New Madrid County Central High School is a secondary school located in New Madrid County, Missouri. It serves grades 9–12 and is located just outside Howardville, Missouri. The school serves to a majority of New Madrid County, except for Risco High School, Portageville High School, and Gideon High School.
Serving 361 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-34% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 361 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 39%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 20% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in New Madrid, MO, covering approximately 469.1 square miles, with a typical drive to the school ranging from 20 to 30 minutes and the furthest edge being 22.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 361 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
361 students
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.54, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1568 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
3%
9%
Black
29%
15%
White
61%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)31.9%
20.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (17-18)
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Green, Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #1568 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Central High School?
361 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Central High School students are White, 29% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of New Madrid County R-I School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Within a few years of forming, New Madrid County was overwhelmed first by a methamphetamine crisis. A few years after that opioid use hit. NMCCHS is slowly recovering from a long nightmare.
Review Central High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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