Northwest Rankin High School is a suburban public high school located in Flowood, Mississippi, United States. The school serves grades 9-12 and is part of the Rankin County School District. The school's attendance was approximately 1,700 students at the 2018 campus census.
Serving 1,855 students in grades 9-12, Northwest High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Mississippi for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 72% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 42%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Mississippi state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 60% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,855 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 48%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Btm 50% in MS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 72% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 67% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northwest High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Northwest High School's student population of 1,855 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 125 teachers has grown by 19% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,855 students
Total Classroom Teachers
125 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Orange, Blue, Purple, Green, Light Blue, Dark Blue
School Calendar
School Rankings
Northwest High School ranks within the top 20% of all 795 schools in Mississippi (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northwest High School is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#117 out of 795 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
72%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
55%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
Asian
4%
1%
Hispanic
5%
7%
Black
34%
45%
White
52%
40%
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cougar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northwest High School's ranking?
Northwest High School is ranked #117 out of 795 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi.
What schools are Northwest High School often compared to?
Northwest High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Brandon High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
72% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% MS state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% MS state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northwest High School?
The graduation rate of Northwest High School is 89%, which is equal to the Mississippi state average of 89%.
How many students attend Northwest High School?
1,855 students attend Northwest High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Northwest High School students are White, 34% of students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northwest High School?
Northwest High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 14:1.
What grades does Northwest High School offer ?
Northwest High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Northwest High School part of?
Northwest High School is part of Rankin County School District.
School Reviews
Review Northwest High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
