Needham High School is an accredited member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The reaccreditation report issued in 1998 states,""Needham High School is an excellent school. By all measures of accountability and student achievement, the students at Needham are demonstrating outstanding and rigorous achievement. The dedicated highly able, and talented faculty and staff see to it that student needs are being met in ways that exceed the expectations of the community. The school has a rich history of accomplishments and a record of achievement which brings pride to the community."

The school is a four-year high school with a student population of approximately 1400. The faculty consists of over ninety full- and part-time instructional staff members, plus many additional support staff employees. In addition, the high school has eight counselors to assist students and parents in planning an academic program, in developing post-secondary plans, and in addressing personal issues. The Statement of Purpose begins, "Needham High School is a community and school partnership whose focus is learning." Guided by our core values of "To Think; To Respect; To Communicate, Needham High School strives to meet the learning needs of all our students.