Northwood Junior High School

The vast majority of the teachers at Northwood are truly outstanding in their craft (and I don't say that easily). One received a golden apple recently, and I can think of several others who should receive one too. Like most public schools, Northwood has some mediocre teachers also who are kept around which is disappointing, but they are fewer and farther between than in our experience in other schools. The leadership is very dedicated, invested and always available, and they try to be innovative within the confines of the district and tenure/union rules. I couldn't give 5 stars though because they could be much more innovative and need to do something dramatic to get themselves off of the no child left behind, failing to meet adequate yearly progress list. The school also needs more extra curricular options. One thing many kids want to do is the annual play, but sadly two of the teachers who run it are unprofessional, yelling at the kids and favoring certain kids. So many parents and kids complain, but the same people are hired again to run the play the next year. These teachers turned my child (and many others) off of theater forever!
—Submitted by a parent

Now with 2 kids at Northwood I continue to be more impressed with the dedication of the teachers and staff. Each child is well known, strengths and weaknesses, and challenged accordingly. This is the most diverse school in Highland Park, with kids from Fort Sheridan and Highwood. Due to the nature of the transiency of military families, the test scores are skewed, but all the kids regardless of background are given the tools to excel if they choose to take advantage of them. The other schools in the district show better scores, but they have a less diverse population with one culture, which is fine, but not the real world (if that is what youu want for your kids)
—Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher at Northwood. The teachers at Northwood truly are invested in doing a great job and reaching all students regardless of their level. Maybe it is because we have a relatively smaller middle school (approx 450 students), but the commitment of the teachers is really inspiring. I am proud to work in this school!
—Submitted by a teacher

After attending Wayne Thomas elementry school which was outstanding, Northwood has been a real disappointment to my child. The teaching is reasonable but the leadership leaves much to be desired. Indeed, Ms. Ferrari, the principal, has been lacking in many facets of the job. My recommendation would be to avoid Northwood if possible
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school that gives each kid the opportunity to learn and grow. There are tons of pre and after school activities, sports, and the staff are wonderful. The great schools rating based on state standarized test scores can be misleading as this school is every bit as good as the others in District 112 Highland Park.
—Submitted by a parent

Any student attending this school will have a special experience because of the level of education that is expected from them and the social awarness they will experience.
—Submitted by a parent