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 1,051 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 38%). 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 13:1 is higher than 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 63% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,051 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Btm 50% in NJ)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 2% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district of Newark, NJ, covering approximately 25.9 square miles, with a typical drive to the school ranging from 5 to 10 minutes and an average distance of 2.8 miles to the edge of the zone, which extends up to 5.1 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,051 students has grown by 44% over five school years.
The teacher population of 78 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,051 students
Total Classroom Teachers
78 teachers
Year Founded
1911
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,184 schools in New Jersey (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.53, 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
#2108 out of 2184 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
2%
23%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
11%
Hispanic
44%
35%
Black
53%
14%
White
1%
37%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
86%
90.5%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.8%
16.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Columbia blue
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NJ Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #2108 out of 2,184 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?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% 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 86%, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 90.5%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,051 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Central High School students are Black, 44% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than 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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