Very Good
#681 of 3,192 schools in MI
Top 21% in state
Central High School
High School · Traverse City Area Public Schools
1150 MILLIKEN DR, Traverse City, MI 49686
Enrollment
1,324
Student-Teacher
23.2:1
Score
7.5
Grades
8th – 12th
Enrollment
1,324
Student-Teacher
23.2:1
Score
7.5
Grades
8th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#681 of 3,192
In Traverse City
#8 of 24
public schools
In district
#5 of 16
Traverse City Area Public Schools
Academic growth
9.1 / 10
Excellent
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Central High School
High School in Traverse City · grades 8th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Eastern Elementary School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
North Edbridgeway
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Central High School
Central High School is a public high school in Traverse City, MI, part of Traverse City Area Public Schools. Central High School serves approximately 1,324 students, and covers grades 8th-12th, and has a 23.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10 and ranks #681 of 3,192 schools in MI.
Structured state assessment records for Central High School show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).
- This school 7.5 · Very Good
- District avg 6.5
- MI avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Central High School runs 23.2:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
35% of students at Central High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Central High School — Students at Central High School score 62% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
27.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 26 test records from MI 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: 9.1/10.
How Central High School Compares
See how Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1150 MILLIKEN DR, Traverse City, MI 49686
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. The Greenspire School (rated 5.1/10, 3.0 miles away), a more accessible option. Another option is Traverse City High School (rated 4.7/10, 2.3 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, The Greenspire High School (rated 3.9/10, 2.5 miles away, in nearby Travse City), a more accessible option. For more schools in Traverse City, see our Traverse City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Elementary School Traverse City | 0.2 mi | 6.7 |
| North EdBridgeway Traverse City | 0.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Traverse Heights Elem School Traverse City | 1.3 mi | 3.9 |
| North EdNew Horizons Traverse City | 1.4 mi | 7.7 |
| TRAVERSE BAY MENNONITE SCHOOL Traverse City | 1.4 mi | — |
| North EdCareer Tech Traverse City | 1.9 mi | — |
| Life Skills Center Traverse City | 2.0 mi | 8.1 |
| Central Grade School Traverse City | 1.9 mi | 7.8 |
| Traverse City High School Traverse City | 2.3 mi | 4.7 |
| The Greenspire High School Travse City | 2.5 mi | 3.9 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Traverse City | 2.3 mi | 6.6 |
| Willow Hill Elementary School Traverse City | 2.7 mi | 7.9 |
| North EdCreekside School Traverse City | 3.0 mi | 5.5 |
| The Greenspire School Traverse City | 3.0 mi | 5.1 |
| TRAVERSE CITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Traverse City | 4.3 mi | 4.4 |
| TCAPS Montessori School Traverse City | 3.2 mi | 8.8 |
| Grand Traverse Academy Traverse City | 3.9 mi | 6.7 |
| THE PATHFINDER SCHOOL Traverse City | 3.5 mi | 7.4 |
| Cherry Knoll Elementary School Traverse City | 4.2 mi | 6.5 |
| ST ELIZABETH ANN SETON MIDDLE SCHOOL Traverse City | 4.2 mi | 5.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49686 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$71,198
Median Home Value
$295,500
Median Rent
$1,209/mo
Population
25,181
College Educated
45.9%
Homeownership
71.1%
Avg Commute
19.8 min
Poverty Rate
11.3%
Median Age
47.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Avondale High School Auburn Hills, MI | 7.5 |
| Eisenhower High School Shelby Township, MI | 7.5 |
| Fraser High School Fraser, MI | 7.5 |
| Holt Senior High School Holt, MI | 7.5 |
| Midland High School Midland, MI | 7.5 |
| Zeeland East High School Zeeland, MI | 7.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central High School
What grades does Central High School serve?
Central High School serves students in grades 8th through 12th.
How many students attend Central High School?
Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,324 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central High School is 23.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central High School rank in MI?
Central High School ranks #681 of 3,192 schools in MI.
What is Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 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 High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Central High School has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).
Is Central High School a charter school?
No, Central High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central High School a Title I school?
No, Central High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central High School?
27.3% of students at 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 8th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,324
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 57
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 27.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Grand Traverse County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 35.4%
- Phone
- (231) 933-6500
- 4-Year Graduation
- 94.0%
Resources & Links
District
Traverse City Area Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 8,655
- Schools in District
- 16
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,840
- District Rank
- #5 of 16
Other Schools in This District
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