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Below Average

#2940 of 3,190 schools in MI

Battle Creek Central High School

High School · Battle Creek Public Schools

100 VAN BUREN ST W, Battle Creek, MI 49017

Enrollment

1,036

Student-Teacher

19.2:1

Score

4.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Battle Creek

#24 of 26

public schools

Michigan high schools

#728 of 812

In district

#12 of 12

Battle Creek Public Schools

About Battle Creek Central High School

Battle Creek Central High School serves 1,036 students in grades 9-12 in Battle Creek, Michigan. With 54 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19.2:1, providing a reasonably sized learning environment for high schoolers. As a regular public school, Battle Creek Central ranks #2,279 out of 3,204 Michigan high schools, placing it in the 29th percentile statewide with a MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10.

While these rankings indicate the school has room for academic growth, the institution continues to serve its diverse student body in this mid-sized educational setting. The school draws from a community where the median household income is $55,884 and 21% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. With a local poverty rate of 13.8%, many families face economic challenges that can impact educational outcomes.

The surrounding neighborhood has a median home value of $126,400, reflecting the affordable nature of this Michigan community. Battle Creek Central High School is situated in the heart of Battle Creek, a small city environment that offers students both urban amenities and a close-knit community feel. The school's location on Van Buren Street West places it centrally within this Calhoun County community of over 20,000 residents.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.6Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-2.88 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendDeclining
Academics2.4Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency2.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency22%
Overall Proficiency12%
Expected (poverty-adj.)29%
vs. Expected-16.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile7th
College Readiness3.9Fair30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation11.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.2Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,457

Battle Creek Central High School — Students at Battle Creek Central High School score 12% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

72.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 5.8%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 24.5%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from MI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
9%
ELA
27%
2021*
Math
2.5%
ELA
22%

* 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: 4.6/10.

How Battle Creek Central High School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.2/10
8th percentile in MI
Academic
2.4/10
2.4/10
Growth
4.6/10
Below average
Environment
6.2/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
73%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
54 teachers

Location

100 VAN BUREN ST W, Battle Creek, MI 49017

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Battle Creek Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ST PHILIP CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Battle Creek Area Learning Center (rated 6.8/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Springfield), which scores notably higher. Additionally, West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek HS (rated 5.7/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Battle Creek, see our Battle Creek schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.3 mi
School Distance Rating
WK Kellogg Preparatory High School Battle Creek 0.0 mi 4.2
Battle Creek STEM Innovation Center Battle Creek 0.0 mi 7.2
Battle Creek MathSci Center Battle Creek 0.2 mi
ST PHILIP CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Battle Creek 0.3 mi 7.6
West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek HS Battle Creek 0.4 mi 5.7
West Michigan Virtual Battle Creek MS Battle Creek 0.4 mi 5.8
Fremont International Academy Battle Creek 0.6 mi 7.8
Ann J Kellogg School Battle Creek 0.6 mi 6.7
Post Franklin School Battle Creek 1.1 mi 6.4
Dudley School Battle Creek 1.5 mi 7.2
BATTLE CREEK ACADEMY Battle Creek 1.5 mi 7.3
Verona Elementary School Battle Creek 1.5 mi 6.7
Northwestern Middle School Battle Creek 1.6 mi 6.6
Pennfield Purdy School Battle Creek 2.2 mi 5.8
Riverside Elementary School Battle Creek 2.3 mi 6.2
Lakeview Alternative High School Battle Creek 2.1 mi 4.9
Arbor Academy Battle Creek 2.2 mi 6.4
Battle Creek Montessori Academy Springfield 1.9 mi 5.2
CALHOUN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Battle Creek 2.3 mi 8.1
Battle Creek Area Learning Center Springfield 2.3 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49017 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$58,500

Median Home Value

$134,800

Median Rent

$946/mo

Population

20,785

College Educated

20.4%

Homeownership

72.9%

Avg Commute

19.8 min

Poverty Rate

12.3%

Median Age

43.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding Battle Creek Central High School has a median household income of $58,500. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $134,800, with a median rent of $946/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.3%. The average commute for residents is 20 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
Chandler Park Academy High School Harper Woods, MI 4.2
Charlotte Senior High School Charlotte, MI 4.2
Coldwater High School Coldwater, MI 4.2
Fremont High School Fremont, MI 4.2
Lake Shore High School Saint Clair Shores, MI 4.2
Portland High School Portland, MI 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Battle Creek Central High School

What grades does Battle Creek Central High School serve?

Battle Creek Central High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Battle Creek Central High School?

Battle Creek Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,036 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Battle Creek Central High School is 19.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Battle Creek Central High School rank in MI?

Battle Creek Central High School is ranked #2940 out of 3,190 schools in MI.

What is Battle Creek Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Battle Creek Central High School has a composite rating of 4.2 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 Battle Creek Central High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Battle Creek Central High School has 5.8% math proficiency and 24.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Battle Creek Central High School a charter school?

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

Is Battle Creek Central High School a Title I school?

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

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

72.5% of students at Battle Creek 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
69 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
54 Bikeable
City Safety
High (3,679/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,036
Student-Teacher Ratio
19.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
54
Free/Reduced Lunch
72.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Calhoun County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Battle Creek Public Schools
District Enrollment
3,693
Schools in District
13
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,231
District Rank
#12 of 12

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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