Grand Forks Central High School is a public senior high school in the Grand Forks Public Schools district. It is located in downtown Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Serving 1,115 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 32% (which is lower than the North Dakota state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 57% (which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the North Dakota state level of 10:1.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 30% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,115 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Top 20% in ND)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School serves the northern part of Grand Forks, ND, covering an area of approximately 38.5 square miles, with most students living within a 5-10 minute drive and an average distance of 2.7 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone. The furthest point from the school is about 9.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,115 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 82 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,115 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
82 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1881
School Calendar
School Motto
Growing together to enrich the world.
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the top 50% of all 449 schools in North Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.60, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.50. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#179 out of 449 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
44%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
10:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
3%
11%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
14%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
6%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
60%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
15%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
86%
83.2%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)47.3%
20.9%
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
27%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Grey, Maroon
School Mascot
Knights
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #179 out of 449 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Dakota.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Red River High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
32% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% ND state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% ND state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 86%, which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 83.2%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,115 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Central High School students are White, 15% of students are Two or more races, 14% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 3% 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 14:1, which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 10:1.
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 Grand Forks 1 School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
most excellent,but i never recieved my yearbook from 1984. it was paid for.
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