Central Union High School, also known as Central or CUHS, is a four-year public high school in El Centro, California with a diverse student body of more than 1,910 students. It is one of three schools in the Central Union High School District.
Serving 1,955 students in grades 9-12, Central Union High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 18% (which is lower than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 58% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 21:1 is equal to the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,955 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 58% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central Union High School's student population of 1,955 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 93 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,955 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
93 teachers
Year Founded
1908
Colors
White, Grey, Navy Blue
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central Union High School ranks within the top 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central Union High School is 0.08, 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
#4534 out of 9602 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
12%
Hispanic
96%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
2%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Spartans
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Union High School's ranking?
Central Union High School is ranked #4534 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Central Union High School often compared to?
Central Union High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Southwest High School, Imperial High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 58% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central Union High School?
The graduation rate of Central Union High School is 91%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Central Union High School?
1,955 students attend Central Union High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of Central Union High School students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Central Union High School?
Central Union High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is equal to the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Central Union High School offer ?
Central Union High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Central Union High School part of?
Central Union High School is part of Central Union High School District.
School Reviews
Review Central Union 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
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.
