Serving 1,326 students in grades 8-12, Central High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 49% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 73% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 1,326 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 10%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Top 50% in MI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 49% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 73% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 51% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School serves the eastern part of Traverse City, MI, covering an area of approximately 159.5 square miles. Families can expect a typical driving time of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located around 16.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,326 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 56 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,326 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Year Founded
1884
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the top 20% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.19, 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
#426 out of 3025 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
35%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
45%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
16:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 36-year historical data
American Indian
2%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Asian
2%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
3%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
3%
18%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 19-year historical data
White
90%
63%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Graduation Rate
87%
81.8%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35.4%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
19%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 26-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #426 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like West Senior High School, Traverse City High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 73% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 87%, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 81.8%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,326 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Central High School students are White, 3% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 8-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Traverse City Area School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Excellent academics and extra curriculars. Two children graduated with plenty of AP credits and outstanding college acceptances. Strong K12 system. A gem in Northern Michigan,
Review Central High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
