Central High School is a high school located in uptown Springfield, Missouri. The school, a part of Springfield Public Schools, was Springfield's first high school to be built. Construction of the building was completed in 1893.
Serving 1,428 students in grades 6-12, 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 31% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 58% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is equal to the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 1,428 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 37%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 20% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 58% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 41% (Top 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
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,428 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 123 teachers has grown by 38% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,428 students
Total Classroom Teachers
123 teachers
Year Founded
1893
Colors
White, Black, Red
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 0.57, 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
#854 out of 2076 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
6%
2%
Hispanic
13%
9%
Black
10%
15%
White
63%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Springfield R-XII School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldog
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #854 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 Parkview High School, Kickapoo High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
31% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 58% 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 95%, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,428 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of Central High School students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 6% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Springfield R-XII School District.
In what neighborhood is Central High School located?
Central High School is located in the Government Plaza neighborhood of Springfield, MO. There are 1 other public schools located in Government Plaza.
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