A Brief History of Northwood Middle School
Northwood Middle School was opened in 1965 as a combination elementary and middle school. Each school had its own principal but shared the office and library facilities. In 1979 a program for gifted and talented students was introduced at Northwood. This program continued into the early 1980’s when it was disbanded and students returned to their home schools for a modified program based on the experimental model used at Northwood.
With the 1999–2000 school year, Northwood faced a major change when a second middle school opened in the area. The student body was reduced from over 1200 to about 900 students. Teachers were transferred and support staff were reduced. All portable classrooms were removed from the grounds and floating teachers were eliminated.
In January, 2008, a new era for Northwood Middle began when we moved into a new building that was erected next door to the old one. The new building came equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Every classroom is equipped with a Promethean Board. There are three computer labs, as well as three portable computer labs. We presently have approximately 835 students with 55 teachers.
Purpose
Purpose grows from the core values and beliefs. It should be a broad, flexible, inspirational, and enduring statement that grabs the “soul” of each organizational member.
The purpose of Northwood Middle School is to assist all students in attaining their fullest potential as a contributing member of society.
Mission
Mission is a brief, clear, and compelling goal that serves to unify an organization’s efforts. An effective mission must stretch and challenge the organization, yet be achievable.
The mission of Northwood Middle School is to develop responsible educated citizens by providing a variety of meaningful learning experiences.
Values and Beliefs
Values and beliefs are the shaping force behind the shared vision. They form the core of who we are, our ideas and beliefs about the work that we do, and how we think and feel about the work to be done at Northwood.
We believe…
- Each student has unique abilities and the potential for learning.
- The home, community, student, and school share responsibility in the learning process.
- The home, community, student, and school will work as a team.
- Learning is a continuous and life-long process.
- The school will promote respect, responsibility, and integrity.
- The inclusion of cultural diversity enriches the learning environment.
Letter From Mr. Lee
Dear Northwood Middle School Parents and Students,
I have the distinct pleasure of sharing some truly exceptional news with all of you: The South Carolina School Report Cards were made public today, and Northwood Middle School has once again earned the highest rating of "Excellent" with a total of 68 points! Not only is this a remarkable achievement, but our point total also makes us the highest-rated middle school in Greenville County.
These points are a comprehensive measure of our performance and encompass various aspects, including:
- Student academic achievement in math, ELA, and 6th-grade science
- Student academic growth in math, ELA, and 6th-grade science
- Multilingual Learners progress toward language acquisition goals
- Climate perceptions of students, parents, and teachers
This achievement is a testament to our students, teachers, and staff's tireless work, dedication, and commitment. It also reflects the exceptional learning environment we've fostered here at Northwood, focused on ALL students' growth and well-being.
We have planned some special events for tomorrow, Wednesday, October 11th, to celebrate our significant accomplishment. Our staff and students are cordially invited to enjoy a free dress-down day! Our wonderful PTA will also provide all students and staff with complimentary ice cream sandwiches at lunch.
I am profoundly proud of our achievements and feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such an exceptional school community. It's an honor to call myself a Northwood Knight, and I am confident that we will continue to build upon these achievements.
Thank you for your continuous support and engagement. Your involvement makes Northwood Middle School not just a place of learning, but a community where everyone thrives.
Warm regards,
Mr. Lee
Principal, Northwood Middle School
Northwood Middle School SC School Report Card
School Profile, Portfolio, & Reports
NMS School Portfolio 2018/19 - 2022/23
NMS School Report Card 2023-24
NMS Annual Report to the Community 2022-23
GCS Blueprint Strategic Plan 2023
NMS Menu of Options to Ensure Student Success 2024-25
Northwood Designated as National Forum School to Watch
In February 2022, Northwood was designated as a School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. Our emphasis on strong academics, sensitivity to young adolescents' needs and interests, and commitment to providing all students equal access to a high-quality education resulted in this well-deserved recognition. Schools to Watch 2022 Press Release 02/14/2022
Northwood Promising Practices School
We are honored to announce that Northwood was recently recognized by Solution Tree as a Promising Practices Professional Learning Community at Work® for our initial success in raising student achievement! Solution Tree stated, "Northwood Middle School’s commitment to implementing the PLC at Work process has been a major contributing factor in making a visible, positive impact on student learning." To learn more about this recognition, please take a moment to read the Promising Practices PLC Press Release
Northwood Rated Top Middle School in Greenville County
In October 2024, South Carolina School Report Cards were released, and Northwood Middle School was once again rated as "Excellent." Northwood is one of just four Greenville County Middle Schools to receive this highest rating. Even more impressive, for the second year in a row, Northwood earned the highest overall point total of any Greenville County Middle School, with 59 points.
Northwood Middle School SC Report Card for 2023-24
Superintendent's Academic Achievement Award
At the Superintendent’s Academic Achievement Awards celebration on September 14, 2023, Greenville County Schools recognized significant academic growth and performance from the 2022-23 school year. Northwood Middle School was recognized for being in the top 10% for achieving the highest performance in Math from spring 2022 to spring 2023. We are so proud of our students' hard work, and we look forward to continuing our academic successSuperintendent’s Academic Achievement Awards
U.S. News & World Report Top 50 Ranking
In October 2021, U.S. News & World Report announced their 2022 "Best K-8 Schools" rankings. For the first time, U.S. News published rankings and data on more than 80,000 public elementary and middle schools across the country. Schools were ranked at the state and district levels. Out of 345 middle schools in the state, GCS had five schools in the Top 50 ... and Northwood Middle School holds the #41 SPOT IN THE STATE!U.S. News & World Report Inaugural Middle School Best of the Best
GCS Security Plan & Law Enforcement Partnerships
Please take a moment to review GCS Security Plan & Law Enforcement Partnerships Like all schools, our policies and procedures at Northwood are in place to ensure that each student, staff member, and visitor enter a safe learning environment each day.
Title IX / Sexual Harassment
Please take a moment to review Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 .
Reporting Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, and Threats
Please take a moment to review information Reporting bullying, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and threats .