Skip to main content

Average

#756 of 1,280 schools in IA

Central City High School

High School · Central City Comm School District

400 Barber Street, Central City, IA 52214

Enrollment

225

Student-Teacher

10.7:1

Score

6.0

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#756 of 1,280

In Central City

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

Central City Comm School District

School environment

8.8 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Central City High School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Central City High School

6.0/10

High School in Central City · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Central City Elementary School

6.7/10

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

Alburnett Elementary School

6.4/10

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

About Central City High School

Central City High School is a public high school in Central City, IA, part of Central City Comm School District. Central City High School serves approximately 225 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 10.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Central City High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #756 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Central City High School show 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 78% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it comparesOn par with IA schools
  • This school 6.0 · Average
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Central City High School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.2Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.51 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.5Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency61.1% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency77.4% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-11.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+3.7 pts
Overall Proficiency69% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)76% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-6.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile26th
College Readiness7.6Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate84.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.8Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,484
Chronic Absenteeism21.3%

Central City High School — Students at Central City High School score 69% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 76%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

34.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 71.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
70.4% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 78.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.5% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 42 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2010
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2011
Math
84.5%
ELA
95%
2012
Math
90%
ELA
90%
2013
Math
95%
ELA
84.5%
2014
Math
84.5%
ELA
95%
2015
Math
95%
ELA
74.5%
2016
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2017
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2018
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2019
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2020*
Math
55%
ELA
68%
2021*
Math
55%
ELA
68%
2022
Math
52%
ELA
67%
2025
Math
61.2%
ELA
77.4%

* 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: 3.2/10.

How Central City High School Compares

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

Overall Score
6.0/10
41th percentile in IA
Academic
4.5/10
Below Average
Growth
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.8/10
Excellent
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
35%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
21 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
21.3%

Programs & Offerings

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

400 Barber Street, Central City, IA 52214

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central City High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Springville Secondary School (rated 8.0/10, 11.4 miles away, in nearby Springville), which scores notably higher. Another option is North-Linn Senior High School (rated 7.2/10, 9.0 miles away, in nearby Troy Mills), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Alburnett Senior High School (rated 5.2/10, 6.3 miles away, in nearby Alburnett), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Central City, see our Central City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Central City Elementary School Central City 0.0 mi 6.7
Alburnett Elementary School Alburnett 6.3 mi 6.4
Alburnett Senior High School Alburnett 6.3 mi 5.2
Alburnett Middle School Alburnett 6.3 mi 7.9
Boulder Peak Intermediate School Marion 10.6 mi 7.8
Hazel Point Intermediate School Marion 10.2 mi 8.7
North-Linn Middle School Troy Mills 9.0 mi 8.8
North-Linn Senior High School Troy Mills 9.0 mi 7.2
North Linn Elementary Troy Mills 9.0 mi 6.2
Echo Hill Elementary Marion 10.3 mi 8.5
Oak Ridge Middle School Marion 10.6 mi 8.1
Linn Grove Elementary School Marion 11.3 mi 4.5
Excelsior Middle School Marion 11.0 mi 8.1
Indian Creek Elementary School Marion 11.4 mi 7.4
Linn-Mar High School Marion 11.4 mi 5.0
Springville Elementary School Springville 11.3 mi 8.4
Springville Secondary School Springville 11.4 mi 8.0
Wilkins Elementary School Marion 11.7 mi 6.1
Novak Elementary School Marion 11.7 mi 7.7
Longfellow Elementary Marion 12.3 mi 7.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52214 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$83,450

Median Home Value

$235,400

Median Rent

$825/mo

Population

2,770

College Educated

22.3%

Homeownership

85.8%

Avg Commute

27.2 min

Poverty Rate

11.1%

Median Age

45.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Danville Junior-Senior High School Danville, IA 6.0
West Marshall High School State Center, IA 6.0
BURLINGTON NOTRE DAME JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL Burlington, IA 6.1
Murray Jr/Sr High Murray, IA 5.9
North Mahaska Jr-Sr High School New Sharon, IA 6.1
Northwood-Kensett MIddle/High School Northwood, IA 6.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central City High School

What grades does Central City High School serve?

Central City High School serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend Central City High School?

Central City High School has an enrollment of approximately 225 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Central City High School is 10.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Central City High School rank in IA?

Central City High School ranks #756 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Central City High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Central City High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 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 City High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Central City High School has 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 78% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Central City High School a charter school?

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

Is Central City High School a Title I school?

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

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

34.7% of students at Central City 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
33 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
49 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
225
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
21
Free/Reduced Lunch
34.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Linn County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
21.3%
4-Year Graduation
84.5%

District

Central City Comm School District
District Enrollment
441
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,484
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.