Evansville Central High School, also known as Central High, is a public high school on the north side of Evansville, Indiana. It is the oldest high school in continuous operation west of the Allegheny Mountains. It was established in 1854 as Evansville High School.
Serving 1,087 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Indiana for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 29% (which is lower than the Indiana state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is higher than the Indiana state average of 41%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Indiana state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Indiana state average of 38% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,087 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Btm 50% in IN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School serves the northern part of Evansville, IN, covering an area of approximately 50.5 square miles. The typical drive to the school from within the attendance zone takes about 10-12 minutes, with the furthest edge located 11.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Indiana for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,087 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 77 teachers has declined by 44% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,087 students
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Year Founded
1854
Campus Size
80 acres
School Motto
Every student in attendance, engaged in meaningful social and intellectual activity, achieving educational success.
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,743 schools in Indiana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.38, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#833 out of 1743 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
41%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
34%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
5%
15%
Black
9%
14%
White
78%
62%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
88%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)30.9%
23.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
The Bear
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #833 out of 1,743 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Indiana.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North High School, Francis Joseph Reitz High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% IN state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% IN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 91%, which is higher than the Indiana state average of 88%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,087 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Central High School students are White, 9% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Indiana state average of 15:1.
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 Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp School District.
School Reviews
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