The high school was constructed by the then-independent township of Highland, northwest of Denver, in 1883.

[5] In 1896 Highland was incorporated into the city of Denver and the existing school became inadequate for the growing number of students; a new Beaux-Arts style building was constructed in 1911 which continues to serve as the core of the modern school.

In the latter part of the 20th century, North High School experienced a continual decline in attendance and student achievement.

[6] In 2010 it received a $3.1 million grant from the federal government as part of a scheme to reinvigorate low-performing schools in the United States.

[8] Following several changes in administration, North High School has seen a strong rebound in recent years, with sharp rises in student enrollment, attendance, and graduation rates.