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 1,326 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. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1884
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 0.19, 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. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
35%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
45%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
16:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
2%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
3%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
3%
18%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
White
90%
63%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
87%
81.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
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. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, Gold
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,
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