Central High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school serving students in ninth through twelfth grades in Newark, in Essex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, operating as part of the Newark Public Schools.
Serving 826 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Jersey 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 New Jersey state average of 36%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 18% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is equal to the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 62% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 826 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 77% (Btm 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 2% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 826 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 76 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
826 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
76 teachers
Year Founded
1911
Colors
White, Columbia blue
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,201 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.47, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2040 out of 2201 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
2%
23%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
10%
Hispanic
31%
34%
Black
66%
15%
White
1%
38%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
77%
85%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
32%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #2040 out of 2,201 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% NJ state average), while 18% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NJ 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 New Jersey state average of 85%.
How many students attend Central High School?
826 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Central High School students are Black, 31% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 11:1, which is equal to the New Jersey state average of 11:1.
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 Newark Public School District.
In what neighborhood is Central High School located?
Central High School is located in the Springfield And Belmont neighborhood of Newark, NJ. There are 10 other public schools located in Springfield And Belmont.
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