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Average

#1786 of 3,190 schools in MI

Kalamazoo Central High School

High School · Kalamazoo Public Schools

2432 NORTH DRAKE RD, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Enrollment

1,651

Student-Teacher

22.6:1

Score

6.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Kalamazoo

#15 of 29

public schools

Michigan high schools

#384 of 812

In district

#13 of 25

Kalamazoo Public Schools

Academic growth

9.9 / 10

Exceptional

About Kalamazoo Central High School

Kalamazoo Central High School serves 1,651 students in grades 9-12 as a comprehensive public high school in Kalamazoo, Michigan. With 73 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22.6 to 1, providing educational opportunities for a large student body in this established community. The school currently ranks in the 10th percentile among Michigan high schools, placing at #2892 out of 3204 schools statewide, with room for academic growth and development.

As a traditional public high school, Kalamazoo Central focuses on preparing students for their post-secondary paths while serving a diverse community with varying economic backgrounds. The school draws from a neighborhood where nearly half of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher, reflecting a community that values education despite economic challenges. The surrounding area has a median household income of $46,777 and median home values around $180,800, indicating a working-class community with mixed economic circumstances.

Located on North Drake Road, Kalamazoo Central High School sits in a mid-size suburban setting within Kalamazoo County, serving as an important educational institution for families in this west Michigan community of approximately 26,730 residents.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Kalamazoo Central High School is 22.6:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.9Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change+9.75 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendImproving
Academics9.0Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency42%
Reading/ELA Proficiency67%
Overall Proficiency55%
Expected (poverty-adj.)40%
vs. Expected+14.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile85th
College Readiness2.6Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation5.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.1Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,832

Kalamazoo Central High School — Students at Kalamazoo Central High School score 54% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

54.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 32.5%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 57.0%
School
State
N/A

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

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
23%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
42%
ELA
67%

* 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: 9.9/10.

How Kalamazoo Central High School Compares

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

Overall Score
6.1/10
44th percentile in MI
Academic
9.0/10
9.0/10
Growth
9.9/10
Above average
Environment
3.1/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
54%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
73 teachers

Location

2432 NORTH DRAKE RD, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Kalamazoo Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Phoenix Alternative High School (rated 7.5/10, 3.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Kalamazoo RESA West CampusYoung Adult Program (rated 7.4/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, KALAMAZOO CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.7/10, 3.4 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Kalamazoo, see our Kalamazoo schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Kalamazoo RESA West CampusYoung Adult Program Kalamazoo 0.8 mi 7.4
Indian Prairie Elementary School Kalamazoo 0.7 mi 4.8
KALAMAZOO SDA JUNIOR ACADEMY Kalamazoo 1.1 mi 6.2
KingWestwood Elementary School Kalamazoo 1.4 mi 7.8
Linden Grove Middle School Kalamazoo 2.1 mi 6.3
REFORMED HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Kalamazoo 1.8 mi 6.3
Hillside Middle School Kalamazoo 1.9 mi 6.5
Arcadia Elementary School Kalamazoo 2.4 mi 5.8
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Kalamazoo 3.0 mi 7.5
Woodward Elementary Kalamazoo 2.8 mi 7.3
Northglade Montessori School Kalamazoo 2.7 mi 7.3
KALAMAZOO CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Kalamazoo 3.4 mi 5.7
Winchell Elementary School Kalamazoo 3.6 mi 6.5
Parchment Northwood Elem School Kalamazoo 3.0 mi 8.3
Cooper Elementary School Kalamazoo 3.9 mi 3.2
Prairie Ridge Elementary School Kalamazoo 3.7 mi 5.5
Phoenix Alternative High School Kalamazoo 3.5 mi 7.5
Transition Services Kalamazoo 3.5 mi
ST AUGUSTINE SCHOOL Kalamazoo 3.3 mi 6.7
KALAMAZOO CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kalamazoo 4.2 mi 4.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49006 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$45,617

Median Home Value

$198,000

Median Rent

$991/mo

Population

25,888

College Educated

44.4%

Homeownership

33.1%

Avg Commute

17.4 min

Poverty Rate

32.6%

Median Age

23.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Kalamazoo Central High School has a median household income of $45,617. It is a well-educated community where 44% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $198,000, with a median rent of $991/month. The area has a poverty rate of 32.6%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 17 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
Adlai Stevenson High School Sterling Heights, MI 6.1
Belleville High School Belleville, MI 6.1
High School Harrison Township, MI 6.1
High School North Macomb, MI 6.1
Rockford High School Rockford, MI 6.1
Bay City Western High School Auburn, MI 6.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Kalamazoo Central High School

What grades does Kalamazoo Central High School serve?

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

How many students attend Kalamazoo Central High School?

Kalamazoo Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,651 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Kalamazoo Central High School is 22.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Kalamazoo Central High School rank in MI?

Kalamazoo Central High School is ranked #1786 out of 3,190 schools in MI.

What is Kalamazoo Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Kalamazoo Central High School has a composite rating of 6.1 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 Kalamazoo Central High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Kalamazoo Central High School has 32.5% math proficiency and 57.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Kalamazoo Central High School a charter school?

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

Is Kalamazoo Central High School a Title I school?

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

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

54.4% of students at Kalamazoo 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
6 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
39 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (4,785/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,651
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
73
Free/Reduced Lunch
54.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize Suburb
County
Kalamazoo County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Kalamazoo Public Schools
District Enrollment
12,323
Schools in District
31
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,528
District Rank
#13 of 25

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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