Central High School in Florence, AL, serves grades 7–12 with 603 students and a student–teacher ratio of 15:1, ranking #708 in Alabama in 2023 after declining from #295 in 2018.
The school's graduation rate consistently exceeded the state average, reaching 95% in 2023 compared to Alabama's 88%.
Math proficiency declined to 15% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 49%, higher than the state average of 47%, and science proficiency was 39%, approximately equal to the state average of 38%.
Minority enrollment was about 10%, with 55% of students eligible for free lunch in 2023, reflecting an increase from 24% in 2000, indicating a rise in socioeconomic need.
Central High School is a Title I eligible school in Lauderdale County focused on grades 7–12, making it a key public high school option in Florence, Alabama.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 596 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 10%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 39% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Student Attention
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 596 students has declined by 52% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has declined by 53% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
596 students
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.19, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#708 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
4%
12%
Black
4%
31%
White
90%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Lauderdale County School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #708 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Wilson High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 95%, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Central High School?
596 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Central High School students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Lauderdale County School District.
School Reviews
Review 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
