Serving 1,300 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 9% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 34% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Tennessee state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,300 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 82% (Btm 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 34% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,300 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 79 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,300 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
79 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,761 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.29, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1249 out of 1761 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
40%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
8%
15%
Black
84%
21%
White
3%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
82%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #1249 out of 1,761 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% TN state average), while 34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 82%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,300 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Central High School students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are White, and 1% 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 higher than the Tennessee state average of 15:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Memphis-Shelby County Schools School District.
In what neighborhood is Central High School located?
Central High School is located in the New Pathways neighborhood of Memphis, TN. There are 3 other public schools located in New Pathways.
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