Serving 439 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 39%). 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 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Arkansas state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 439 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Btm 50% in AR)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 4% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire district of West Helena, AR, covering approximately 138.4 square miles. Families can typically expect a 15-20 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 7.6 miles to the edge of the zone and up to 16 miles to its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AR Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 439 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 56 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
439 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
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 0.08, which is less 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
#972 out of 989 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
4%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
14:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
1%
15%
Black
96%
19%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
1%
57%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
85-89%
89.9%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17.1%
22.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
95%
54%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
2%
9%
Showing 2000–2015. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Royal blue, Scarlet
School Mascot
Cougar
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 #972 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 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 39% 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 85-89%, which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 89.9%.
How many students attend Central High School?
439 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of Central High School students are Black, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are White, 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 14:1.
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 10/10/2025
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:
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