Salina High School Central, often referred to as Salina Central, is a fully accredited public high school located in Salina, Kansas, serving students in grades 9–12. The school was known as Salina High School before the opening of Salina High School South in 1971.
Serving 950 students in grades 9-12, Salina High Central ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Kansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 19% (which is lower than the Kansas state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 28% (which is lower than the Kansas state average of 32%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Kansas state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Kansas state average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 950 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 85% (Top 50% in KS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Salina High Central ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kansas for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Salina High Central's student population of 950 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 68 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
950 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
68 teachers
Year Founded
1863
Colors
White, Maroon
School Rankings
Salina High Central ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,280 schools in Kansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Salina High Central is 0.54, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#850 out of 1280 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
32%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
31%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
20%
22%
Black
4%
7%
White
64%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85%
89%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Mustangs
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Salina High Central's ranking?
Salina High Central is ranked #850 out of 1,280 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Kansas.
What schools are Salina High Central often compared to?
Salina High Centralis often viewed alongside schools like Salina High South by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% KS state average), while 28% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 32% KS state average).
What is the graduation rate of Salina High Central?
The graduation rate of Salina High Central is 85%, which is lower than the Kansas state average of 89%.
How many students attend Salina High Central?
950 students attend Salina High Central.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Salina High Central students are White, 20% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Salina High Central?
Salina High Central has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Kansas state average of 13:1.
What grades does Salina High Central offer ?
Salina High Central offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Salina High Central part of?
Salina High Central is part of Salina School District.
School Reviews
Review Salina High Central. 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.
