Traverse City Central High School is a public high school in Traverse City, Michigan. It is one of two comprehensive high schools in the Traverse City Area Public Schools district. It is the second-largest high school in Northern Michigan, behind rival Traverse City West Senior High School.
Serving 1,324 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 23:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 1,324 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 11%
- 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%)
- 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 1,324 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 58 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,324 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
58 teachers
Year Founded
1884
Colors
Black, Gold
School Calendar
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 0.21, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#426 out of 3025 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
3%
9%
Black
1%
18%
White
89%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
87%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,324 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Central High School students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
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 Public Schools.
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,
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