Serving 1,352 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Colorado for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 23% (which is lower than the Colorado state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 46% (which is higher than the Colorado state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Colorado state average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,352 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 43%
- Graduation Rate: 82% (Top 50% in CO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central High School serves the northeast area of Grand Junction, CO, encompassing approximately 93.4 square miles, with a typical drive time of 10-15 minutes to the school and an average distance of 6.2 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 15.7 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,352 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 80 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,352 students
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,748 schools in Colorado (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.54, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#932 out of 1748 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
33%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
45%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)12%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
American Indian
1%
1%
Showing 2014–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Asian
1%
3%
Showing 2012–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Hispanic
37%
37%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
57%
49%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
4%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Graduation Rate
82%
82.7%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)58.9%
33.6%
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
39%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 26-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 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 #932 out of 1,748 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, Palisade High School, Fruita Monument High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
23% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CO state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% CO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 82%, which is lower than the Colorado state average of 82.7%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,352 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
57% of Central High School students are White, 37% of students are Hispanic, 4% 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 17:1, 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 (No virtual instruction).
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
Can Public Schools Charge for Required Graduation Courses?
Can a public school charge for a course your child needs to graduate? Learn how state rules, course alternatives, summer programs, and fee waivers affect the answer, plus what parents should request before paying, accepting a substitute, or challenging a charge that threatens graduation plans.
Save Your Child's Work Before a School Account Closes
School accounts may close after graduation or a transfer, leaving important projects inaccessible. Learn what families should save, which deadlines to confirm, how to check exported files, and why shared links alone may not preserve your child's work for future applications, learning, or personal memories.
School Commute Time: When Distance Affects School Fit
Is your child's school commute becoming too demanding? Learn how to weigh educational benefits against daily strain, recognize warning signs, explore practical adjustments, and decide when a closer school fits.
