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Average

#3660 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 38% in state

Central Union High

High School · Central Union High

1001 Brighton Ave., EL Centro, CA 92243

Enrollment

1,955

Student-Teacher

21.2:1

Score

6.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#3,660 of 9,539

In EL Centro

#4 of 21

public schools

In district

#2 of 4

Central Union High

School environment

8.5 / 10

Excellent

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Central Union High

6.9/10

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

Wilson Jr. High

6.9/10

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

Lincoln Elementary

4.4/10

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

About Central Union High

Central Union High is a public high school in EL Centro, CA, part of Central Union High. Central Union High serves approximately 1,955 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 21.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Central Union High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10 and ranks #3,660 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Central Union High show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.1 pts above district
  • This school 6.9 · Average
  • District avg 5.8
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Central Union High runs 21.2:1 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 Progress6.6Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.26 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.8Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency23.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency61.4% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-4.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+5.5 pts
Overall Proficiency43% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+9.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile68th
College Readiness5.4Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate88%
AP Participation14.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.5Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,038
Chronic Absenteeism17.3%

Central Union High — Students at Central Union High score 43% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

73.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 34.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 60.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 30 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
45%
ELA
43%
2010
Math
63%
ELA
59%
2011
Math
66%
ELA
59%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
54%
2013
Math
63%
ELA
56%
2014
Math
20%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
63%
2016
Math
26%
ELA
65%
2017
Math
18%
ELA
60%
2018
Math
21%
ELA
63%
2019
Math
21%
ELA
63%
2020*
Math
21%
ELA
63%
2021*
Math
21%
ELA
63%
2024
Math
23.8%
ELA
61.4%

* 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: 6.6/10.

How Central Union High Compares

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

Overall Score
6.9/10
62th percentile in CA
Academic
7.8/10
Very Good
Growth
6.6/10
Average
Environment
8.5/10
Excellent
AP Courses
4
State avg: 2.6
Sports
26
13 boys' · 13 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
73%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
92 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
17.3%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
14.7% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics26sports offered
13 boys'·13 girls'·43 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

1001 Brighton Ave., EL Centro, CA 92243

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central Union High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Southwest High (rated 7.5/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Desert Oasis High (Continuation) (rated 5.6/10, 1.0 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Mt. Signal Virtual Academy (rated 3.2/10, 1.6 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in EL Centro, see our EL Centro schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Wilson Jr. High El Centro 0.2 mi 6.9
Lincoln Elementary El Centro 0.4 mi 4.4
Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences San Diego 0.4 mi 8.5
Harding Elementary El Centro 0.4 mi 6.9
Margaret Hedrick Elementary El Centro 0.6 mi 3.4
ST MARY S SCHOOL El Centro 0.7 mi 4.3
Christian Home Academy El Centro 0.8 mi
St. Marys School El Centro 0.7 mi
De Anza Magnet El Centro 0.9 mi 5.5
Desert Garden Elementary El Centro 0.9 mi 6.6
Kennedy Middle El Centro 1.0 mi 7.6
McKinley Elementary El Centro 1.0 mi 7.7
Desert Oasis High (Continuation) El Centro 1.0 mi 5.6
Phoenix Rising High El Centro 1.0 mi
Imperial Valley Home School Academy El Centro 1.1 mi 6.8
Sunflower Elementary El Centro 1.1 mi 6.8
Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary El Centro 1.3 mi 5.0
Southwest High El Centro 1.3 mi 7.5
Booker T. Washington Elementary El Centro 1.2 mi 5.1
Mt. Signal Virtual Academy El Centro 1.6 mi 3.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 92243 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$55,890

Median Home Value

$286,100

Median Rent

$992/mo

Population

48,556

College Educated

16.2%

Homeownership

51.5%

Avg Commute

22.6 min

Poverty Rate

20.2%

Median Age

31.5

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Bloomington High Bloomington, CA 6.9
Brea Olinda High Brea, CA 6.9
Diamond Ranch High Pomona, CA 6.9
Don Antonio Lugo High Chino, CA 6.9
Fullerton Union High Fullerton, CA 6.9
Huntington Park Senior High Huntington Park, CA 6.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central Union High

What grades does Central Union High serve?

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

How many students attend Central Union High?

Central Union High has an enrollment of approximately 1,955 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Central Union High is 21.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Central Union High rank in CA?

Central Union High ranks #3,660 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Central Union High's MySchoolScout rating?

Central Union High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 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 Union High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Central Union High has 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Central Union High a charter school?

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

Is Central Union High a Title I school?

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

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

73.4% of students at Central Union High 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
53 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
51 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,955
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
92
Free/Reduced Lunch
73.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Imperial County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
17.3%
4-Year Graduation
88.0%

District

Central Union High
District Enrollment
4,023
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,038
District Rank
#2 of 4

How we rate schools

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