Central High School is a high school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States, enrolling grades 9 to 12. The school enrolls approximately 700 students, and is one of three traditional high schools in the Tuscaloosa City School District along with Paul W. Bryant High School and Northridge High School.
Serving 834 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Alabama 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 Alabama state average of 30%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10-14% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Alabama state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Alabama state average of 49% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 834 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 75-79% (Btm 50% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 834 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 50 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
834 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Year Founded
1979
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.20, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1225 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
5%
11%
Black
89%
32%
White
5%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
75-79%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
80%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Falcons
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #1225 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Northridge High School, Brookwood High School, Holt 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 30% AL state average), while 10-14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 75-79%, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Central High School?
834 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Central High School students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
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 Tuscaloosa City School District.
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