Champaign Central High School is a high school located in Champaign, Illinois. It has 1,509 students in grades 9-12. The principal is Joe Williams. It is part of the Champaign Unit 4 School District school system. Its sports teams are the Champaign Maroons.
Serving 1,666 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 37% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,666 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 78% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 54% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School serves the eastern part of Champaign, IL, covering an attendance area of approximately 50 square miles, with typical drive times of 10-12 minutes and an average distance of 4.4 miles from the school to the zone's edge. The furthest point within the zone is about 7.9 miles away from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,666 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 126 teachers has grown by 29% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,666 students
Total Classroom Teachers
126 teachers
Year Founded
1870
School Calendar
School Motto
Empowering Each Learner to Thrive in a Diverse and Changing World
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the top 30% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.74, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#955 out of 3542 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
10%
6%
Hispanic
19%
29%
Black
26%
16%
White
38%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
78%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)45.6%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Maroon, White
School Mascot
Max Maroon (bear) The Color Of Maroon
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #955 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Centennial High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 78%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,666 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Central High School students are White, 26% of students are Black, 19% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Asian, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Champaign CUSD 4 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
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
