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 934 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 17% (which is lower than the Kansas state average of 31%). 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 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Kansas state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 934 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Graduation Rate: 82% (Btm 50% in KS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Salina High Central serves the northern part of its school district in Salina, KS, covering an area of approximately 72.4 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 10 to 15 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 9.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
School Overview
Salina High Central's student population of 934 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 65 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
934 students
Total Classroom Teachers
65 teachers
Year Founded
1863
School Calendar
School Motto
Great Teachers Inspiring Great Futures
School Rankings
Salina High Central ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,269 schools in Kansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Salina High Central is 0.56, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#890 out of 1269 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
32%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
31%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
22%
23%
Black
5%
7%
White
62%
60%
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
82%
88%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)45%
24.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Maroon and Gray
School Mascot
Cougars
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Salina High Central's ranking?
Salina High Central is ranked #890 out of 1,269 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?
17% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% 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 82%, which is lower than the Kansas state average of 88%.
How many students attend Salina High Central?
934 students attend Salina High Central.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Salina High Central students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 5% 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.
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