 3 0 0 5 0 391
2021 351 1 1 7 0 0 6 0 366
2022 333 0 1 6 0 0 5 0 345
2023 338 0 0 7 0 0 8 0 353
2024 318 1 0 9 0 0 6 0 334

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Northwestern High School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 485 23.0 21.0 0
1989 466 23.0 20.2 n/a
1990 421 22.1 19.0 n/a
1991 421 23.1 18.2 n/a
1992 397 22.0 18.0 7.3
1993 391 21.4 18.3 9
1994 412 23.3 17.7 10.2
1995 444 23.8 18.7 5.9
1996 444 23.8 18.7 5.9
1997 440 24.3 18.1 7.7
1998 438 22.3 19.6 10.5
1999 456 20.8 21.9 14.5
2000 454 23.9 19.0 16.7
2001 450 25.4 17.7 19.1
2002 452 25.9 17.5 20.6
2003 452 25.9 17.5 20.6
2004 473 26.8 17.6 34.9
2005 479 24.6 19.5 18
2006 480 25.6 18.8 20.3
2007 486 25.9 18.8 24.2
2008 499 27.5 18.1 n/a
2009 475 26.8 17.7 29.2
2010 405 24.1 16.7 45.1
2011 392 24.3 16.0 49.2
2012 399 26.1 15.2 46.6
2013 394 26.1 15.0 52.3
2014 402 26.2 15.3 42.5
2015 421 n/a n/a 43
2016 425 28.0 15.1 38.6
2017 407 28.3 14.3 42.8
2018 414 29.2 14.1 38.4
2019 382 29.2 13.0 34.6
2020 391 27.6 14.1 34
2021 366 25.6 14.2 n/a
2022 345 25.9 13.2 n/a
2023 353 24.4 14.4 39.4
2024 334 24.3 13.7 47.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Northwestern High School

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 485 23.0 21.0 0
1989 466 23.0 20.2 n/a
1990 421 22.1 19.0 n/a
1991 421 23.1 18.2 n/a
1992 397 22.0 18.0 7.3
1993 391 21.4 18.3 9
1994 412 23.3 17.7 10.2
1995 444 23.8 18.7 5.9
1996 444 23.8 18.7 5.9
1997 440 24.3 18.1 7.7
1998 438 22.3 19.6 10.5
1999 456 20.8 21.9 14.5
2000 454 23.9 19.0 16.7
2001 450 25.4 17.7 19.1
2002 452 25.9 17.5 20.6
2003 452 25.9 17.5 20.6
2004 473 26.8 17.6 34.9
2005 479 24.6 19.5 18
2006 480 25.6 18.8 20.3
2007 486 25.9 18.8 24.2
2008 499 27.5 18.1 n/a
2009 475 26.8 17.7 29.2
2010 405 24.1 16.7 45.1
2011 392 24.3 16.0 49.2
2012 399 26.1 15.2 46.6
2013 394 26.1 15.0 52.3
2014 402 26.2 15.3 42.5
2015 421 n/a n/a 43
2016 425 28.0 15.1 38.6
2017 407 28.3 14.3 42.8
2018 414 29.2 14.1 38.4
2019 382 29.2 13.0 34.6
2020 391 27.6 14.1 34
2021 366 25.6 14.2 n/a
2022 345 25.9 13.2 n/a
2023 353 24.4 14.4 39.4
2024 334 24.3 13.7 47.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Northwestern High School

Help

YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $12,466
2022 $12,925
2023 $13,324
2024 $15,734

Data source: Ohio Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Northwestern High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 369th of 836 High schoolsRanks 332nd of 867 High schools
 5.8%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course American Government (Northwestern High School)93.978.4
 15.5%
   End of Course American Government (Northwestern Local)92.678.4
 14.2%
   End of Course American Government (Ohio)77.772
 5.7%
End of Course American History (Northwestern High School)92.383.3
 9%
   End of Course American History (Northwestern Local)93.283.3
 9.9%
   End of Course American History (Ohio)78.169.7
 8.4%
End of Course Biology (Northwestern High School)83.980.6
 3.3%
   End of Course Biology (Northwestern Local)82.680.6
 2%
   End of Course Biology (Ohio)73.763.7
 10%
End of Course English II (Northwestern High School)68.463
 5.4%
   End of Course English II (Northwestern Local)6563
 2%
   End of Course English II (Ohio)66.260.8
 5.4%
End of Course Geometry (Northwestern High School)3541.3
 6.3%
   End of Course Geometry (Northwestern Local)37.341.3
 4%
   End of Course Geometry (Ohio)50.141.8
 8.3%
End of Course Algebra I (Northwestern High School)38.950.6
 11.7%
   End of Course Algebra I (Northwestern Local)61.859.3
 2.5%
   End of Course Algebra I (Ohio)61.153
 8.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students382353
 7.6%
African American20
 100%
American Indian00
Asian10
 100%
Hispanic87
 12.5%
Pacific Islander00
White364338
 7.1%
Two or More Races78
 14.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients34.6%39.4%
 4.8%


Schools Near Northwestern High School









Frequently Asked Questions about Northwestern High School

Students at Northwestern High School are 95% White, 3% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races.

Northwestern High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Northwestern Elementary School
Middle : Northwestern Middle School

In the 2023-24 school year, 334 students attended Northwestern High School.

Northwestern High School ranks 336th of 864 Ohio high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.


Rate Northwestern High School!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Northwestern High School!




SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Ohio Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 910 milliseconds.