Central High School is a high school located at 3221 Indiana Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. It is part of the Kansas City Public Schools. Central was established in 1867 in order to help educate the growing population of Kansas City.
Serving 519 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower 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 94% 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: 519 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 65-69% (Btm 50% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (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
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 519 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
519 students
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Year Founded
1867
Colors
White, Blue
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 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 0.36, which is less 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
#1954 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
12%
9%
Black
79%
15%
White
6%
67%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
65-69%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
2%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Kansas City 33 School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Blue Eagles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #1954 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 20-24% 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 65-69%, which is lower than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Central High School?
519 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Central High School students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
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 Kansas City 33 School District.
In what neighborhood is Central High School located?
Central High School is located in the Palestine West and Oak Park Northeast neighborhood of Kansas City, MO.
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