Central High School serves 1,630 students in grades 9-12.
Central High School placed in the bottom 50% of all schools in Colorado for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%) for the 2020-21 school year.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 19% (which is lower than the Colorado state average of 33%) for the 2020-21 school year. The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 43% (which is lower than the Colorado state average of 47%) for the 2020-21 school year.
The student:teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Colorado state average of 48% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,630 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 85% (Top 50% in CO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,630 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 83 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,630 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
83 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
Central High School is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 1,734 schools in Colorado (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2020-21 school year.
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.54, 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
#1064 out of 1734 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
33%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
47%

Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
15:1

American Indian
1%
1%

Asian
1%
3%

Hispanic
34%
35%

Black
n/a
4%

White
59%
52%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%

All Ethnic Groups



Graduation Rate
85%
81%

Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
30%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
6%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 2021-2022 (latest school year available) National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #1064 out of 1,734 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Colorado.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Grand Junction High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CO state average), while 43% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 85%, which is higher than the Colorado state average of 81%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,630 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Central High School students are White, 34% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Colorado state average of 15:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Mesa County Valley School District No. 51.
School Reviews
Review Central High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Spitting Rhymes for Flashy Grades: The Link Between Hip Hop Curriculum and Improved Learning
Can rap lyrics and hip hop beats help students learn more? Studies and some public schools say yes!

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.

D.C. Schools: Controversial Growth of Charter Schools
Charter schools are growing in DC, and we analyze the response to recent numbers that show the student population in D.C. charter schools has outpaced the numbers for traditional public schools throughout the district.