Central High School is a public high school located at 5321 Jacksboro Pike in the Fountain City neighborhood of Knoxville, Tennessee, operated by the Knox County school system. The school's athletic teams are nicknamed the Bobcats, and its colors are red and black.
Serving 1,265 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 15% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 33% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,265 students
- Minority Enrollment: 49%
- Graduation Rate: 82% (Btm 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School serves the northern part of Knoxville, TN, covering an area of approximately 19.9 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 4.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,265 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,265 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
86 teachers
Showing 2015–2024. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1906
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 0.66, 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
#1183 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
37%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
Showing 2015–2024. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
21%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
Black
19%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
51%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
82%
87.3%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)36.6%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
46%
45%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
6%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, Red
School Mascot
Bobcat
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 #1183 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 Fulton High School, Gibbs High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 33% 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 82%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 87.3%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,265 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Central High School students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
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 Knox County School District.
In what neighborhood is Central High School located?
Central High School is located in the Fountain City neighborhood of Knoxville, TN. There are 3 other public schools located in Fountain City.
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