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Below Average

#991 of 1,284 schools in KY

The Central Academy

High School · Henderson County

851 Center Street, Henderson, KY 42420

Enrollment

240

Student-Teacher

18.5:1

Score

4.9

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Kentucky schools

#991 of 1,284

In Henderson

#9 of 11

public schools

In district

#11 of 13

Henderson County

Academic growth

9.3 / 10

Excellent

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The Central Academy

4.9/10

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

Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School

7.2/10

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

Thelma B. Johnson Early Learning Center

4.0/10

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

About The Central Academy

The Central Academy is a public high school in Henderson, KY, part of Henderson County. The Central Academy serves approximately 240 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 18.5:1 student-teacher ratio. The Central Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #991 of 1,284 schools in KY.

Structured state assessment records for The Central Academy show 4% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2022) and 11% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2025).

How it compares1.5 pts below district
  • This school 4.9 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.4
  • KY avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at The Central Academy sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.3Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data7
Annual Change-0.06 pts/yr
Data Period2017–2025
TrendStable
Academics1.4Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency2.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency16% (2025 KSA)
Overall Proficiency9% (2025 KSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)39% (model expectation from 2025 KSA)
vs. Expected-30.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile1th
College Readiness5.0Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate57%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,397
Chronic Absenteeism25.8%

The Central Academy — Students at The Central Academy score 9% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

70.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KY KSA (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 4.2% (multi-year average, 2017-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 10.6% (multi-year average, 2017-2025)
School
State
N/A

Based on 14 test records from KY state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2017
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2018
Math
2.5%
ELA
12%
2019
Math
2.5%
ELA
12%
2020*
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2021*
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2022
Math
2.5%
ELA
12%
2025
ELA
16%

* 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: 9.3/10.

How The Central Academy Compares

See how The Central Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.9/10
23th percentile in KY
Academic
1.4/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
9.3/10
Excellent
Environment
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
71%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
25.8%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses3 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

851 Center Street, Henderson, KY 42420

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering The Central Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Cairo Elementary School (rated 9.0/10, 7.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Daniel Wertz Elementary School (rated 8.5/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Evansville), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Spottsville Elementary School (rated 8.2/10, 7.4 miles away, in nearby Spottsville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Henderson, see our Henderson schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.2 mi
School Distance Rating
HOLY NAME OF JESUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL Henderson 0.3 mi 7.2
Thelma B. Johnson Early Learning Center Henderson 0.8 mi 4.0
South Heights Elementary School Henderson 0.9 mi 4.2
Henderson County North Middle School Henderson 0.8 mi 6.9
Henderson County South Middle School Henderson 0.9 mi 7.8
Jefferson Elementary School Henderson 1.0 mi 7.6
Henderson County High School Henderson 1.3 mi 7.9
East Heights Elementary School Henderson 2.1 mi 5.7
Bend Gate Elementary School Henderson 2.6 mi 7.3
Cairo Elementary School Henderson 7.2 mi 9.0
Glenwood Leadership Academy Evansville 8.2 mi 6.8
Lodge Community School Evansville 8.3 mi 5.4
Niagara Elementary School Henderson 8.0 mi 7.4
Culver Family Learning Center Evansville 8.6 mi 4.5
WESTSIDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Evansville 8.8 mi 7.6
Fairlawn Elementary School Evansville 8.6 mi 4.5
Daniel Wertz Elementary School Evansville 8.9 mi 8.5
Spottsville Elementary School Spottsville 7.4 mi 8.2
Benjamin Bosse High School Evansville 9.2 mi 5.0
Washington Middle School Evansville 9.2 mi 5.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 42420 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$56,661

Median Home Value

$164,800

Median Rent

$792/mo

Population

38,434

College Educated

19.8%

Homeownership

61%

Avg Commute

21.5 min

Poverty Rate

15.9%

Median Age

40

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Colonel Academy Williamsburg, KY 4.7
Fayette County Learning Center Lexington, KY 4.6
BISHOP BROSSART HIGH SCHOOL Alexandria, KY 4.4
NEWPORT CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Newport, KY 5.6
Paris High School Paris, KY 5.6
The Providence School Wilmore, KY 5.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about The Central Academy

What grades does The Central Academy serve?

The Central Academy serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend The Central Academy?

The Central Academy has an enrollment of approximately 240 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at The Central Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at The Central Academy 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 The Central Academy rank in KY?

The Central Academy ranks #991 of 1,284 schools in KY.

What is The Central Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

The Central Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 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 The Central Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, The Central Academy has 4% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2022) and 11% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2025).

Is The Central Academy a charter school?

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

Is The Central Academy a Title I school?

No, The Central Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for The Central Academy?

70.8% of students at The Central Academy 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
59 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
54 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
240
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
70.8%
Type
alternative
Setting
Fringe Town
County
Henderson County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
25.8%
4-Year Graduation
57.0%

District

Henderson County
District Enrollment
6,833
Schools in District
13
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,397
District Rank
#11 of 13

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