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 1,019 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 27%). 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 14:1 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 49% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,019 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 77% (Btm 50% in RI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Rhode Island for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,019 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 73 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,019 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
73 teachers
Year Founded
1921
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 289 schools in Rhode Island (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.44, 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
#272 out of 289 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
33%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
31%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
6%
4%
Hispanic
74%
30%
Black
12%
9%
White
3%
51%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
77%
83%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
84%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Knight
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #272 out of 289 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, Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% 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 77%, which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 83%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,019 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Central High School students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Black, 6% 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 14:1, 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.
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