Average
#2841 of 3,813 schools in IL
Joliet Central High School
High School · Joliet Twp HSD 204
201 E Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60432
Enrollment
3,383
Student-Teacher
18.5:1
Score
5.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
3,383
Student-Teacher
18.5:1
Score
5.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Joliet
#22 of 31
public schools
Illinois high schools
#566 of 703
In district
#2 of 2
Joliet Twp HSD 204
Academic growth
8.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Joliet Central High School
Joliet Central High School serves 3,383 students in grades 9-12 in Joliet, Illinois, making it one of the larger high schools in Will County. With 183 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an 18.5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, providing reasonable class sizes for individualized attention. The school currently faces academic challenges, with room for significant growth in student achievement.
Only 14% of students demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts/Reading across grade levels, indicating the school is focusing on foundational skill development. Joliet Central ranks in the 12th percentile among Illinois high schools, reflecting the need for continued educational investment and support. The school draws from a diverse community where the median household income is $61,345 and median home values are $171,200.
About 20% of families in the area face economic challenges, while 14% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher. These community characteristics highlight both the potential and the socioeconomic factors that influence student outcomes. Despite current academic hurdles, Joliet Central's substantial size allows for diverse programming opportunities and the chance for students to find their niche among a large peer group.
The school sits in Joliet's large suburban setting, serving as an integral part of this established Illinois community.
What Parents Should Know
Joliet Central High School is a large school with 3,383 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
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Joliet Central High School — Students at Joliet Central High School score 13% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 14%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
76.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from IL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 8.5/10.
How Joliet Central High School Compares
See how Joliet Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 15% (2019) to 12% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 18% (2019) to 14% (2022).
Location
201 E Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60432
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Joliet Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Fairmont School (rated 8.0/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Lockport), which scores notably higher. Another option is Washington Jr High & Academy Prgm (rated 7.6/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Chaney-Monge School (rated 7.6/10, 2.5 miles away, in nearby Crest Hill), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Joliet, see our Joliet schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| VILASECA JOSEPHINE CENTER Joliet | 0.5 mi | — |
| Washington Jr High & Academy Prgm Joliet | 0.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Edna Keith Elem School Joliet | 0.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Woodland Elem School Joliet | 0.8 mi | 5.0 |
| ST MARY NATIVITY SCHOOL Joliet | 0.9 mi | 6.2 |
| ST JOSEPH ACADEMY Joliet | 0.9 mi | — |
| Sator Sanchez Elem School Joliet | 1.2 mi | 6.5 |
| M J Cunningham Elem Sch Joliet | 1.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Farragut Elem School Joliet | 1.3 mi | 6.7 |
| CATHEDRAL OF ST RAYMOND SCHOOL Joliet | 1.5 mi | 5.5 |
| Forest Park Individual Ed School Joliet | 1.8 mi | 5.3 |
| Isaac Singleton Elem Sch Joliet | 1.6 mi | 6.2 |
| A O Marshall Elem School Joliet | 1.6 mi | 6.0 |
| T E Culbertson Elem School Joliet | 1.6 mi | 5.7 |
| Gompers Junior High School Joliet | 1.7 mi | 5.8 |
| Laraway School Joliet | 2.4 mi | 7.1 |
| UCP-CDS-MELVIN J LARSON SCHOOL Joliet | 1.9 mi | 6.2 |
| HOPEWELL CAREER ACADEMY - JOILET Joliet | 2.1 mi | 6.3 |
| Chaney-Monge School Crest Hill | 2.5 mi | 7.6 |
| Fairmont School Lockport | 2.7 mi | 8.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60432 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$64,099
Median Home Value
$185,100
Median Rent
$1,261/mo
Population
20,098
College Educated
12.9%
Homeownership
57.1%
Avg Commute
29.4 min
Poverty Rate
18.6%
Median Age
33.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Joliet Central High School has a median household income of $64,099. It is a community where 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $185,100, with a median rent of $1,261/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.6%. 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 |
|---|---|
| Belleville High School-West Belleville, IL | 5.3 |
| Edwardsville High School Edwardsville, IL | 5.3 |
| Larkin High School Elgin, IL | 5.3 |
| Belleville High School-East Belleville, IL | 5.2 |
| DeKalb High School Dekalb, IL | 5.1 |
| Waukegan High School Waukegan, IL | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Joliet Central High School
What grades does Joliet Central High School serve?
Joliet Central High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Joliet Central High School?
Joliet Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 3,383 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Joliet Central High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Joliet Central High School is 18.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Joliet Central High School rank in IL?
Joliet Central High School is ranked #2841 out of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Joliet Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Joliet Central High School has a composite rating of 5.3 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 Joliet Central High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Joliet Central High School has 13.5% math proficiency and 16.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Joliet Central High School a charter school?
No, Joliet Central High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Joliet Central High School a Title I school?
No, Joliet Central High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Joliet Central High School?
76.7% of students at Joliet 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
- Walk Score
- 79 Very Walkable
- Transit Score
- 45 Some Transit
- Bike Score
- 61 Bikeable
- City Safety
- High (1,601/100K)
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Joliet). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 3,383
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 183
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 76.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Will County
- Phone
- (815) 727-6740
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Joliet Twp HSD 204- District Enrollment
- 6,819
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,282
- District Rank
- #2 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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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