Serving 2,587 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Nebraska for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 26% (which is lower than the Nebraska state average of 58%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the Nebraska state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Nebraska state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Nebraska state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,587 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 70% (Btm 50% in NE)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School serves the southeast part of Omaha, NE, covering an area of approximately 13.8 square miles, where most students live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with an average distance of 2.4 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum reach of 4.6 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NE Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 2,587 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 125 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,587 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
125 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Year Founded
1859
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 901 schools in Nebraska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.73, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#775 out of 901 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
58%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
62%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
American Indian
1%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Asian
3%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
35%
23%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
30%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
25%
61%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
6%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Graduation Rate
70%
87.3%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)66.1%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NE Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #775 out of 901 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Nebraska.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North High School, Burke High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 58% NE state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% NE state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 70%, which is lower than the Nebraska state average of 87.3%.
How many students attend Central High School?
2,587 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of Central High School students are Hispanic, 30% of students are Black, 25% of students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% 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 21:1, which is higher than the Nebraska 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 Omaha School District.
In what neighborhood is Central High School located?
Central High School is located in the Downtown Northeast neighborhood of Omaha, NE.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Central is THE BEST school in Nebraska. It's extremely diverse and I've enjoyed 'my stay' so far. :] I will be a senior this fall and I'm looking forward to going back. The teachers at this school care so much about their students no matter what. We are currently the holders of our third state basketball title and state football champions as well.
Our music program has been around approximately since the school was founded in 1859. We have won many prestigious awards and honors ever since.
Altogether I love this school and hope to send my children there if I continue to live in the Omaha area. A Central High education will provide you with so much insight and preparation for college and life in general.
5 10/10/2025
Central is THE top public high school in Omaha! Our children and our grandchildren attended Central. High academic standards and intelligent, well-rounded people make up the graduates!
5 10/10/2025
Central High is a vibrant, diverse public school in downtown Omaha. My eldest son opted into North High for the Haddox/Project Lead the Way engineering program, but my middle son opted into Central for the overall quality of the educational offerings, and my youngest (daughter) currently attends as a junior. The aggregate scores of a school do not accurately reflect the quality education offered, so I researched the honors and other college-prep programs before my children applied to their school of choice. Central offers: International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment credit and a myriad of honors along with a huge selection of both school-hours and extra-curricular opportunities. Latin, Performance Choirs, nationally recognized programs such as IB, highly ranked sports teams, immediate access to the Joslyn Art Museum...there is so much offered. As in life, there are many abilities represented at Central, so the test scores and rankings are a bit watered down, but the high achievers are able to get every bit of a quality education, and more opportunities than their higher-ranked suburban and parochial counterparts. We moved to Elkhorn a year ago, and my daughter still commutes to Central downtown every day. She is eligible to attend Elkhorn South (one of the highest-ranked hs in the state), but they do not offer the programs she is used to having access to at Central.
Review Central High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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