Naperville Central High School is a four-year public high school located in Naperville, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. The school, which enrolls students in grades nine through twelve, is a part of the Naperville Community Unit School District 203.
Serving 2,519 students in grades 9-12, Naperville Central High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 57% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 61% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,519 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Graduation Rate: 97% (Top 1% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 57% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 61% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 81% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Naperville Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Naperville Central High School's student population of 2,519 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 179 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,519 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
179 teachers
Year Founded
1863
Colors
White, Red
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Naperville Central High School ranks within the top 5% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Naperville Central High School is 0.57, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#170 out of 3542 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
81%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
18%
6%
Hispanic
10%
28%
Black
5%
16%
White
62%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
97%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
11%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: "redhawks"
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naperville Central High School's ranking?
Naperville Central High School is ranked #170 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Naperville Central High School often compared to?
Naperville Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Naperville North High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
57% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 61% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Naperville Central High School?
The graduation rate of Naperville Central High School is 97%, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Naperville Central High School?
2,519 students attend Naperville Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Naperville Central High School students are White, 18% of students are Asian, 10% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Naperville Central High School?
Naperville Central High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Naperville Central High School offer ?
Naperville Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Naperville Central High School part of?
Naperville Central High School is part of Naperville CUSD 203 School District.
In what neighborhood is Naperville Central High School located?
Naperville Central High School is located in the Naperville Park District neighborhood of Naperville, IL. There are 35 other public schools located in Naperville Park District.
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