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Below Average

#3419 of 3,777 schools in FL

Palm Beach Central High School

High School · PALM BEACH

8499 FOREST HILL BLVD, Wellington, FL 33411

Enrollment

2,841

Student-Teacher

18.9:1

Score

4.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Wellington

#12 of 12

public schools

Florida high schools

#552 of 748

In district

#202 of 221

PALM BEACH

About Palm Beach Central High School

Palm Beach Central High School serves 2,841 students in grades 9-12 in Wellington, Florida. With 150 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an 18.9:1 student-teacher ratio, providing a manageable class size environment for this large high school community. Academically, the school ranks in the 48th percentile statewide, positioned at #1987 out of 3,816 Florida schools, with room for growth in student achievement.

The school shows particular focus needed in English Language Arts, where 54% of students perform at proficient levels or above across grade levels. As a regular public high school, Palm Beach Central continues working to strengthen academic outcomes for its diverse student body. The school draws from a well-established suburban community where families have invested significantly in education and stability.

The surrounding 33411 zip code reflects an engaged population of 73,919 residents, with 38% holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a median household income of $83,770. The area's low poverty rate of 7.6% and median home values of $363,900 indicate a stable residential neighborhood that values educational investment. Palm Beach Central High School operates within Wellington's large suburban setting along Forest Hill Boulevard, serving families who have chosen this Palm Beach County community for its residential appeal and educational opportunities.

What Parents Should Know

Palm Beach Central High School is a large school with 2,841 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

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.1Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-4.98 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.0Above Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency42%
Reading/ELA Proficiency55%
Reading vs. State Avg+2.4 pts
Overall Proficiency49%
Expected (poverty-adj.)55%
vs. Expected-6.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile43th
College Readiness4.2Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation16.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.1Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,612

Palm Beach Central High School — Students at Palm Beach Central High School score 48% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 55%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

39.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 50.5%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 55.8%
School
State
52.7%

Based on 6 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
59%
ELA
61%
2021*
Math
42%
ELA
55%
2024
ELA
53.5%

* 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: 2.1/10.

How Palm Beach Central High School Compares

See how Palm Beach Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.5/10
10th percentile in FL
Academic
6.0/10
6.0/10
Growth
2.1/10
Below average
Environment
6.1/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
39%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
150 teachers

Location

8499 FOREST HILL BLVD, Wellington, FL 33411

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Palm Beach Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. PALM BEACH JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (rated 6.9/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby West Palm Beach), which scores notably higher. Another option is GOLIATH ACADEMY (rated 6.5/10, 3.3 miles away, in nearby Lake Worth), which scores notably higher. Additionally, GOLIATH ACADEMY (rated 6.1/10, 3.3 miles away, in nearby Greenacres), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Wellington, see our Wellington schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.3 mi
School Distance Rating
EVERGLADES ELEMENTARY West Palm Beach 1.3 mi 7.5
OKEEHEELEE MIDDLE SCHOOL Greenacres 1.5 mi 6.0
SCORE AT THE TOP LEARNING CENTER - WELLINGTON Wellington 1.7 mi
EQUESTRIAN TRAILS ELEMENTARY Wellington 1.8 mi 8.0
EMERALD COVE MIDDLE SCHOOL Wellington 1.8 mi 7.1
CHOLEE LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Greenacres 1.8 mi 4.4
DISCOVERY KEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lake Worth 2.1 mi 7.0
RENAISSANCE CHARTER SCHOOL AT WELLINGTON Wellington 2.1 mi 4.6
LIBERTY PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Greenacres 2.2 mi 7.2
WELLINGTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL Lake Worth 2.5 mi 7.9
PALM BEACH JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY West Palm Beach 2.6 mi 6.9
CONKLIN INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY West Palm Beach 2.7 mi
PINE JOG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL West Palm Beach 2.5 mi 6.9
THE KING'S ACADEMY West Palm Beach 2.8 mi 4.7
ELBRIDGE GALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Wellington 2.8 mi 8.0
MONTESSORI ACADEMYOF EARLY ENRICHMENT INC Greenacres 3.2 mi 5.1
PANTHER RUN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Lake Worth 3.2 mi 8.2
FOREST HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL West Palm Beach 3.1 mi 7.6
GOLIATH ACADEMY Lake Worth 3.3 mi 6.5
GOLIATH ACADEMY Greenacres 3.3 mi 6.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 33411 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$89,329

Median Home Value

$400,900

Median Rent

$1,887/mo

Population

75,299

College Educated

38.9%

Homeownership

76.5%

Avg Commute

28.5 min

Poverty Rate

6.9%

Median Age

42.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Palm Beach Central High School has a median household income of $89,329. It is an area where 39% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $400,900, with a median rent of $1,887/month. The local poverty rate of 6.9% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 29 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
BELLEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Belleview, FL 4.5
MARTIN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL Stuart, FL 4.5
NOVA HIGH SCHOOL Davie, FL 4.5
ORANGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL Orange Park, FL 4.5
PORT ST. LUCIE HIGH SCHOOL Port St. Lucie, FL 4.5
SPOTO HIGH SCHOOL Riverview, FL 4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Palm Beach Central High School

What grades does Palm Beach Central High School serve?

Palm Beach Central High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Palm Beach Central High School?

Palm Beach Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,841 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Palm Beach Central High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Palm Beach Central High School is 18.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Palm Beach Central High School rank in FL?

Palm Beach Central High School is ranked #3419 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is Palm Beach Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Palm Beach Central High School has a composite rating of 4.5 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 Palm Beach Central High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Palm Beach Central High School has 50.5% math proficiency and 55.8% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Palm Beach Central High School a charter school?

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

Is Palm Beach Central High School a Title I school?

No, Palm Beach Central High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Palm Beach Central High School?

39.1% of students at Palm Beach 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
12 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
40 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
Elevated (928/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Wellington). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,841
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
150
Free/Reduced Lunch
39.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Palm Beach County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

PALM BEACH
District Enrollment
189,777
Schools in District
235
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,897
District Rank
#202 of 221

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 methodology

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