Average
#500 of 1,036 schools in AR
Top 48% 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
6.5
Grades
8th – 12th
Enrollment
2,260
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
6.5
Grades
8th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Arkansas schools
#500 of 1,036
In Little Rock
#22 of 70
public schools
In district
#11 of 38
LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT
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Central High School
High School in Little Rock · grades 8th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
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About Central High School
Central High School is a public high school in Little Rock, AR, part of LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT. Central High School serves approximately 2,260 students, and covers grades 8th-12th, and has a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10 and ranks #500 of 1,036 schools in AR.
Structured state assessment records for Central High School show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.5 · Average
- District avg 5.7
- AR avg 6.3
What Parents Should Know
Central High School is a large school: 2,260 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
Test scores at Central High School sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.
43% of students at Central High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Central High School — Students at Central High School score 23% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
53.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AR ATLAS (2024-25)
Based on 37 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: 6.4/10.
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 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
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 6.8/10, 1.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is ARKANSAS CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL-ALEXANDER (rated 5.7/10, 1.6 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, PREMIER HIGH SCHOOL OF LITTLE ROCK (rated 4.6/10, 0.5 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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| CONWAY HIGH SCHOOL Conway, AR | 6.5 |
| CABOT HIGH SCHOOL Cabot, AR | 6.6 |
| NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL Fort Smith, AR | 6.7 |
| ROGERS HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL Rogers, AR | 6.3 |
| ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL Rogers, AR | 6.7 |
| SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL Fort Smith, AR | 6.7 |
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 ranks #500 of 1,036 schools in AR.
What is Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 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 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 42.5%
- Phone
- (501) 447-1400
- 4-Year Graduation
- 90.0%
Resources & Links
District
LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT- District Enrollment
- 21,105
- Schools in District
- 39
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,959
- District Rank
- #11 of 38
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