Northwestern Middle School in Alpharetta

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	10/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement, and using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade (EOG) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.
Student Growth	5/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.

Posted: May 16, 2026

The bullying here is out of control and the administration does very little to deal with it. To the point of watching it happen or allowing certain groups of kids and parents to push other kids around. Teachers are meh at best with many unable to control their classrooms. Highly recommend avoiding this school and Milton HS that it feeds into

Posted: August 28, 2025

favoritism is at an all time high. roaches everywhere. racial discrimination. a certain PE teacher doesn't even care about the class.

Posted: June 6, 2025

Hi. This place is literally hell. Whenever I have to walk through the halls I feel like tearing my ears off because they never even try to get kids to be quiet in the hallwayswhich, even though its not really the schools fault, is a terrible sensory overload for autistic students and alike. Administration doesnt deal with bullying seriously and the teachers dont seem to care. Theres also no representation for almost anyone anywhere. Theres barely any representation of my country, Thailand, except for one (very cool) teachers classroom and that was because it was a social studies class. Theres no LGBTQIA+ representation either. This really hurts as I am very queer and feel like there arent any safe places in the building for me. The school also never gets anyone in trouble for being homophobic or transphobic. White boys also scream the n-word in the halls with seemingly no consequences. I hate going to this place and it severely damages my mental health.

In short, this place doesnt take bullying seriously enough, walking in the hallways will make you go insane, and there is no representation of minorities. I hate this place, only the school music groups are good, everything else is terrible.

Posted: May 11, 2025

The absolute worst school I have ever looked at. Bullying and racism are not dealt with my administration. The people in leadership roles are a big part of the toxicity. Kids do not feel safe going to assistant principal and principal because nothing is ever done. The school lies about test scores, discipline, and everything is for show. I would never recommend working here and as a parent, I would never send my child here.

Posted: July 6, 2024

This is a fantastic school and everybody loves it here

Posted: January 4, 2024

The faculty and staff are caring and do a great job of ensuring all children understand the concepts being taught. Communication with parents is great and each educator ensures parents are made aware proactively of any potential hiccups so issues can be addressed before they become problems. Parents are encouraged and do participate actively in school programs. Overall a very great school I would highly recommend.

Posted: November 16, 2023

I was so sad and depressed my 3 years there. I fell into drug addiction (which i only ever gained access to at this school.) I was also constantly bullied by other students. I never got any support regardless of me talking to the counselor and sending in tips. Some teachers made my time there bearable but someone needs to get this school in check

Posted: November 5, 2023

The teachers and leadership are very involved with the needs of the students and the community. They foster an environment of inclusion and high achievement. No student is left behind.

Posted: February 15, 2023

Good communication from teachers and administration. Grading policies seem fair. I have had two children at this school. Middle school is usually a tough age, but NWM offers a wide range of activities for students.

Posted: April 16, 2022

The new principal is doing a great job. I believe theres been quite an improvement from previous years.

Posted: December 15, 2021

this school is literally the worst, almost every one is racist one kid literally said white power and called me the n-word

Posted: December 15, 2021

Posted: September 15, 2021

This school is terrible. The food is disgusting and there are cockroaches everywhere. My children got bullied.

Posted: September 15, 2021

Posted: September 2, 2021

This school has a principal that really cares and some great teachers like Ms. Dierdorf, Mrs. Godfrey, Mrs. Wylie, Mr. Winter, Mrs. Deal, Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Petty and Mrs. Robinson. But on the other hand, there are some that aren't that great like Mr. Gregory and some that shouldn't even be in the same classroom as students like Mrs. Pena.

Posted: September 2, 2021

Posted: August 18, 2021

Your kids have no fun and there is so little to do. Everone even the teachers use profanity. The bathrooms are disgusting and they do no fun activitys. You should never send your child here.

Posted: April 19, 2021

I have been thoroughly impressed with Northwestern since day 1 of our daughter attending. A top notch school in a great city.

Posted: April 19, 2021

Posted: January 15, 2021

If you have an average child- or if your child needs more significant levels of service- you will be fine. Should you fall between those two, just know you will not find help here.

Posted: June 2, 2020

Had 3 kids go to this middle school and overall had a great experience. They were all totally prepared for high school and received a great education while at Northwestern.

Posted: June 2, 2020

Posted: October 19, 2019

Northwestern middle school and it's administration, have proven high quality educational service. I am both a realtor and a parent! My son was struggling severely at his previous school which is also a great school in Alpharetta however, at Northwestern he has shown growth and strength and is now thriving! The academics and staff at the school are phenomenal. I had the honor and pleasure of Volunteer in several times and got to see 1st hand how did administration takes care of our children! Even the students show high regard of their education, respect of their peers and discipline! Clearly this is a reflection of the school as a whole! I believe the parents can be more hands on in assisting this community to thrive even further. I have 3 children 2 of which are in college and moved to 6 different schools...... I can recognize a good school when I see it. Thank you, faculty and administration at Northview middle school. All the hard work and long hours you put in, to better our community, assist and prepare our children for their future will not go unrecognized.

Posted: October 19, 2019

Posted: October 2, 2019

I can't stand the school. This place might have been good a while ago but no more - last good reviews here were 2013 and before. There are some good (even excellent) teachers but at least 50% just dial it in & pop in videos 5 days a week that don't relate at all to the tests or quizzes. This seems to be true at most public schools lately with everyone giving the kids a tablet and expecting them to teach themselves. Even though at least half the teachers are terrible what is really awful at NWMS is the administration. Cannot wait till we're done here.

Posted: April 28, 2019

As a realtor I always collect as much information as I can about the school districts the houses I am selling are in. The leadership at this school has not taken the time or trouble to state anything about the schools academics, awards, any details about the school. Most all other schools are proud enough of their successes to post on their site. I'm struggling to find anything positive information on this school.

Posted: April 28, 2019

As a realtor I always collect as much information as I can about the school districts the houses I am selling are in. The leadership at this school has not taken the time or trouble to state anything about the schools academics, awards, any details about the school. Most all other schools are proud enough of their successes to post on their site. I'm struggling to find anything positive information on this school.

Posted: August 27, 2018

When my 6th grader wanted to change from French to Spanish, we were told the only option was to take online Spanish. No support, no care from leadership left us very frustrated and disappointed. She is struggling and feels isolated.

Posted: August 27, 2018

Disappointed at the lack of support and compassion from leadership.

Posted: August 3, 2018

Most kids are control freaks this is not ok

Posted: August 3, 2018

They do not show any signs of leadership

Posted: August 3, 2018

Good enough to go there again, overall it is ok

Posted: August 3, 2018

They do not explain well as this does not help students

Posted: April 16, 2017

The teachers have NO RESPECT for students. There are some good teachers though but only a handful in my three years there.

Posted: September 28, 2016

DISCLAIMER:
I hesitated and hesitated from going public with my experience, just giving the administration every chance to make things right, but I've now lost my patience.

SUMMARY:
The actions of Mr. Chester (principal) and Mr. Locke (assistant principal) clearly demonstrate that they are either a) utterly apathetic to their students education or b) simply incompetent at their jobs.

MY STORY:
Our daughter was put in a class that required 2 years of prerequisite classes, yet she never received those. Her puzzled teacher escalated this both to us (parents) and the administration, exclaiming there is no way our daughter could pass a 3rd year class without the prior 2 years of prep required. Understanding the teacher was simply doing her job, I looked to the administration to provide an alternative option. However, after repeatedly escalating this to Mr. Chester and Mr. Locke, I was told every single time, "too bad we're not offering a solution". Two months into the school year now, the teacher has given up, is not even assigning our daughter any work, nor asking her to take the tests, so she's surely going to fail. The administration says, it doesn't matter, we'll just scratch it from her transcript at the end of the year. Deal with it!

IN CLOSING
I've learned NWS has some great teachers, but I'm very disappointed in the administration. I hope others are having a better experience than we are.

Posted: November 25, 2013

We've had great school experiences in the past, but Northwestern is at the top of the list. The administration and teachers are fantastic. Our 6th grader loves her school. Quality education and good extra curricular programs.

Posted: October 24, 2013

I have an 8th grader and a 6th grader in this school and can't wish for a better school. They both get the education they need, each on their own level. The after school clubs are wonderful, teachers communicate very well and the principle is very involved. I only wish school days were shorter! They have no free time at all on weekdays between coming home at 4.40 and home work., but that's a problem for most schools, not just NMS.

Posted: October 23, 2013

NMS is a great school! They get students excited about school with their many clubs and extracurricular activities. The teachers challenge the students, and parent/teacher communication is top notch!

Posted: March 9, 2013

I have two children attending this school and I am very pleased. The Principal is exceptional. She really puts the kids' best interest first and is a strong leader. I have a gifted child and an advanced child and they are both academically challenged and thriving. I also had a positive experience with the counseling department when my younger daughter was anxious about starting a new school without knowing anyone. Her counselor set her up with other girls at lunch and they remain friends to this day. I am also impressed by the number of after school clubs they offer.

Posted: November 28, 2012

This is one of the worst schools i ever been to. It's impossible to get A's because they expect you to do high school work, and they don't know how to handle situations.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Heritage Farms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Marietta	GA		10.2 mi
2	Garden Hills	Condominium/Townhouse	Atlanta	GA		18.3 mi

Base	Distance
Dobbins ARB	16.1 mi.
Fort Gillem	32.7 mi.
Camp Frank D Merrill	39 mi.

Northwestern Middle School

Alpharetta, GA 30004

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Northwestern Middle School

Alpharetta, GA 30004

School Ratings

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