Northwood High

Posted: June 19, 2026

Posted: June 19, 2026

Posted: June 19, 2026

Posted: June 19, 2026

Posted: June 19, 2026

This school has been one of the most disappointing experiences I’ve ever had. From the administration to the student environment, it feels like nobody in charge actually cares about making the school a better place.

The administration is incredibly lazy when it comes to addressing serious issues even when a student brought a gun in the school they did help quickly enough. Students constantly report problems, but concerns are either ignored or buried under excuses. It often seems like administrators only step in when it benefits their image rather than when students genuinely need help. Many problems continue for months or even years without any meaningful action being taken.

The student culture is another major issue. There are students who openly make racist comments and treat others with disrespect, yet very little is done to stop it. Instead of creating a safe and welcoming environment, the school allows toxic behavior to continue. Some students act like thugs, intimidate others, disrupt classes, and make it difficult for people who actually want to learn. Unfortunately, these behaviors often go unchecked.

The school is also terrible when it comes to planning events and organizing schedules. Events are frequently poorly managed, confusing, or changed at the last minute. Students and families are expected to adjust to constant mistakes and miscommunication. The scheduling process feels completely disorganized, with classes, activities, and important dates often handled in a way that creates unnecessary stress and frustration.

On top of that, many students and parents feel like the school constantly finds ways to take money without providing much value in return. Fees, fundraisers, and event costs seem endless, yet it’s hard to see where that money is actually going. Events are often overpriced and poorly organized, leaving people feeling like they paid for something that wasn’t worth the cost.

Overall, this school suffers from poor leadership, terrible planning, weak accountability, and a negative student environment. Instead of focusing on student success, it feels like the people running the school are more interested in maintaining appearances while ignoring the real problems. I would not recommend this school to anyone looking for a supportive, organized, and respectful educational experience.

Posted: June 19, 2026

Posted: June 19, 2026

Posted: June 19, 2026

Posted: August 17, 2019

Posted: August 17, 2019

Posted: August 17, 2019

I was surprised to find nude art hanging in the school when I came to the art show. I don't think that is appropriate for high school.

Posted: August 17, 2019

Posted: August 17, 2019

Posted: August 17, 2019

Posted: August 17, 2019

My son has had a good experience at the school, but academically it was about 1 year behind the private school he used to attend.

Posted: July 24, 2018

This school has a very bad lack of leadership and these polls don't show how bad these lacks are. Principals sit in there offices way to much and they don't do much about anything but put a very over reduces phone policy but change the policy for teachers, Staff. That :Lies come out of this past admin well anti changing if just two Principals Resigning. The school district cut the Buses Department in half that is the worse any school can ever do to be very bad running school system. School needs a lot repair that is un acceptable for a school system to put other things first before that. Look at cuts this school system board has put in over the past years. What is this special interest Washington

Posted: July 24, 2018

Posted: July 24, 2018

To young not experiences ones Not okay

Posted: July 24, 2018

Posted: July 24, 2018

Very horrible leadership and the lack of it is over radded

Posted: July 24, 2018

They run like they are the special Interest Washington

Posted: July 24, 2018

They don't do much about it and takes days to do or weeks.

Posted: November 5, 2015

Posted: November 5, 2015

This school has 0% diversity, my child has came home numerous of times complaining about racist comments, and things that have happened. There is not leadership shown at Northwood, the principles aren't involved and my child has been begging me to leave. DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILD TO NORTHWOOD! I REPEAT, DO NOT!

Posted: November 5, 2015

Posted: November 5, 2015

Posted: August 20, 2015

Parents, and everyone else whom posted on here clearly just dismisses the fact that most people get sexually assaulted, or harrassed by other students in other grade levels, or get teachers that nearly couldn't give a squat for your well-being. I, am a small person, so I typically hitch a ride on someone's bookbag because THESE HALLS ARE TOO DAMN NARROW AND THERE'S WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE. Students AND TEACHERS have gotten thrown down the stairs, or trampled on. Others think that it's social time so they flock like damn sheep and refuse to get out of the way. Believe it or not, we STILL have problems with substance abuse at this school. There's cameras and microphones almost everywhere. Officer Stubbs, bless his heart, he is truly a miracle at this school. Dr.Bartholomew followed my graduating 8th grade class at Pollard to Northwood. So far so good. The man means well. What needs to be improved, is the mindset of parents everywhere, and the AC units that either DO NOT WORK, or have DEAD MOLDY ANIMALS/FOOD in them. I see a lot about the Arts wing and Clubs on here. Yeah, that stuff is great if you're rich and have Moms who stay at home. Good for you. Marching Band is EXPENSIVE. Vocals, you have to stay after for. Dance, you need leotards and have to stay after. Art, well you get a free ride. A lot of the clubs you have to provide with stuff yourself. Speaking on the parent who gave 1 STAR, there HAS been SEVERAL accidents on High School grounds. Yes, there has. Now with Doctor Offices, Bojangles, and other Fast Foods, IT'S GOING TO GET WORSE.

Posted: December 10, 2014

This school is fair at best. Most teachers are too young and inexperienced. As far as safety goes...there will be a fatal accident due to poor entrance/exit procedures and the lack of buses. Too many parents pickup their children to avoid the 75 minute bus ride home. Also the door to the separate math pod in the back is frequently unlocked.

Posted: April 27, 2014

Northwood high school has a wonderful arts ed department that has been growing during a time when other schools are either losing or reducing the size of their programs...I think that speaks volumes to the ability of the staff, students and the parents and community that support the program.

Posted: April 22, 2014

Pretty amazing school, teachers and staff really care about the students, and improvements to the school happen regularly.

Posted: February 16, 2014

As an alumnus of Northwood, I can say that this school provided a really wonderful high school experience. The Arts Education program is top notch - it provided me with the opportunity to learn under the direction of very capable dance, choral and theatre instructors, and to pursue a desire to perform. As an honors student, I excelled, but was still challenged, and learned from teachers who were very involved in the education of their students, and who were willing to work with those who needed help or review outside of class. Under the leadership of former Principal Blice, Northwood saw a dramatic change, going from a school were fighting and drugs were a problem to a place where I felt incredibly safe. The staff truly care about the well-being of their students, both in and outside the classroom.

Posted: January 16, 2014

Good solid school. Great staff. Opportunities to get involved.Principal and Staff very open and kind. Sports, Clubs wonderful knowledgeable guidance department. Every teacher in four years was great. One teacher in the English Department should be let go. Doesn't care about students. When they ask for help she shuts them down and doesn't guide the students. Junior's take this class usually. One teacher is unworthy. Thatxisca great record.

Posted: January 6, 2014

Already recognized as one of the top public high schools in the country. Just won JFK Arts Award (only 3 in NC). My kids have access to every type of club, activity, academic class, and sport. Only thing that could get better is the age of the building, but I am sure that is coming soon! A wonderful community school!

Posted: January 4, 2014

My daughter goes to Northwood and it is a great school, i love the Art Education program and the many activities for the students to participate in. My daughter is in AVID program which is greart in preparing them for the University.

Posted: January 4, 2014

Northwood continues to excel with balanced focus on academics, athletics, and the arts. This past year, student SAT scores increased by 15 points. Other recent highlights include Leah Smith, NHS Dance teacher, receiving the most votes nationwide in a the Teacher Shout Out contest sponsored by Herff-Jones; Senior Kelsey O'Daniel's selection as a member of the National High School Honors Ensemble to perform in Carnegie Hall in February; and for the second time, Northwood's selection as a Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts School of Excellence in North Carolina. It was one of only five NC schools recognized. Northwood previously received the award in 2002.

Posted: September 9, 2013

This was a wonderful highschool, I graduated from here in 2013 and loved every year. Some teachers were better at teaching their subjects than others, but over all, I did well. The administration was very helpful. Chris Blice is amazing. This school has many accomplishments under its belt, including being the school with the oldest dance program in the state. The arts program here is very strong and the clubs and sports available to students are very well rounded. This school has been a school of distinction multiple times in the past and continues to be the leader in the county as far as test scores.

Posted: September 12, 2011

The quality of the teachers has skyrocketed in the past 3 years. Thank goodness for Mr. Blise, the principle. I hope he will be with us for many years to come. This community needed him right when we got him. N.W.H.S has prospered in acedemics, social awareness, school spirit, respect and sports. It's a great thing.

Posted: August 18, 2011

We have two students now going to this school and they love it. Has a great Marching Band and director, plus, can't say enough about our principal who has turned this school around in a short period of time and make us proud of it. Thanks to all their hard work. PS. Love the art programs there.

Posted: August 15, 2011

This school is awesome. I'm proud to be a student. The arts and sports programs are amazing and are one of the best in the state.

Posted: March 2, 2011

I am a Northwood High School parent. We currently have one student at NHS. She is our 3rd to attend Northwood and is a junior. Unfortunately, NHS struggled during the years that our older two sons attended. On the bright side, today the school is a totally different story. We have the best of administration and instructors. We are so thankful for the change over the past 2 years and see the brightest of future for Northwood students. We will be proud to say that our daughter is a 2012 graduate of Northwood High School

Posted: January 9, 2011

My son transferred here his sophomore year. It was the best move for him. The teachers care, it is a great environment & the principal is amazing. He is graduating this year, and we are thankful got spent the past few years at Northwood.