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#1044 of 1,363 schools in MD

Central High

High School · Prince George's County Public Schools

200 Cabin Branch Rd, Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Enrollment

803

Student-Teacher

15.4:1

Score

5.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Capitol Heights

#6 of 7

public schools

Maryland high schools

#110 of 226

In district

#145 of 194

Prince George's County Public Schools

About Central High

Central High is a public high school serving grades 9–12 in Capitol Heights, Maryland, located in Prince George's County's large suburban area. With an enrollment of 803 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15.4:1, the school has 52 full-time equivalent teachers supporting its student body. Academically, Central High is currently working to strengthen student performance.

In English Language Arts, 36% of students scored proficient or above, while mathematics proficiency stands at 12% across grade levels. The school's academic score of 2.2/10 reflects significant room for growth, and it ranks in the lower percentile statewide. These metrics suggest the school is focusing on building foundational skills and supporting student development in core academic areas.

For families considering Central High, it's worth noting that the school serves a substantial student population in a suburban setting, which can offer both community connection and access to local resources. Parents interested in learning more about specific academic supports, extracurricular offerings, or the school's improvement initiatives may want to connect directly with school leadership to understand the comprehensive picture of what Central High offers its students.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.2Fair25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change-1.96 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.3Fair25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency7.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency27.3%
Reading vs. State Avg-23.8 pts
Overall Proficiency17%
Expected (poverty-adj.)28%
vs. Expected-10.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile14th
College Readiness8.0Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation6.2%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment6.6Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,234

Central High — Students at Central High score 17% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 28%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

72.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 12.2%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 35.8%
School
State
51.1%

Based on 7 test records from MD state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
17%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
12%
ELA
37%
2022
Math
7.5%
ELA
47%
2025
ELA
27.3%

* 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 High Compares

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

Overall Score
5.3/10
24th percentile in MD
Academic
3.3/10
3.3/10
Growth
3.2/10
Below average
Environment
6.6/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
73%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
52 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
6.2% participation·51 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

200 Cabin Branch Rd, Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Maya Angelou PCS - HS (rated 6.9/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby Washington), which scores notably higher. Additionally, BISHOP MCNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL (rated 4.6/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Forestville), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Capitol Heights, see our Capitol Heights schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Walker Mill Middle Capitol Heights 0.5 mi 5.1
John H. Bayne Elementary Capitol Heights 0.8 mi 6.6
Carmody Hills Elementary Capitol Heights 1.0 mi 6.5
Capitol Heights Elementary Capitol Heights 1.1 mi 9.3
Highland Park Elementary Landover 1.4 mi 5.1
Seat Pleasant Elementary Capital Heights 1.3 mi 6.8
Judith P. Hoyer Montessori Landover 1.5 mi 5.7
Doswell E. Brooks Elementary Capital Heights 1.3 mi 7.3
District Heights Elementary District Heights 1.7 mi 6.9
Francis Scott Key Elementary District Heights 1.7 mi 6.0
Concord Elementary District Heights 1.6 mi 6.0
G. James Gholson Middle Landover 1.7 mi 4.2
Cora L. Rice Elementary Landover 1.7 mi 8.0
HIGHLAND PARK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Landover 1.9 mi 7.0
William W. Hall Academy Capitol Heights 1.7 mi 5.5
Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS - East End Washington 1.6 mi 6.9
Maya Angelou PCS - HS Washington 1.6 mi 6.9
BISHOP MCNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL Forestville 2.1 mi 4.6
DC Scholars PCS Washington 1.7 mi 3.7
North Forestville Elementary Forestville 2.0 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 20743 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$76,332

Median Home Value

$317,100

Median Rent

$1,614/mo

Population

39,439

College Educated

22.9%

Homeownership

66.8%

Avg Commute

36.5 min

Poverty Rate

12.8%

Median Age

38.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Central High has a median household income of $76,332. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $317,100, with a median rent of $1,614/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.8%. The average commute in the area is 37 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Paul Laurence Dunbar High Baltimore, MD 5.2
Smithsburg High Smithsburg, MD 5.2
Bard High School Early College Baltimore, MD 5.4
Havre de Grace High Havre De Grace, MD 5.4
MOUNT DE SALES ACADEMY Baltimore, MD 5.4
Patterson Mill High School Bel Air, MD 5.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central High

What grades does Central High serve?

Central High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Central High?

Central High has an enrollment of approximately 803 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Central High?

The student-teacher ratio at Central High is 15.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Central High rank in MD?

Central High is ranked #1044 out of 1,363 schools in MD.

What is Central High's MySchoolScout rating?

Central High 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 Central High?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central High has 12.2% math proficiency and 35.8% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Central High a charter school?

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

Is Central High a Title I school?

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

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

72.6% of students at Central High 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

City Safety
High (1,503/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
803
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
52
Free/Reduced Lunch
72.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Prince George's County
Data Year
2023–2024

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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