Northern High School is a public secondary school located in Owings, Calvert County, Maryland, United States. In 2023, 1,553 students attended the school.
Serving 1,511 students in grades 9-12, Northern High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 52% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 77% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Maryland state average of 68% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,511 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 20% in MD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 52% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 77% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 69% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northern High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Northern High School's student population of 1,511 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 83 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,511 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
83 teachers
Year Founded
1973
Colors
Red, white and blue
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. Jun 13, 2026
School Motto
WE. ARE. NORTHERN.
School Rankings
Northern High School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northern High School is 0.48, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#109 out of 1338 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
77%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
36%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
7%
Hispanic
6%
23%
Black
11%
33%
White
71%
32%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
96%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
17%
44%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northern High School's ranking?
Northern High School is ranked #109 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are Northern High School often compared to?
Northern High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Huntingtown High School, Calvert High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
52% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 77% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northern High School?
The graduation rate of Northern High School is 96%, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 86%.
How many students attend Northern High School?
1,511 students attend Northern High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Northern High School students are White, 11% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Northern High School?
Northern High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Northern High School offer ?
Northern High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Northern High School part of?
Northern High School is part of Calvert County School District.
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