1957 crisis over the desegregation of this school is a significant event in the civil-rights moment.
Serving 2,371 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Arkansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 28% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 42% (which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Arkansas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 43% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,371 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 20% in AR)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School serves the northeast part of Little Rock, AR, covering an area of approximately 34.4 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of about 10-15 minutes to the school, with the furthest distance from the school's location being around 9.7 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 2,371 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 161 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,371 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
161 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1869
School Calendar
Campus Size
18 acres (7.3 ha)
School Motto
Our mission is to assist our students in developing the skills necessary to become independent, responsible, self-sufficient adults who will contribute in a global community.
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 989 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.69, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#532 out of 989 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
11%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
11%
15%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
Black
46%
19%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
29%
57%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
5%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
93%
89.9%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)40.5%
22.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
46%
54%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
10%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #532 out of 989 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Arkansas.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Parkview Magnet High School, Joe T. Robinson High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% AR state average), while 42% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AR state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 93%, which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 89.9%.
How many students attend Central High School?
2,371 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Central High School students are Black, 29% of students are White, 11% of students are Asian, 11% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, 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 Arkansas state average of 14:1.
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 Little Rock School District.
In what neighborhood is Central High School located?
Central High School is located in the Central High Historic District neighborhood of Little Rock, AR. There are 1 other public schools located in Central High Historic District.
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