Central High School is a public high school in Norton, Virginia. The school traces its origins back to J. J. Kelly High School and Pound High School, which were both founded in 1953. It is part of the Wise County Public Schools system.
Serving 676 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥50% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 85-89% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 676 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 7%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 20% in VA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≥50% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district of Norton, VA, covering approximately 405.2 square miles, with an average distance of 11.3 miles from the school to the zone's edge and a typical drive time of 20 to 30 minutes. The furthest edge of the zone is located 17.8 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 676 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
676 students
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
Year Founded
2011
School Calendar
Campus Size
50 acres
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.13, 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
#826 out of 1773 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)85-89%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)85-89%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
8%
Hispanic
3%
20%
Black
1%
21%
White
93%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
89%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14.1%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
91%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Black, Red
School Mascot
Warrior
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #826 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Eastside High School, Union High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 85-89% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 95%, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 89%.
How many students attend Central High School?
676 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Central High School students are White, 3% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
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 Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Wise County School District.
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