Northern High School is a public secondary school located in northern Durham, North Carolina. Northern's principal Danny Gilfort was succeeded by Emmet Alexander as of January 2024. 1536 students were enrolled at Northern for the 2017???018 school year. Northern is one of Durham's seven public high schools.
Serving 1,334 students in grades 9-12, Northern High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55-59% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 39% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,334 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 83% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northern High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Northern High School's student population of 1,334 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 81 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,334 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
81 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue, Gold
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
School Mascot
Wild Boars
School Rankings
Northern High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northern High School is 0.67, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1375 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)55-59%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
37%
21%
Black
41%
25%
White
16%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)83%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
63%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northern High School's ranking?
Northern High School is ranked #1375 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Northern High School often compared to?
Northern High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Riverside High School, C E Jordan High School, Hillside High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northern High School?
The graduation rate of Northern High School is 83%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Northern High School?
1,334 students attend Northern High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Northern High School students are Black, 37% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northern High School?
Northern High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
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 Durham Public Schools.
School Reviews
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