The school, built in 1962–1963, adopted a unique school mascot called the "Space Pioneer," a reference to the United States' early man-in-space program underway during the school's founding.

This reference to the space program can also be found in the school paper, Telstar, and the yearbook, the Vanguard.

The first classes entered Northwest High School in Indianapolis in September 1963.

It should be mentioned that in September, 1963 there was an 8th Grade class at Northwest.

The school provides curriculum for grades 7 through 12 as well as specialized programs for international studies.