Northgate High

Summary:

Northgate High is a public high school located in Walnut Creek, California, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 1,507 students. It is part of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, and has consistently been ranked among the top high schools in California, with a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for the past several years.

Northgate High stands out for its exceptional academic performance, consistently outperforming the district and state in standardized test scores. In the 2023-2024 school year, 76.65% of Northgate students were proficient or better in English Language Arts/Literacy, and 56.91% were proficient or better in Mathematics, compared to the district's 52.79% and 29.36%, and the state's 55.73% and 27.9%, respectively. The school also boasts an impressive four-year graduation rate, ranging from 96.7% to 98.9% over the past five years, significantly higher than the district and state averages. Northgate's dropout rate is also very low, ranging from 0.3% to 1.4% during the same period.

While Northgate High's performance is exceptional, it is worth noting that nearby schools like Ygnacio Valley High have lower test scores, graduation rates, and higher chronic absenteeism. When compared to schools in the higher-performing San Ramon Valley Unified and Acalanes Union High school districts, Northgate High still performs well, but the gap in academic achievement is more pronounced. Schools like Monte Vista High and Acalanes High have higher test scores, graduation rates, and lower chronic absenteeism.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 425 Castle Rock Rd.
       Walnut Creek, CA  94598-4599


(925) 938-0900

District: Mt. Diablo Unified

SchoolDigger Rank:
128th of 2,323 California High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,819 Help


Feeder schools for Northgate High:

Elementary:    Ayers Elementary
    Bancroft Elementary
    Highlands Elementary
    Mt. Diablo Elementary
    More...
Middle:    Diablo View Middle
    Foothill Middle
    Pine Hollow Middle

Student/teacher ratio:  24.1 Help
Number of students:  1,507

Racial breakdown:

White:
44.3%
Asian:
19.0%
Two or more races:
18.0%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  9.8% Help


 See top rated California high schools

 Compare Northgate High to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Northgate High ranks better than 94.5% of high schools in California. It also ranks first among 7 ranked high schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District! (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 91.92. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Northgate High who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Northgate High is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (44.3%), Asian (19%), two or more races (18%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 9.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Northgate High is 24.1. 6 high schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Northgate High employs 62.4 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Northgate High is $11,819. 7 high schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Northgate High:

SchoolDigger ranks Northgate High 128th of 2323 California public high schools. (See Northgate High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Mt. Diablo Unified:

SchoolDigger ranks Mt. Diablo Unified 789th of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Northgate High.

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Rank History for Northgate High

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Northgate High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 91.03 17th 1653 99.0%
2005 92.33 10th 1901 99.5%
2006 89.21 36th 1968 98.2%
2007 90.59 25th 2063 98.8%
2008 87.15 41st 2117 98.1%
2009 83.23 69th 2238 96.9%
2010 87.80 53rd 2281 97.7%
2011 80.20 147th 2367 93.8%
2012 79.25 156th 2354 93.4%
2013 72.13 270th 2426 88.9%
2015 93.98 101st 1994 94.9%
2016 92.16 136th 2039 93.3%
2017 92.73 139th 2021 93.1%
2018 92.42 149th 2017 92.6%
2019 91.77 153rd 2133 92.8%
2021 96.16 41st 1290 96.8%
2022 95.24 109th 2123 94.9%
2023 91.93 142nd 2348 94.0%
2024 91.92 128th 2323 94.5%
See the entire list of California High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Northgate High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 80.28 59th 366 83.9%
2019 77.38 86th 422 79.6%
2022 79.16 81st 515 84.3%
2023 71.17 172nd 786 78.1%
2024 81.23 83rd 804 89.7%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Northgate High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 87.05 68th 1547 95.6%
2024 70.19 212th 1534 86.2%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Northgate High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 86.25 219th 1862 88.2%
2019 77.19 344th 1937 82.2%
2021 96.68 31st 1126 97.2%
2022 96.97 57th 1943 97.1%
2023 87.53 173rd 2247 92.3%
2024 78.14 300th 2235 86.6%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Northgate High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 90.46 147th 1760 91.6%
2019 92.32 130th 1833 92.9%
2021 94.62 45th 1054 95.7%
2022 94.81 92nd 1858 95.0%
2023 90.64 140th 2118 93.4%
2024 92.57 106th 2098 94.9%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Northgate High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 98.89 23rd 1052 97.8%
2019 80.37 136th 1117 87.8%
2021 96.44 21st 555 96.2%
2022 92.75 62nd 1161 94.7%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Northgate High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 92.04 147th 1834 92.0%
2019 87.36 201st 1880 89.3%
2021 96.15 43rd 1122 96.2%
2022 95.53 96th 1916 95.0%
2023 90.61 157th 2207 92.9%
2024 89.57 159th 2172 92.7%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Northgate High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 66.79 225th 581 61.3%
2019 58.22 276th 582 52.6%
2022 79.96 107th 581 81.6%
2023 60.10 323rd 731 55.8%
2024 63.56 289th 712 59.4%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Northgate High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 96.03 58th 1742 96.7%
2019 91.31 107th 1814 94.1%
2022 97.92 43rd 1861 97.7%
2023 88.99 128th 2142 94.0%
2024 81.53 220th 2125 89.6%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Northgate High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 77.45 255th 1173 78.3%
2019 71.83 310th 1222 74.6%
2022 88.28 100th 1204 91.7%
2023 77.78 207th 1434 85.6%
2024 83.01 127th 1406 91.0%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: California Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Northgate High Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 




Data source: California Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
33%

0%

33%

0%

33%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Open Quote If you have a high performing child then you are in great shape. If you have a child in the middle ground or WORSE (IEP or 504) then you are in BIG trouble. My child had a 504 plan where the documented LD specified that she take tests in an environment other than the class room. Northgate said we do have the facilities to do this. She was not allowed in Resource, not allowed in the hall, not allowed in the library. They did enforce her 504 modifications with their teachers.

Why? Because they can't retain their teachers. My kids had NO spanish teacher, no algebra teacher etc. for more than the first 3 months. The AP and Honors classes ALways had teachers.

In 10 years we have had 3 principals and the entire Vice principal Staff left in 2014- 2015 and almost all.

School Digger you need to change your criteria. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, September 10, 2010

Open Quote quality of math / science teachers could be better. There are up to 35 students per class. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Northgate High

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 1091 19 197 36 1 n/a n/a 0 1344
1989 997 16 214 25 2 n/a n/a 0 1254
1990 935 16 237 28 1 n/a n/a 0 1217
1991 936 13 248 36 1 n/a n/a 0 1234
1992 982 10 269 40 3 n/a n/a 0 1304
1993 1052 13 266 40 4 n/a n/a 0 1375
1994 1108 12 268 50 1 n/a n/a 0 1439
1995 1182 14 300 55 1 n/a n/a 0 1552
1996 1182 14 300 55 1 n/a n/a 0 1552
1997 1125 15 316 56 0 n/a n/a 0 1512
1998 1120 19 319 51 0 n/a n/a 0 1509
1999 1082 25 320 60 1 n/a n/a 0 1488
2000 1090 25 324 61 1 n/a n/a 0 1501
2001 1119 22 336 54 2 n/a n/a 0 1533
2002 1119 22 362 51 1 n/a n/a 0 1555
2003 1119 22 362 51 1 n/a n/a 0 1555
2004 1111 29 356 74 1 n/a n/a 0 1571
2005 1117 29 365 91 2 n/a n/a 0 1604
2006 1118 28 357 96 2 n/a n/a 0 1601
2007 1098 29 352 108 4 n/a n/a 0 1591
2008 1049 20 347 115 4 n/a n/a 0 1535
2009 1044 25 333 114 3 6 4 0 1529
2010 1004 22 311 117 4 7 11 0 1476
2011 1011 26 294 125 5 7 22 0 1490
2012 1014 24 317 142 6 14 34 0 1551
2013 979 22 332 163 8 19 66 0 1589
2014 997 33 371 176 7 19 40 0 1643
2015 974 36 384 180 7 20 70 0 1671
2016 930 34 358 175 8 16 78 0 1599
2017 903 29 356 160 8 16 86 0 1558
2018 827 25 326 187 5 13 140 0 1523
2019 815 19 295 195 2 7 157 0 1490
2020 782 19 300 206 2 5 173 0 1487
2021 765 23 286 219 3 5 189 2 1492
2022 722 19 286 231 3 5 225 5 1496
2023 668 19 286 248 2 5 272 7 1507

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Northgate High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1344 54.0 24.8 n/a
1989 1254 51.5 24.3 n/a
1990 1217 52.3 23.2 n/a
1991 1234 53.1 23.2 n/a
1992 1304 54.0 24.1 0.6
1993 1375 52.9 26.0 1.2
1994 1439 60.9 23.6 0.4
1995 1552 63.8 24.3 1.4
1996 1552 63.8 24.3 1.4
1997 1512 60.8 24.9 1.5
1998 1509 62.8 24.0 1.8
1999 1488 61.6 24.2 1.9
2000 1501 63.8 23.5 2
2001 1533 64.7 23.7 1.3
2002 1555 65.0 23.9 0.9
2003 1555 65.0 23.9 0.9
2004 1571 68.4 23.0 1.5
2005 1604 67.5 23.8 1.7
2006 1601 60.8 26.3 0
2007 1591 67.5 23.6 2.7
2008 1535 70.0 21.9 3.4
2009 1529 65.6 21.4 3.8
2010 1476 61.0 24.2 3.8
2011 1490 n/a n/a 5.1
2012 1551 62.6 24.7 n/a
2013 1589 64.2 24.7 8.8
2014 1643 66.4 24.7 9.4
2015 1671 67.0 24.9 9.2
2016 1599 67.0 23.8 9.2
2017 1558 69.4 22.4 8.3
2018 1523 68.3 22.2 11.5
2019 1490 67.5 22.0 12.4
2020 1487 n/a n/a 10.4
2021 1492 61.0 24.4 11
2022 1496 63.6 23.4 20.1
2023 1507 62.4 24.1 9.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Northgate High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1344 54.0 24.8 n/a
1989 1254 51.5 24.3 n/a
1990 1217 52.3 23.2 n/a
1991 1234 53.1 23.2 n/a
1992 1304 54.0 24.1 0.6
1993 1375 52.9 26.0 1.2
1994 1439 60.9 23.6 0.4
1995 1552 63.8 24.3 1.4
1996 1552 63.8 24.3 1.4
1997 1512 60.8 24.9 1.5
1998 1509 62.8 24.0 1.8
1999 1488 61.6 24.2 1.9
2000 1501 63.8 23.5 2
2001 1533 64.7 23.7 1.3
2002 1555 65.0 23.9 0.9
2003 1555 65.0 23.9 0.9
2004 1571 68.4 23.0 1.5
2005 1604 67.5 23.8 1.7
2006 1601 60.8 26.3 0
2007 1591 67.5 23.6 2.7
2008 1535 70.0 21.9 3.4
2009 1529 65.6 21.4 3.8
2010 1476 61.0 24.2 3.8
2011 1490 n/a n/a 5.1
2012 1551 62.6 24.7 n/a
2013 1589 64.2 24.7 8.8
2014 1643 66.4 24.7 9.4
2015 1671 67.0 24.9 9.2
2016 1599 67.0 23.8 9.2
2017 1558 69.4 22.4 8.3
2018 1523 68.3 22.2 11.5
2019 1490 67.5 22.0 12.4
2020 1487 n/a n/a 10.4
2021 1492 61.0 24.4 11
2022 1496 63.6 23.4 20.1
2023 1507 62.4 24.1 9.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Northgate High

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2018 $11,819

Data source: California Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Northgate High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 153rd of 2133 High schoolsRanks 142nd of 2348 High schools
 1.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Northgate High)79.380.7
 1.4%
   11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Mt. Diablo Unified)54.653.8
 0.8%
   11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)57.355.4
 1.9%
11th Grade Mathematics (Northgate High)63.453.6
 9.8%
   11th Grade Mathematics (Mt. Diablo Unified)32.827.8
 5%
   11th Grade Mathematics (California)32.227.4
 4.9%
11th Grade Science (Northgate High)46.856.1
 9.4%
   11th Grade Science (Mt. Diablo Unified)27.335.1
 7.8%
   11th Grade Science (California)30.431.7
 1.3%
12th Grade Science (Northgate High)4347.7
 4.8%
   12th Grade Science (Mt. Diablo Unified)23.330.5
 7.2%
   12th Grade Science (California)25.626.9
 1.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students14901507
 1.1%
African American1919
American Indian22
Asian295286
 3.1%
Hispanic195248
 27.2%
Pacific Islander75
 28.6%
White815668
 18%
Two or More Races157272
 73.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients12.4%9.8%
 2.6%


Schools Near Northgate High









Frequently Asked Questions about Northgate High

Yes. Northgate High ranks in the top 5.5% of California high schools.

Northgate High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Ayers Elementary
Elementary : Bancroft Elementary
Elementary : Highlands Elementary
Elementary : Mt. Diablo Elementary
Elementary : Silverwood Elementary
Elementary : Valle Verde Elementary
Elementary : Walnut Acres Elementary
Middle : Diablo View Middle
Middle : Foothill Middle
Middle : Pine Hollow Middle

Students at Northgate High are 44% White, 19% Asian, 18% Two or more races, 16% Hispanic, 1% African American.

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,507 students attended Northgate High.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the California Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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