Helen Northrop was born in 1886 in Wayne, Nebraska. She was educated in a public school for 11 years, first grade through high school. She then became deafened due to an illness and attended the Nebraska School for the Deaf for 7 months.

In 1905, she was admitted to Gallaudet College and graduated with a B.A. degree in 1908. She spent most of her life pursuing her educational career. After graduation, she went to teach at the North Dakota School for the Deaf until 1911, then returned to Gallaudet College and taught several subjects including home economics, English, mathematics, and gymnastics. She also worked as the College librarian.

Between 1919 and 1923, Helen Northrop taught at the Idaho School for the Deaf. In 1923, she received a M.A. degree from Gallaudet College, which gave her more opportunity to advance her educational career. Finally, she spent 30 years at the Washington State School for the Deaf.

In 1933 she was promoted to principal and retired in 1954 after a total of 45 years as an educator of the Deaf. Gallaudet College presented her with an honorary degree, Doctor of Pedagogy in 1956.

She passed away in 1981 at 95 years old.