Central High School

8516 W Lincoln Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53227
(School attendance zone shown in map)
1/
10
Bottom 50%
West Allis Central High School is a public high school in West Allis, Wisconsin, United States. The school boundaries are the city of West Allis, village of West Milwaukee and portions of New Berlin and Greenfield. Central's cross-town rival is Nathan Hale High School.
Serving 961 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Wisconsin for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 9% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 17% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 38%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Wisconsin state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 961 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 69%
  • : 80% (Btm 50% in WI)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 9% (Btm 50%)
  • : 17% (Btm 50%)
  • : 8% (Btm 50%)
  • : Central High serves the eastern part of Milwaukee, WI, covering an area of approximately 5 square miles, with most students living within a 5 to 10-minute drive of the school. The average distance from the school to the edge of its attendance zone is about 1.9 miles, reaching as far as 3.2 miles at its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education

School Overview

Central High School's student population of 961 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 66 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
961 students
Total Classroom Teachers
66 teachers
Year Founded
1920

School Rankings

Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,962 schools in Wisconsin (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.54. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (WI)
#1808 out of 1962 schools
(Bottom 50%)
9%
40%
17%
38%
8%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
4%
Hispanic
42%
14%
Black
15%
9%
White
31%
66%
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
69%
0.70
80%
90.5%
(22-23)
50.9%
24%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing

Sports

Colors
Maroon, Gold
School Mascot
Bulldog
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #1808 out of 1,962 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Wisconsin.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Nathan Hale High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WI state average), while 17% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% WI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 80%, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 90.5%.
How many students attend Central High School?
961 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of Central High School students are Hispanic, 31% of students are White, 15% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 13:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of West Allis-West Milwaukee School District.

School Reviews

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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 961 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 69%
  • : 80% (Btm 50%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 9% (Btm 50%)
  • : 17% (Btm 50%)
  • : 8% (Btm 50%)
  • : Central High serves the eastern part of Milwaukee, WI, covering an area of approximately 5 square miles, with most students living within a 5 to 10-minute drive of the school. The average distance from the school to the edge of its attendance zone is about 1.9 miles, reaching as far as 3.2 miles at its furthest point.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education

Request Information

Quick Links