Below Average
#1667 of 1,815 schools in CO
Central High School
High School · Mesa County Valley School District No. 51
550 WARRIOR WAY, Grand Junction, CO 81504
Enrollment
1,443
Student-Teacher
18.3:1
Score
4.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,443
Student-Teacher
18.3:1
Score
4.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Grand Junction
#31 of 32
public schools
Colorado high schools
#373 of 403
In district
#42 of 43
Mesa County Valley School District No. 51
About Central High School
Central High School serves 1,443 students in grades 9-12 in Grand Junction, Colorado, with a student-teacher ratio of 18.3:1 supported by 79 full-time equivalent teachers. The school holds a MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #1346 out of 1831 Colorado high schools, placing it in the 26th percentile statewide. Academically, Central High School has room for growth, with 21% of students achieving proficient or above in math across grade levels.
The school's academic score of 4.2 reflects ongoing efforts to support student development and achievement. The school draws from a community where the median household income is $63,946 and the median home value is $264,900. The surrounding ZIP code of 81504 has a population of 31,380, with 20% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher and a poverty rate of 11.7%.
Central High School is located at 550 Warrior Way in Grand Junction's mid-size suburban setting in Mesa County. The school serves families in a stable residential community where students can access the educational resources and opportunities of Colorado's Western Slope region.
Score Breakdown
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Central High School — Students at Central High School score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
58.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CO EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from CO 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: 4.2/10.
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 26% (2019) to 21% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 45% (2019) to 43% (2021).
Location
550 WARRIOR WAY, Grand Junction, CO 81504
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Chatfield Elementary School (rated 8.4/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Fruitvale Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Mesa View Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 4.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Grand Junction, see our Grand Junction schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Mesa Middle School Grand Junction | 0.2 mi | 4.9 |
| PEAR PARK BAPTIST SCHOOL Grand Junction | 0.7 mi | — |
| Thunder Mountain Elementary School Grand Junction | 1.0 mi | 6.1 |
| Chatfield Elementary School Grand Junction | 1.3 mi | 8.4 |
| Fruitvale Elementary School Grand Junction | 1.3 mi | 8.3 |
| Pear Park Elementary School Grand Junction | 1.7 mi | 4.0 |
| Clifton Elementary School Clifton | 1.5 mi | 5.5 |
| Rocky Mountain Elementary School Clifton | 1.7 mi | 6.6 |
| Bookcliff Middle School Grand Junction | 2.0 mi | 7.4 |
| Career Center Preschool Grand Junction | 2.1 mi | 5.3 |
| LIFE ACADEMY Grand Junction | 2.3 mi | 6.6 |
| Nisley Elementary School Grand Junction | 2.6 mi | 6.3 |
| Independence Academy Grand Junction | 2.7 mi | 5.5 |
| Mesa View Elementary School Grand Junction | 4.1 mi | 8.3 |
| Lincoln Orchard Mesa Elementary School Grand Junction | 4.0 mi | 7.6 |
| Mount Garfield Middle School Clifton | 3.5 mi | 7.0 |
| Grand Mesa Youth Services Center Grand Junction | 3.8 mi | — |
| R-5 High School Grand Junction | 3.8 mi | 4.8 |
| Orchard Avenue Elementary School Grand Junction | 3.8 mi | 8.3 |
| LANDMARK BAPTIST SCHOOL Grand Junction | 4.2 mi | 5.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 81504 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$67,907
Median Home Value
$290,300
Median Rent
$1,414/mo
Population
31,949
College Educated
21.2%
Homeownership
78.7%
Avg Commute
19.4 min
Poverty Rate
12%
Median Age
36.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central High School has a median household income of $67,907. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $290,300, with a median rent of $1,414/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.0%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 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 |
|---|---|
| Vista Ridge High School Colorado Springs, CO | 4.3 |
| Roosevelt High School Johnstown, CO | 4.2 |
| Abraham Lincoln High School Denver, CO | 4.4 |
| Widefield High School Colorado Springs, CO | 4.4 |
| VALOR CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Highlands Ranch, CO | 4.5 |
| Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College Denver, CO | 4.6 |
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 1,443 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central High School is 18.3:1. 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 CO?
Central High School is ranked #1667 out of 1,815 schools in CO.
What is Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central High School has a composite rating of 4.3 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 22.0% 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?
58.6% 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Grand Junction). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,443
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 79
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 58.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize Suburb
- County
- Mesa County
- Phone
- (970) 254-6200
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Mesa County Valley School District No. 51- District Enrollment
- 20,078
- Schools in District
- 46
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,834
- District Rank
- #42 of 43
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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