Serving 663 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 13% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 22% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 663 students
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School serves the northern part of Bolivar, TN, covering an extensive attendance area of approximately 419 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 15.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 663 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
663 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
47 teachers
Year Founded
1950
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 0.49, which is less 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
#1430 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
2%
16%
Black
65%
20%
White
31%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)38.6%
23.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
78%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
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 #1430 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 Chester County High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 22% 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 80-84%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend Central High School?
663 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Central High School students are Black, 31% of students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
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 Hardeman County Schools.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
It's an okay school, not great, lots of fighting and doesn't really learn anything, but we manage.
Review Central High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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