Central High School is a public secondary school in St. Joseph, Missouri, United States. The school is part of the St. Joseph School District.
Serving 1,720 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 19% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 48% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 32% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,720 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 79% (Btm 50% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 48% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 1,720 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 110 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,720 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
110 teachers
Year Founded
1861
Colors
White, Blue
School Calendar
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 0.56, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.51. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1338 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
14%
8%
Black
8%
15%
White
64%
68%
Hawaiian
2%
1%
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
79%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #1338 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lafayette High School, Benton High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 48% 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 79%, which is lower than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Central High School?
1,720 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Central High School students are White, 14% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 16:1, 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 St. Joseph 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
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
