Central High School is a high school in the Phoenix Union High School District, Phoenix, Arizona, United States. The campus is located at 4525 North Central Avenue, just north of downtown. It was established in 1957.
Serving 1,758 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 23% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25% (which is lower than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Arizona state average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,758 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 71% (Btm 50% in AZ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arizona for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,758 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 113 teachers has declined by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,758 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
113 teachers
Year Founded
1957
Colors
Grey, Red
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,956 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.51, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1278 out of 1956 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
24%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
5%
5%
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
68%
48%
Black
15%
6%
White
7%
34%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
71%
77%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
40%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bobcats
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #1278 out of 1,956 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
23% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% AZ state average), while 25% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 71%, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 77%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,758 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Central High School students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Black, 7% of students are White, 5% of students are American Indian, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Phoenix Union High School District (4286).
In what neighborhood is Central High School located?
Central High School is located in the Midtown neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. There are 16 other public schools located in Midtown.
School Reviews
2 2/28/2011
This school is not a good school. They spread lies about the kids that arent true. Please dont send your children to this school.
Review Central High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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