Chattanooga Central High School is a public high school in Harrison, Tennessee, operated by the Hamilton County Board of Education. Central High School opened in September 1907 on Dodds Avenue in Chattanooga. It was one of Chattanooga's first public high schools.
Serving 617 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 14% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 29% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 617 students
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 79% (Btm 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School serves the northeastern part of Harrison, TN, covering an attendance area of approximately 125.1 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the farthest edge of the zone located about 20.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 617 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
617 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
45 teachers
Showing 2015–2024. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1907
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1315 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
37%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Showing 2015–2024. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
9%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
Black
43%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
36%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
12%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
79%
87.3%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)45.1%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
63%
45%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
17%
6%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Purple and Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #1315 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ooltewah High School, East Hamilton High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 79%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 87.3%.
How many students attend Central High School?
617 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Central High School students are Black, 36% of students are White, 12% of students are Two or more races, and 9% of students are Hispanic.
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 Hamilton County School District.
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