Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#1271 of 1,356 schools in AL

Central High School

High School · Phenix City

2400 Dobbs Dr, Phenix City, AL 36870

Enrollment

1,568

Student-Teacher

20.9:1

Score

3.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Alabama schools

#1,271 of 1,356

In Phenix City

#12 of 12

public schools

In district

#11 of 11

Phenix City

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Central High School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Central High School

3.7/10

High School in Phenix City · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Central Freshman Academy

4.5/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Phenix City Intermediate School

4.7/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Central High School

Central High School is a public high school in Phenix City, AL, part of Phenix City. Central High School serves approximately 1,568 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 out of 10 and ranks #1,271 of 1,356 schools in AL.

Structured state assessment records for Central High School show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.4 pts below AL schools
  • This school 3.7 · Needs Improvement
  • AL avg 5.1

What Parents Should Know

Central High School runs 20.9:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.1Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-4.63 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics3.2Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency17% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency18% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency18% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)41% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-23.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
College Readiness4.4Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
AP Participation3.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.6Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,259
Chronic Absenteeism26.6%

Central High School — Students at Central High School score 18% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 41%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

73.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 39.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 44.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 28 test records from AL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
74%
ELA
75%
2010
Math
79%
ELA
81%
2011
Math
78%
ELA
75%
2012
Math
80%
ELA
75%
2013
Math
15%
ELA
51%
2014
Math
17%
ELA
49%
2015
Math
15%
ELA
23%
2016
Math
16%
ELA
22%
2017
Math
38%
ELA
35%
2018
Math
39%
ELA
41%
2019
Math
39%
ELA
41%
2020*
Math
26%
ELA
21%
2021*
Math
26%
ELA
21%
2022
Math
17%
ELA
18%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.1/10.

How Central High School Compares

See how Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.7/10
6th percentile in AL
Academic
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.1/10
Below Average
Environment
2.6/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.5
Sports
17
7 boys' · 10 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
74%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
75 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
26.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
3.8% participation·State avg: 2.5 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics17sports offered
7 boys'·10 girls'·28 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2400 Dobbs Dr, Phenix City, AL 36870

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Lakewood Primary School (rated 8.7/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Ladonia Elementary School (rated 8.6/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Sherwood Elementary School (rated 8.4/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Phenix City, see our Phenix City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Central Freshman Academy Phenix City 0.1 mi 4.5
Phenix City Intermediate School Phenix City 0.8 mi 4.7
KNOWLEDGE WORKS LEARNING ACADEMY INC Phenix City 0.8 mi
Phenix City Elementary School Phenix City 0.9 mi 6.1
Westview Elementary School Phenix City 1.6 mi 7.6
Lakewood Primary School Phenix City 1.8 mi 8.7
Lakewood Elementary School Phenix City 1.9 mi 8.2
Sherwood Elementary School Phenix City 2.2 mi 8.4
TEEN UNIVERSITY Phenix City 2.6 mi
Ladonia Elementary School Phenix City 2.8 mi 8.6
Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy Columbus 2.9 mi 7.4
GLENWOOD SCHOOL Smiths Station 3.7 mi 5.0
Smiths Station High School Smiths Station 3.4 mi 3.9
Ridgecrest Elementary School Phenix City 3.7 mi 7.3
TRUTH SPRING ACADEMY Columbus 3.2 mi 7.7
ST LUKE SCHOOL Columbus 3.3 mi 5.6
Fox Elementary School Columbus 3.3 mi 3.1
NEW TESTAMENT BAPTIST SCHOOL Phenix City 3.4 mi
Meadowlane Elementary School Phenix City 3.8 mi 5.6
River Road Elementary School Columbus 3.7 mi 4.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 36870 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$69,652

Median Home Value

$178,100

Median Rent

$972/mo

Population

19,672

College Educated

22.2%

Homeownership

80.9%

Avg Commute

27.3 min

Poverty Rate

15.5%

Median Age

37.4

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Baldwin County High School Bay Minette, AL 3.7
Mattie T Blount High School Eight Mile, AL 3.7
Pell City High School Pell City, AL 3.7
Tuscaloosa County High School Northport, AL 3.8
Albertville High School Albertville, AL 3.6
Dothan High School Dothan, AL 3.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central High School

What grades does Central High School serve?

Central High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Central High School?

Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,568 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Central High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Central High School is 20.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Central High School rank in AL?

Central High School ranks #1,271 of 1,356 schools in AL.

What is Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Central High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Central High School has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Central High School a charter school?

No, Central High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Central High School a Title I school?

No, Central High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central High School?

73.6% of students at Central High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
6 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
8 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,568
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
75
Free/Reduced Lunch
73.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Russell County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
26.6%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

Phenix City
District Enrollment
7,276
Schools in District
12
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,259
District Rank
#11 of 11

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.