Central High School is a public high school located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States. It is in the Cape Girardeau School District.
Serving 1,278 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 34% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 47% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,278 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Graduation Rate: 85% (Btm 50% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 47% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,278 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 89 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,278 students
Total Classroom Teachers
89 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1032 out of 2076 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
8%
9%
Black
32%
15%
White
48%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
6%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tiger
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #1032 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Jackson Sr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 47% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 85%, which is lower than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,278 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Central High School students are White, 32% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
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 Cape Girardeau 63 School District.
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