Serving 623 students in grades 5-6, Central Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 32% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 5-6
- Enrollment: 623 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MO
- Math Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central Middle's attendance zone encompasses the entire Cape Girardeau school district, covering approximately 54.3 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes about 10-12 minutes, with an average distance of 4.3 miles to the zone's edge and a furthest span of 7.9 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central Middle School's student population of 623 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 47 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
623 students
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central Middle School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1320 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
10%
9%
Black
37%
15%
White
38%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
14%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)15.6%
20.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Middle School's ranking?
Central Middle School is ranked #1320 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
32% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 40% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend Central Middle School?
623 students attend Central Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Central Middle School students are White, 37% of students are Black, 14% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central Middle School?
Central Middle School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Central Middle School offer ?
Central Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central Middle School part of?
Central Middle School is part of Cape Girardeau 63 School District.
School Reviews
Review Central Middle 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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
