Providing Support for Our Students and Families
Common areas of support include the School Counselors, the School Psychologist, and the School Social Worker, and personnel within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) – Tiers 1, 2, and 3!
Student Support
School Counselors
Four school counselors are available to assist Northfield High School students and their families in the areas of educational development, career and college planning and personal/social development. Students are assigned to a counselor by the student’s last name. To contact your counselor via email, please click on their name below.
A-FL – Lisa Lipins – 507.663.0638
FO-L – Mark Ensrud – 507.663.0639
M-RH – Ryan Turnquist – 507.645.1278
RI-Z – Deborah Rasmussen – 507.663.0637
Administrative Assistant: Michele Knutson 507.663.0636
School Profile
The Northfield High School Profile provides quick facts on our school, curriculum, grading system, graduation requirements, test scores, advanced/AP/honors classes, and the previous year’s graduating class. It is included with every transcript sent to post-secondary institutions as part of the admissions process.
Naviance
Naviance is an online career and postsecondary planning site. Through this site, students can learn about careers, research colleges, communicate with counselors, and request transcripts. Each student has their own Naviance account they can access through ClassLink.
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New Student Information
We are excited to welcome you to our school community! Northfield High School offers a variety of academic, athletic, fine arts and service opportunities. Please take time to explore the high school website and discover what interests you!
For more information on Enrollment, click here.
For more information on Incoming Freshmen, click here.
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Course Registration and Planning 2024-25
Course Registration Dates
Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 will begin and COMPLETE registration in CCR on Tuesday, February 6, Wednesday, February 7, and Thursday, February 8. Students in grade 8 will begin registration on Monday, February 12, when High School Counselors go to the Middle School. After registration is introduced on these dates, students in all grade levels will register online through their Family Access account. Log in to Skyward using STUDENT user name and password; registration is not possible using parent log-in information.
The registration deadline for students in grade 9, 10, and 11 is Friday, February 9, 2024. The deadline for students in grade 8 is also Friday, February 16, 2024.
Preparation for Registration
There are two keys to registration: understanding what is offered and understanding how to register!
Course Registration Guide
The high school’s course registration guide is updated each year in an effort to make it a more effective educational tool and to help students connect courses to areas of interest. It includes course descriptions, graduation requirements and postsecondary planning information. Access the registration guide in an online version here or a PDF below:Forms and Instructions for Requesting Courses
Forms are linked below with information regarding the registration process, a step-by-step guide for how to register online, and a list of courses available.Class of 2028 Registration Student Instructions and FAQs
Classes of 2025, 2026, 2027: Registration Student Instructions and FAQs
Video for Current 10th Graders
Video for Current 11th Graders
Counselors are available to assist with planning and registration. Students are able to set up individual appointments with their counselor via Schoology or School Email. Parents are welcome to email their student’s counselor or call 507.663.0636 to make an appointment.
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Dual Credit Options
Dual Credit Options for High School Students
Several options are available for Northfield High School students to earn college credit including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Concurrent Enrollment, Senior Honors Program, Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).
Contact a counselor for further information regarding any of these programs.
For students who have taken any articulated credits through our Business department and are trying to apply that credit towards their college, you can access your CTE Credit MN account here.
Concurrent Enrollment: Through partnership with Minnesota State University – Mankato, we currently offer Comp 101, Public Speaking, Advanced English 11, upper level Spanish, and upper level German courses as dual enrollment opportunities. Students take class at NHS with an NHS teacher who is partnering with a partner at Mankato. Courses are worth both high school and college credit – at no cost!
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College Admission Exams, Preparation and Practice
Test Preparation
Naviance Test Prep − ACT Prep Program
Naviance Test Prep is an individualized ACT prep program now available online through Naviance to all students in grades 9-12 at no cost. The adaptive plan includes diagnostic and practice exams, an electronic textbook, flashcards, and a personalized dashboard with a countdown to an upcoming test date – all completed online from any computer with internet access. Students can access Naviance Test Prep through Naviance, the online college and career planning program. Log-in reminders are available at the counseling office.
Practice Tests for the ACT, SAT and PSAT
Practice test opportunities are available with Learning Express, through the Northfield Public Library. A library card is required for access to this program. Go to http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/library, click on “E-Library,” then select “Learning Express Library.” Enter a library card number for username and create a password.
TEst Schedules
NHS School Code: 241-855
ACT Statewide Test Date
All 11th graders have the opportunity to take the ACT, the ACCUPLACER, or the ASVAB free of charge on March 12, 2024. We are calling this our Choice Ready Exam opportunity so that students and families can identify the option that provides the best fit for each student’s future plans. The test is administered during the regular school day at school. More information will be made available to students and families from the district as the test date draws closer.
ACT National Test Dates / Test Registration Deadlines
Consult the ACT website for national test dates that are administered on Saturdays throughout the school year. All dates will have test centers somewhere in the area and are identified when students register online. For more information or to register online, visit www.actstudent.org.
PREACT (2023)
All Sophomores will have the opportunity to take the PreACT test October 26, 2023. The test is administered during the regular school day at school. The PreACT gives students practice with the ACT test, give students a predicted ACT test score, and provides the school with powerful data that can help us better help students prepare for the ACT test. More information will be made available to students and families from the district as the test date draws closer.
SAT National Test Dates / Test Registration Deadlines
For more information or to register online, visit www.collegeboard.org.
PSAT Test (2023)
Juniors will have the opportunity to take the PSAT test October 18, 2023, at a set fee. The test is administered during the regular school day at school. The PSAT is another assessment tool to provide feedback to juniors regarding their preparation for post-secondary education. Students receive a predicted score for the SAT, another widely used college admissions exam. In addition, PSAT exam scores are used to determine semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholar program. More information will be made available to students and families from the district as the test date draws closer.
Accuplacer
The Accuplacer is a comprehensive system of assessment, advisement, and placement for students entering many two-year colleges in Minnesota. It is composed of un-timed, computer adaptive, multiple choice assessments. The system determines which courses are appropriate for students and whether college readiness classes are needed. Results of the assessment are NOT related to acceptance to a college and are a tool for determining placement levels and course sequence requirements. Many two year schools may not require the Accuplacer if students achieve at a certain level (specific to that school) on the ACT or SAT.
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Applying to College
College application process
Students will learn all about the process and timelines in CCR! Please reach out to your student’s counselor with any questions!
Letters of recommendation
The student highlights sheet should be completed by seniors and given to all adults who will write letters of recommendation.
Career and college planning
Naviance is an online career and college planning site available to Northfield High School students. Students can use this program to learn about career interests, research colleges, learn about scholarships, communicate with counselors, and request transcripts to be sent to colleges. (Our school code is: 241-855)
NCAA Eligibility Center
College-bound student-athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or Division II school need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they have met amateurism standards and are academically prepared for college coursework.
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Graduation Requirements
Northfield High School students must earn a minimum of 23 credits. Of these 23 credits, 7 credits can be earned through a variety of elective courses, and the following 16 credits are required in specific subject areas:
- English: 4 credits
- Social Studies: 3.5 credits
- Math: 3 credits
- Science: 3 credits
- Physical Education: 1 credit
- Health: 0.5 credits
- Arts: 1 credit
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Community Scholarships
Community Scholarships
Many community organizations and individuals provide scholarships to seniors graduating from Northfield High School. We encourage Seniors to take advantage of the many scholarship opportunities provided by the Northfield community to help with financing your future educational endeavors. Students may access community scholarships from their Naviance account when they are released and announced at school.
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Summer School
In cooperation with the Northfield Area Learning Center (ALC), the Summer School Credit Recovery Program is available for students requiring additional high school credit. Two 3-week sessions are offered beginning in June and July. For more information, contact your high school counselor or the ALC, at 507.645.1201.
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Junior Meetings
During 2nd semester of junior year, counselors meet with each junior individually to discuss postsecondary plans. The following links to two primary resources for those meetings:
Additional Student Support
Psychologist & Social Worker
Camila Donoso, School Psychologist
507.664.3382
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
Kari Prestemon, School Social Worker
507.663.0625
Other Programs
Find information about other programs on the high school’s Learning page, including English Learner Services and TORCH.
Learn about the collaborative work being done to help students of all abilities succeed in the classroom.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is a school-wide, multi-level framework of instructional design that supports all students. Through school-wide data review, students who need targeted or intensive instruction are identified. Interventions are implemented, progress is monitored, and data-based decision making occurs to determine the next steps for each student.
Visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s page on MTSS to learn more.
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How MTSS Works Here
The High School Team
The MTSS team meets weekly to review the MTSS process. This includes ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of instruction and intervention.- Becca Bang, Assistant Principal
- Camila Donoso, School Psychologist
- Ellen Mucha, Achievement Seminar Instructor and MTSS Coach
Data Team
The MTSS Data Team meets monthly to review student data and determine appropriate student placements. The data team at the high school includes the principal, assistant principals, school counselors and MTSS coaches.Coaches
The MTSS coaches prepare student data to bring to the data team, review and monitor current supports and interventions, and review the need for new interventions.- Camila Donoso, School Psychologist
- Lisa Battaglia, Achievement Seminar Instructor and MTSS Coach
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Academic Supports
Throughout the course of their high school career, students at Northfield High School may be part of the following academic supports and interventions.
Structured Study Center
This is a supported study hall that has fewer than 10 students. Students are placed in a SSC when they have grades of D or F for any core course in the most recent grading period. The teachers in the SSC work with the student to identify and prioritize outstanding coursework, to check and monitor grades weekly and to provide an environment where the student can maximize productivity. Students may be scheduled out of SSC at quarter time when their grades are all at a C level or better and in consultation with the SSC teacher. As with a regular study hall, the student does not earn credit in a SSC.
English Learner (EL) Services
Students who have not yet developed academic English proficiency in their ability to speak, listen, read and/or write, may be eligible for EL services. The goal of EL services is to teach students English so that they will be able to fully participate in all classes and subjects taught in school. Find criteria and additional information on the EL Services page.
Standards-Based Courses
These courses fulfill the local and state requirements for Biology. Students are selected for standards-based courses based on a series of criteria, including science and reading scores (MAP and/or PLAN), previous academic performance, and teacher recommendation. Standards-Based Courses focus specifically on the state-required standards in science, giving all learners access to the science curriculum.