Central High School is a comprehensive public high school for students in grades seven through twelve in Helena–West Helena, Arkansas, United States. It is one of four public high schools in Phillips County and the sole high school administered by the Helena–West Helena School District.
Serving 436 students in grades 7-12, 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 4% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 14% (which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 40%).
The student:teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the Arkansas state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 42% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 436 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in AR)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 4% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- 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
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 436 students has declined by 25% over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
436 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
Colors
Royal blue, Scarlet
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 997 schools in Arkansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.08, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#979 out of 997 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
4%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
36%
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
n/a
15%
Black
96%
19%
White
2%
58%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
2%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cougar
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #979 out of 997 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 Barton High School, Kippdelta Collegiate High School, Marvell-elaine High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
4% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% AR state average), while 14% 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 80-84%, which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 88%.
How many students attend Central High School?
436 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of Central High School students are Black, 2% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% 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 8:1, which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 13:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Helena / West Helena School District.
School Reviews
5 11/25/2016
i think the school has improved since i've been here. i just wish they had more activities
Review Central High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
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