Northgate High School

This is a great school if you are looking for your child to spend a lot of time with Substitiute Teachers and watching videos to fill the time. The school is lax with accountability and keeps communications to parents about issues to a minimum.
—Submitted by a parent

Perhaps my review doesn't count, because I was blessed to be in the class of 1978, the first class to attend all 4 years at this brand new High School. Even having endured a teacher strike, this place was amazing and I learned so much there. We were surrounded by great teachers who truly cared for their students, phenomenal leadership in our administrators, and the students felt good about having a brand new school to attend. I cherish my time there, playing sports, participating in the music program, and being part of the Spanish language program. I hope and pray that today's students keep alive the great traditions begun way back in 1974, and they they appreciate the opportunity to carry on the tradition of excellence.

I am a former student who attended Northgate High School and graduated in 2010 and am currently a junior in college. Everyone has their own experiences in high school, based on their identity e.g. who their friends are, what groups they associate themselves with, etc. I was not a big fan of Northgate at the time; I was an average student earning not-so-impressive grades, I was not involved in as many groups, clubs as I would have liked (I was only involved with Be the Change Club and Softball)... Looking back, I now have an appreciation for the staff and school in general that I lacked three years ago. The parents are amazing and so supportive, the staff is okay, however, because of budget cuts the school's academic flare is beginning to flicker and dim. Although since I have left, they have added Mandarin to their Language Department. This is a good school. (Also, if you have any seniors preparing for college, DO NOT listen to the college counselor. She made me cry on my first day of my senior year, telling me I should not aim too high as to get my hopes up--because of my poor GPA. I was admitted to a 4-year University later that year and now have a better GPA than I did in HS.)
—Submitted by a student

I am currently finishing my Junior year at NHS. This school isn't bad overall but its definitely not all its hyped up to be. The main things I can complain about as a cynical teenager are the lack of windows in 95% of the classrooms, the repetitive schedule, the lame students and the horrible cafeteria food. I have had some awesome teachers but about as many who were just alright or that weren't too good. It seems the sports teams are good as well as the sports medicine, AP/Honors and band programs. Though I am not involved in a lot of activities, you can definitely find something to keep you busy if you want. Not such a big fan of the administration. If you live in the area, Northgate will more then serve its purpose as a place for your kids to get a education that will prepare them for college, however don't go out of your way to send your kids to this prison-like high school fortress of mediocrity.
—Submitted by a student

Northgate has a very strong parent support base and wide variety of of AP and Honors classes. I am very glad we are here and NOT at Las Lomas or Acalanes due to the neighborhood and the strong parental support. It does make a difference. GET INVOLVED and stop complaining. Even if you work fulltime, find a way to help.
—Submitted by a parent

Northgate was once a great school but it's now on a downward academic slide. There is no way it is a 10, maybe 8. The parents in this community are amazing but do not be fooled into thinking your kids will have the opportunity to pursue cutting edge academic goals. Get yourself over to LL or Acalanes. Northgate 'talks' academic excellence but the reality is they stop at 'good enough' and won't support a higher vision, even if the student asks for help. Wish they would wake up and turn this around.
—Submitted by a parent

Does this school have all-time lockers? Because I get lots of books and need an all-time locker.Or I might need a rolling backpack which won't be good.

Northgate is a great school, has wonderful programs for our kids, and awesome school spirit. Both my kids loved it there.
—Submitted by a parent

Northgate is a terrific school. The teachers and staff are hardworking and caring. They motivate the kids to do the best they can, and prepare them for life after high school. Our students are a great group of kids with a sense of community and school spirit. I can't say enough about our principal, we love him. Our only drawback is our school district, we if could get them in shape it would be even better.
—Submitted by a parent

Northgate high school is such a united school everyone is there for eachother. Our six man section at basketball games is one highlight of the year we are able to show our support. When a tragedy hits northgate we all come together and help eachother get through it. I defintaly think Northgate is the best school for many many reasons.
—Submitted by a student

Northgate is easily the best school around. I've spent time on the other campuses, and none of them even come close. The students are mean, stupid and/or very very annoying. The teachers are braggarts and don't know what they're talking about. Sure, the grounds might look a little nicer than ours, but that's not what really counts when it comes to a good school. We've got the best teachers and the best students around! Go Broncos!
—Submitted by a student

Northgate is a school full of excellent teachers and determined students that enjoy learning!
—Submitted by a student

I love Northgate High School because of our great athletics programs, our awesome teachers and staff, and also because we have the best sports medicine program here at Northgate.
—Submitted by a student

Northgate is the best school I've attended in my entire life! The entire student population is like a family, thanks to all the activities the school does together. We have tons of fun rallies and out of school activites. Even though its hard to love your teachers at times, I always realize how much I appreciated and liked them at the end of the year. We have a terrific athletics program and always have a good time.

Northgate is an amazing school. The staff and administration, as well as the students does everything we can to make our school the best we can be.
—Submitted by a student

I love Northgate of the ethnic diversity, safe classrooms, likeable teachers, and great student body.
—Submitted by a parent

NHS is an amazing school in that it helps students discover what is important to them via classes and organizations. It provides them with opportunities to take different paths, and figure it out in a positive environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Northgate because of our amazing music program. I have been a part of the jazz band since freshman year and we have won dozens of awards in the two years I have been in it. Last year we placed 3rd out of over 100 California high school jazz bands, even beating performing arts oriented schools. We also were selected to play in the Monterey Next Generation Festival last April, where only 12 high school jazz bands out of the US are selected to participate through audition. Despite all these prestigious honors, our music program is going to the least amount of music festivals/trips that we have ever gone on during my 3 years in the music department.
—Submitted by a student

At northgate we have really great students and staff. We have awesome sports teams and it is too bad that there is little support because our teams are the best around. Northgate is the best
—Submitted by a student

Northgate has: a wide variety of students, school spirit, classrooms that are out of number order (how cool is that?), we have a variety of AP/honours classes, our teachers actually know how to teach, and more. Our school is better than the rest.
—Submitted by a student