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#622 of 966 schools in NE

Central High School

High School · OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

124 N 20TH ST, Omaha, NE 68102

Enrollment

2,674

Student-Teacher

22.5:1

Score

5.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Omaha

#66 of 146

public schools

Nebraska high schools

#198 of 263

In district

#20 of 89

OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

About Central High School

Central High School serves 2,674 students in grades 9-12 in Omaha's urban core, making it one of Nebraska's larger high schools. With 119 full-time teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22.5:1, providing educational opportunities within a sizable learning community. Academically, Central High School has significant room for growth, currently ranking in the 8th percentile statewide at #894 out of 974 Nebraska schools.

The school's academic performance shows 41% of students achieving proficiency in English Language Arts and 28% in mathematics, indicating areas where focused improvement efforts could benefit students. These results reflect the complex challenges often faced by large urban schools serving diverse populations. The school is situated in the 68102 ZIP code area, a community with a median household income of $64,423 and median home values of $321,400.

The neighborhood demonstrates educational value with 50% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, though it also faces economic challenges with a poverty rate of 25.8%. This mix of educational achievement and economic diversity reflects the broader character of many urban communities. Central High School operates within Omaha's dynamic large city environment, serving as an educational anchor in a neighborhood that balances both opportunities and challenges for its 8,971 residents.

What Parents Should Know

Central High School is a large school with 2,674 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.

The student-teacher ratio at Central High School is 22.5:1, 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 Progress5.2Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.96 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.2Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency28%
Reading/ELA Proficiency41%
Overall Proficiency35%
Expected (poverty-adj.)46%
vs. Expected-11.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile23th
College Readiness9.9Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation16.5%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment1.8Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,202

Central High School — Students at Central High School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NE EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 32.7%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 42.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from NE state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
41%
ELA
45%
2021*
Math
29%
ELA
40%
2022
Math
28%
ELA
41%

* 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: 5.2/10.

How Central High School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.7/10
36th percentile in NE
Academic
4.2/10
4.2/10
Growth
5.2/10
Above average
Environment
1.8/10
Below average

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
16.5% participation·49 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

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

Location

124 N 20TH ST, Omaha, NE 68102

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. DUCHESNE ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART (rated 7.7/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is GIFFORD PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 6.6/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AT EDUCARE - KELLOM (rated 6.5/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Omaha, see our Omaha schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
LIBERTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha 0.5 mi 4.3
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AT EDUCARE - KELLOM Omaha 0.7 mi 6.5
KELLOM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha 0.7 mi 3.0
GIFFORD PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha 0.9 mi 6.6
JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha 0.9 mi 6.5
CONESTOGA MAGNET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha 1.2 mi 3.6
OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS HOMEBASED Omaha 1.0 mi
JESUIT ACADEMY Omaha 1.3 mi 6.3
ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL Omaha 1.3 mi 6.4
PINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha 1.5 mi 3.9
CASTELAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha 1.6 mi 4.2
DUCHESNE ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Omaha 1.3 mi 7.7
SACRED HEART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha 1.7 mi 4.1
FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha 1.5 mi 3.1
KENNEDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha 1.8 mi 6.3
FIELD CLUB ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Omaha 1.7 mi 5.0
OUR LADY OF LOURDES SCHOOL Omaha 1.8 mi 5.7
LOTHROP MAGNET CENTER Omaha 2.0 mi 3.1
EARLY LEARNING CENTER (0-3) AT KENNEDY Omaha 2.0 mi
EARLY LEARNING CENTER (PK) AT KENNEDY Omaha 2.0 mi 5.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 68102 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$60,525

Median Home Value

$350,500

Median Rent

$1,242/mo

Population

9,311

College Educated

51.3%

Homeownership

14.9%

Poverty Rate

29.9%

Median Age

34.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Central High School has a median household income of $60,525. It is a well-educated community where 51% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $350,500, with a median rent of $1,242/month. The area has a poverty rate of 29.9%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
BURKE HIGH SCHOOL Omaha, NE 5.6
LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL Lincoln, NE 6.5
KEARNEY HIGH SCHOOL Kearney, NE 4.8
NORTH STAR HIGH SCHOOL Lincoln, NE 6.9
WESTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL Omaha, NE 6.9
MILLARD NORTH HIGH SCHOOL Omaha, NE 7.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central High School

What grades does Central High School serve?

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

How many students attend Central High School?

Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,674 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Central High School is 22.5:1. 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 NE?

Central High School is ranked #622 out of 966 schools in NE.

What is Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Central High School has a composite rating of 5.7 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 School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central High School has 32.7% math proficiency and 42.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
70 Very Walkable
Transit Score
54 Good Transit
Bike Score
41 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (3,549/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,674
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
119
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Douglas County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
District Enrollment
51,693
Schools in District
112
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,585
District Rank
#20 of 89

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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