Nighthawks Take Top Spot in Latest School Rankings
Posted September 23, 2026
Northfield High School has officially been recognized as the #1 High School in Colorado in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings!
Out of more than 300 high schools statewide and nearly 18,000 schools nationally, Northfield earned top honors for academic excellence, rigorous college preparation, and exceptional student outcomes.
What Sets Northfield Apart
- #1 College Curriculum Breadth in Colorado: Northfield ranks first statewide for providing every student with direct access to advanced, college-level coursework.
- #2 College Readiness Index in Colorado: Placing in the 94th percentile nationally, Northfield prepares Nighthawks to succeed in higher education and beyond.
- An “IB for All” Model: Unlike traditional high schools that reserve advanced coursework for select tracks, Northfield ensures every single student completes two years of IB Language & Literature plus an additional IB course, guaranteeing a rigorous, globally recognized education for all.
- Proven Real-World Outcomes: The Class of 2026 earned over $19 million in scholarships and completed 1,134 IB exam-earned college classes—giving students a major head start on higher education before ever stepping foot on a college campus.
- Performance Well Above Expectations: U.S. News rated student performance on the PSAT and SAT as Well Above Expectations, demonstrating outstanding academic growth across our diverse student body.
Northfield’s success reflects the commitment of our educators, the drive of our students, and the strength of our Nighthawk community.
Interested in seeing what makes Northfield the top-ranked high school in Denver and Colorado? Explore our academic programs or view the complete U.S. News profile & data.
