Central High School is a public high school in the Providence Public School District, Rhode Island, United States. Central High School stands roughly at the intersection of the Federal Hill, West End, and Upper South Providence neighborhoods. In November 2022 Principal Robert DiMuccio was stabbed by a student.
Serving 1,050 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Rhode Island for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤1% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10-14% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 33%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Rhode Island state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Rhode Island state average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,050 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 79% (Btm 50% in RI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤1% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Providence, RI, covering approximately 20.6 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 2.5 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 3.7 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,050 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has declined by 27% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,050 students
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Year Founded
1921
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 287 schools in Rhode Island (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.41, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#276 out of 287 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤1%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
33%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
31%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
3%
Hispanic
76%
31%
Black
12%
9%
White
3%
50%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
79%
84.1%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)93.2%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Knight
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #276 out of 287 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Rhode Island.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Classical High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤1% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% RI state average), while 10-14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 33% RI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 79%, which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 84.1%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,050 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Central High School students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Black, 4% of students are Asian, 3% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Rhode Island state average of 13:1.
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 Providence School District.
In what neighborhood is Central High School located?
Central High School is located in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence, RI. There are 6 other public schools located in Federal Hill.
School Reviews
Review Central High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.
