Central High School is a public high school in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Founded in the early 1900s, it is popularly considered the first high school in Memphis.
Serving 1,331 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Tennessee for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 7% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 34% (which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 37%).
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Tennessee state average of 43% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,331 students
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 50% in TN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 34% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,331 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,331 students
Total Classroom Teachers
79 teachers
Year Founded
1909
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,728 schools in Tennessee (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.30, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1294 out of 1728 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
37%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
9%
16%
Black
83%
20%
White
3%
57%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Warrior
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #1294 out of 1,728 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Tennessee.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
7% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% TN state average), while 34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 37% TN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 89%, which is lower than the Tennessee state average of 90%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,331 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of Central High School students are Black, 9% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
In what neighborhood is Central High School located?
Central High School is located in the New Pathways neighborhood of Memphis, TN. There are 3 other public schools located in New Pathways.
School Reviews
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