North Central High School is a four-year public high school in Spokane, Washington in the Spokane Public Schools District 81. It opened in 1908 as the second high school in the city; the original structure was razed and the new building opened in 1981.
Serving 1,624 students in grades 6-12, North Central High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 37% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 67% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 1,624 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 37%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 10% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 67% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
North Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
North Central High School's student population of 1,624 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 88 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,624 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
88 teachers
Year Founded
1908
Colors
Black, Red
School Rankings
North Central High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,113 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of North Central High School is 0.57, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#704 out of 2113 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
3%
9%
Hispanic
11%
26%
Black
5%
5%
White
63%
48%
Hawaiian
3%
2%
Two or more races
14%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wolfpack
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is North Central High School's ranking?
North Central High School is ranked #704 out of 2,113 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are North Central High School often compared to?
North Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Shadle Park High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WA state average), while 67% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
What is the graduation rate of North Central High School?
The graduation rate of North Central High School is 95%, which is higher than the Washington state average of 84%.
How many students attend North Central High School?
1,624 students attend North Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of North Central High School students are White, 14% of students are Two or more races, 11% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of North Central High School?
North Central High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does North Central High School offer ?
North Central High School offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is North Central High School part of?
North Central High School is part of Spokane School District.
In what neighborhood is North Central High School located?
North Central High School is located in the Emerson Garfield neighborhood of Spokane, WA. There are 3 other public schools located in Emerson Garfield.
School Reviews
Review North Central 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
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.
