Manchester High School Central is a public high school in Manchester, New Hampshire. Located in the city's downtown, it has an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students. Students attend from Manchester Hooksett. The name was changed from Manchester High School in 1922 when Manchester West High School opened.
Serving 1,127 students in grades 9-12, Manchester Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Hampshire for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the New Hampshire state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the New Hampshire state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the New Hampshire state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Hampshire state average of 18% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,127 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 68% (Btm 50% in NH)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NH Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Manchester Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Hampshire for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Manchester Central High School's student population of 1,127 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 89 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,127 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
89 teachers
Year Founded
1846
Colors
Green, White
School Rankings
Manchester Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 457 schools in New Hampshire (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Manchester Central High School is 0.72, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.32. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#386 out of 457 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
36%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
32%
8%
Black
16%
2%
White
39%
82%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
68%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
20%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NH Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Little Green
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Manchester Central High School's ranking?
Manchester Central High School is ranked #386 out of 457 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Hampshire.
What schools are Manchester Central High School often compared to?
Manchester Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Manchester Memorial High School, Manchester West High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% NH state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% NH state average).
What is the graduation rate of Manchester Central High School?
The graduation rate of Manchester Central High School is 68%, which is lower than the New Hampshire state average of 88%.
How many students attend Manchester Central High School?
1,127 students attend Manchester Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Manchester Central High School students are White, 32% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Manchester Central High School?
Manchester Central High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the New Hampshire state average of 11:1.
What grades does Manchester Central High School offer ?
Manchester Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Manchester Central High School part of?
Manchester Central High School is part of Manchester School District.
In what neighborhood is Manchester Central High School located?
Manchester Central High School is located in the Corey Square neighborhood of Manchester, NH.
School Reviews
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