Very Good
#126 of 1,035 schools in AR
Top 12% in state
Central High School
High School · LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT
1500 PARK ST, Little Rock, AR 72202
Enrollment
2,260
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
7.9
Grades
8th – 12th
Enrollment
2,260
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
7.9
Grades
8th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Little Rock
#8 of 70
public schools
Arkansas high schools
#19 of 277
In district
#2 of 38
LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT
School environment
8.4 / 10
Very strong
About Central High School
Central High School serves 2,260 students in grades 8-12 in Little Rock, offering a comprehensive high school experience with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and 161 full-time teachers. This large public school ranks #546 out of 1,044 Arkansas schools, placing it in the 48th percentile statewide with room for academic growth. The school's test performance shows 42% of students achieving proficiency in English Language Arts and Reading, while 33% reach proficiency in mathematics.
With a MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10, Central High School is working to strengthen student achievement across core academic areas. Located at 1500 Park Street, the school serves a diverse community where nearly half of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, though the area faces economic challenges with a 19.2% poverty rate. The surrounding neighborhood has a median household income of $46,162 and median home values of $221,200, reflecting a working-class community invested in education.
Central High School operates in Little Rock's mid-size city environment, providing students with access to urban resources and opportunities while maintaining the focused educational atmosphere of a established public institution serving one of Arkansas's most historically significant communities.
What Parents Should Know
Central High School is a large school with 2,260 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.
Score Breakdown
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Central High School — Students at Central High School score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
53.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AR EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from AR 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: 7.3/10.
How Central High School Compares
See how Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 38% (2019) to 33% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 48% (2019) to 42% (2022).
Location
1500 PARK ST, Little Rock, AR 72202
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ARK. SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND H.S. (rated 8.4/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is PREMIER HIGH SCHOOL OF LITTLE ROCK (rated 7.3/10, 0.5 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, ARKANSAS CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL-ALEXANDER (rated 6.4/10, 1.6 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Little Rock, see our Little Rock schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.7 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 72202 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$54,167
Median Home Value
$246,900
Median Rent
$1,040/mo
Population
9,648
College Educated
48.6%
Homeownership
27.7%
Poverty Rate
14%
Median Age
38.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central High School has a median household income of $54,167. It is a well-educated community where 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $246,900, with a median rent of $1,040/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.0%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| HAR-BER HIGH SCHOOL Springdale, AR | 7.9 |
| BENTONVILLE WEST HIGH SCHOOL Centerton, AR | 7.8 |
| ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL Rogers, AR | 7.6 |
| SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL Fort Smith, AR | 7.6 |
| THE ACADEMIES AT JONESBORO HIGH SCHOOL Jonesboro, AR | 7.6 |
| FAYETTEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Fayetteville, AR | 7.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central High School
What grades does Central High School serve?
Central High School serves students in grades 8th through 12th.
How many students attend Central High School?
Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,260 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central High School is 14:1. 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 AR?
Central High School is ranked #126 out of 1,035 schools in AR.
What is Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central High School has a composite rating of 7.9 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 34.3% math proficiency and 44.0% 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?
53.9% 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 8th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,260
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 161
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 53.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Pulaski County
- Phone
- (501) 447-1400
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 21,105
- Schools in District
- 39
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,959
- District Rank
- #2 of 38
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.
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