Shawnee Mission Northwest High School

The teachers are great and very caring, for the most part. So is the staff in general. The worst thing is that it's a rich kids' school. As in, spoiled rich kids. If you aren't rich or if your parents aren't well known, you're nobody and you will be treated as such (by the other students). If you are an introvert, then you'd better develop some thick skin because you WILL be picked on or treated like you aren't there at all. School uniforms would eliminate about 80% of the problem.
--Submitted by a parent

SMNW has really a great academic program and also a good sports program - esp. if you're interested in cross country or track. Most of the teachers are good - but like any school there's a few acceptions. Not as bad as a reputation as some people give it. And it's a lot better than most schools in the area - a lot less of the 'cliques' go on since it is a bigger school.
--Submitted by a student

Academically, this school is fine. Socially, if you do not fit into a clique, your high school career will be awful. Teachers and administration do nothing to help students that do not socially fit in. On the bright side, if you do fit into a group, the school has a lot to offer.
--Submitted by Noah Siegel, a student

Because of No Child Left Behind, their accreditation is being closely scrutinized. This does not accurately reflect the school. It is an excellent school. They received a blue ribbon a few years ago. Northwest is also in the process of starting the International Baccalaureate program, with attracts very motivated, high achieving students. An award winning journalism department, Thespian Troupe (drama), choir, band, and orchestra truthfully depicts the emphasis that this school places on the arts. Also, the cross country team is the best in the state, and has been for the past 12 years. The administration is somewhat stubborn and resistant to change, and does not give students a workable to voice opinions, however.
--Submitted by a student

This school has excellent staff and great opportunities. However, the student body, like most rich Johnson County schools, are pathetic. They care more about sports and partying than they do about the academics. This school is verging on the ONLY school in JOHNSON COUNTY that is not fully accredited. I would recommend this school, but if your child tends to be picked on, avoid like the plague.
--Submitted by a parent

Great variety of academcic programs and extracurricular activities.
--Submitted by a former student

SMNW provided a multitude of academic programs that are appealing to college app.reviewers. Music/arts/sports are diverse. Nationally recognized quality teachers are the draw for this school! As a former student, college grad and parent of a high schooler, I have always compared the schools my children have attended with SMNW, and have drawn the conclusion that I was very fortunate to have attended this school. My attendance here without doubt enhanced my college apps. College admins always seemed familiar with SMNW and the SM school district in general. I have kept tabs on SMNW's development via friends and relatives in the area, and I know they cont. to retain high quality teachers.
--Submitted by K. Petersen, a former student

Shawnee Mission Northwest is top notch. I cannot say enough good things about it. Their music programs are excellent, especially choir. There is something for everyone. The boy's cross country team is excellent and all of the sports teams for the most part are great. Parents are very involved in the school through the PTSA. They also help coordinate activities such as school plays, teacher appreciation, booster clubs, et cetera. It is probably one of the best schools in all of Kansas. Plus, it's a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School.
--Submitted by a parent

I believe that this school is great with the exception of the SRO officers. I fully agree with my son that they have nothing better to do than to look for cars that are parked in rows D-J. I find this insanly pathetic and belive that this need to end.
--Submitted by a parent