Average
#728 of 1,356 schools in AL
Central High School
High School · Tuscaloosa City
905 15th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Enrollment
834
Student-Teacher
17:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
834
Student-Teacher
17:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Tuscaloosa
#14 of 23
public schools
Alabama high schools
#42 of 308
In district
#12 of 19
Tuscaloosa City
School environment
7.8 / 10
Very strong
About Central High School
Central High School is a regular public high school located in the heart of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, serving students in grades 9 through 12. With an enrollment of 834 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school offers a relatively small classroom environment, which allows for more personalized attention. The school is situated in a mid-size city, providing students with a variety of community resources and activities.
Central High School's MySchoolScout rating of 3.3 out of 10 and state ranking of 1222 out of 1360 schools reflect areas where the school is focusing on academic improvement. Test scores show that 12% of students are proficient in both ELA/Reading and Math, indicating room for growth in academic performance. Despite these challenges, the school remains committed to supporting its students and their development.
The neighborhood around Central High School is part of the 35401 ZIP code, which has a median household income of $27,497 and a median home value of $132,400. Approximately 36.9% of the population lives below the poverty line, while 26% have a bachelor's degree or higher. Central High School serves a diverse community with many families facing economic challenges, yet it remains dedicated to providing a strong educational foundation for its students.
Central High School is situated in a vibrant mid-size city that offers a rich tapestry of cultural and community events, providing students with a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Central High School — Students at Central High School score 12% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
84.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from AL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 4.9/10.
How Central High School Compares
See how Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 22% (2019) to 12% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 22% (2019) to 12% (2022).
Location
905 15th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 8.5/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Tuscaloosa Magnet School Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Matthews Elementary School (rated 7.9/10, 2.0 miles away, in nearby Northport), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Tuscaloosa, see our Tuscaloosa schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.3 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 35401 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$30,031
Median Home Value
$141,100
Median Rent
$911/mo
Population
40,507
College Educated
26.6%
Homeownership
31.4%
Avg Commute
16 min
Poverty Rate
38.1%
Median Age
22.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central High School has a median household income of $30,031. It is an area where 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $141,100, with a median rent of $911/month. The area has a poverty rate of 38.1%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 16 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cullman High School Cullman, AL | 6.4 |
| Douglas High School Douglas, AL | 6.4 |
| Gulf Shores High School Gulf Shores, AL | 6.4 |
| Pelham High School Pelham, AL | 6.6 |
| Ramsay High School Birmingham, AL | 6.6 |
| Russellville High School Russellville, AL | 6.4 |
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 834 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central High School is 17:1. 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 is ranked #728 out of 1,356 schools in AL.
What is Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central High School has a composite rating of 6.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Central High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central High School has 15.3% math proficiency and 17.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
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?
84.1% 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,289/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Tuscaloosa). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 834
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 49
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 84.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Tuscaloosa County
- Phone
- (205) 759-3720
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Tuscaloosa City- District Enrollment
- 11,207
- Schools in District
- 21
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,227
- District Rank
- #12 of 19
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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