Designed with a focus on community, trends in 21st century educational design, and flexibility, the design for the new Northern High School draws from the quadrangle concept found on many collegiate campuses.

Students enter the school from a new main entrance next to the bus loop, while visitors enter the administration building centered on campus between the high school and fine arts center. A new outdoor plaza between the administration building and the stadium serves as a main public gathering space for events, as well as student gathering space. A campus feeling is achieved, with the new quad serving as a main gathering and circulation space for the school.