Saint Paul Central High School is the oldest continuously operating high school in the state of Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1866 in downtown Saint Paul, Central has educated many leaders in business, government, literature, arts, sciences, and education throughout the state of Minnesota and the United States.
Serving 1,682 students in grades 9-12, Central Senior High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-34% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 56% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 26:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,682 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 26:1
- Minority Enrollment: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Top 50% in MN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 56% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 45% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central Senior High School's student population of 1,682 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 64 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,682 students
Total Classroom Teachers
64 teachers
Year Founded
1866
Colors
Red and black
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central Senior High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central Senior High School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#883 out of 1773 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
26:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
2%
Asian
10%
7%
Hispanic
7%
12%
Black
24%
12%
White
47%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
81%
84%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)37.8%
27.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Minutemen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Senior High School's ranking?
Central Senior High School is ranked #883 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Central Senior High School often compared to?
Central Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Highland Park Senior High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 56% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central Senior High School?
The graduation rate of Central Senior High School is 81%, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 84%.
How many students attend Central Senior High School?
1,682 students attend Central Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Central Senior High School students are White, 24% of students are Black, 11% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Asian, 7% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central Senior High School?
Central Senior High School has a student ration of 26:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Central Senior High School offer ?
Central Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central Senior High School part of?
Central Senior High School is part of Saint Paul School District.
In what neighborhood is Central Senior High School located?
Central Senior High School is located in the Union Park neighborhood of Saint Paul, MN. There are 5 other public schools located in Union Park.
School Reviews
Review Central Senior 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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
