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Below Average

#2285 of 2,466 schools in NJ

Trenton Central High School - Main Campus

High School · Trenton Public School District

400 Chambers Street, Trenton, NJ 08611

Enrollment

2,138

Student-Teacher

13.9:1

Score

4.1

Grades

10th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

New Jersey schools

#2,285 of 2,466

In Trenton

#14 of 32

public schools

In district

#7 of 25

Trenton Public School District

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Trenton Central High School - Main Campus

4.1/10

High School in Trenton · grades 10th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Patton J. Hill Elementary School

5.0/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Hedgepeth Williams Intermediate School

4.1/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Trenton Central High School - Main Campus

Trenton Central High School - Main Campus is a public high school in Trenton, NJ, part of Trenton Public School District. Trenton Central High School - Main Campus serves approximately 2,138 students, and covers grades 10th-12th, and has a 13.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Trenton Central High School - Main Campus has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranks #2,285 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

Structured state assessment records for Trenton Central High School - Main Campus show 16% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.5 pts above district
  • This school 4.1 · Below Average
  • District avg 3.5
  • NJ avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

Trenton Central High School - Main Campus is a large school: 2,138 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

55% of students at Trenton Central High School - Main Campus 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 metrics
Student Progress4.7Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.61 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.0Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency8.8% (2024 NJSLA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency69.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Math vs. State Avg-60 pts
Overall Proficiency39% (2024 NJSLA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2024 NJSLA)
vs. Expected-7.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile32th
College Readiness4.5Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate75%
AP Participation5.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.7Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$27,662
Chronic Absenteeism55.1%

Trenton Central High School - Main Campus — Students at Trenton Central High School - Main Campus score 39% 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

38.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 16.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
55.2% (2024 NJSLA)
ELA Proficiency 37.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 30 test records from NJ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
26%
ELA
52%
2010
Math
23%
ELA
61%
2011
Math
35%
ELA
59%
2012
Math
34%
ELA
64%
2013
Math
37%
ELA
70%
2014
Math
2%
ELA
17%
2015
Math
4%
ELA
18%
2016
Math
4%
ELA
22%
2017
Math
5%
ELA
22%
2018
Math
3%
ELA
22%
2019
Math
3%
ELA
22%
2020*
Math
2%
ELA
10%
2021*
Math
2%
ELA
10%
2022
Math
64.5%
ELA
69.5%
2024
Math
8.8%

* 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: 4.7/10.

How Trenton Central High School - Main Campus Compares

See how Trenton Central High School - Main Campus performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.1/10
7th percentile in NJ
Academic
5.0/10
Average
Growth
4.7/10
Below Average
Environment
1.7/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
4
State avg: 3.2
Sports
13
7 boys' · 6 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
39%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
154 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
55.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
5.5% participation·State avg: 3.2 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics13sports offered
7 boys'·6 girls'·13 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

400 Chambers Street, Trenton, NJ 08611

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Trenton Central High School - Main Campus may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Franklin Elementary School (rated 6.2/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is International Charter School (rated 6.1/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Greenwood Elementary School (rated 6.0/10, 1.3 miles away, in nearby Hamilton), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Trenton, see our Trenton schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Patton J. Hill Elementary School Trenton 0.5 mi 5.0
Hedgepeth Williams Intermediate School Trenton 0.4 mi 4.1
Paul S. Robeson Elementary School Trenton 0.4 mi 3.6
Carroll Robbins Elementary School Trenton 0.4 mi 4.9
Achievers Early College Prep Charter School Trenton 0.5 mi 5.5
George Washington Elementary School Trenton 0.6 mi 3.3
Ulysses S. Grant School Trenton 0.7 mi 3.4
William Harrison Elementary School Trenton 0.9 mi 5.0
Franklin Elementary School Trenton 0.9 mi 6.2
International Charter School Trenton 1.0 mi 6.1
Darlene C. McKnight Elementary Trenton 1.1 mi 3.5
Trenton Central High School-9th Grade Academy Trenton 0.9 mi 2.3
Kuser Elementary School Hamilton 0.9 mi 3.3
Grace A Dunn Middle School Trenton 1.3 mi 3.3
ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF TRENTON Trenton 1.1 mi
Dr. Martin Luther King Middle School Trenton 1.2 mi 3.1
Daylight/Twilight High School Trenton 1.0 mi 3.0
Paul Robeson Charter School for the Humanities Trenton 1.4 mi 5.8
Luis Munoz-Rivera Elementary School Trenton 1.1 mi 3.7
Greenwood Elementary School Hamilton 1.3 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 08611 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$50,806

Median Home Value

$142,400

Median Rent

$1,300/mo

Population

32,786

College Educated

16.3%

Homeownership

36.4%

Avg Commute

28.3 min

Poverty Rate

25.2%

Median Age

34.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Phillipsburg High School Phillipsburg, NJ 4.1
Rancocas Valley Regional High School Mount Holly, NJ 4.1
John E. Dwyer Technology Academy Elizabeth, NJ 4.0
Long Branch High School Long Branch, NJ 4.0
Memorial High School West New York, NJ 4.0
Pennsauken High School Pennsauken, NJ 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Trenton Central High School - Main Campus

What grades does Trenton Central High School - Main Campus serve?

Trenton Central High School - Main Campus serves students in grades 10th through 12th.

How many students attend Trenton Central High School - Main Campus?

Trenton Central High School - Main Campus has an enrollment of approximately 2,138 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Trenton Central High School - Main Campus is 13.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Trenton Central High School - Main Campus rank in NJ?

Trenton Central High School - Main Campus ranks #2,285 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

What is Trenton Central High School - Main Campus's MySchoolScout rating?

Trenton Central High School - Main Campus has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 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 Trenton Central High School - Main Campus?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Trenton Central High School - Main Campus has 16% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 37% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Trenton Central High School - Main Campus a charter school?

No, Trenton Central High School - Main Campus is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Trenton Central High School - Main Campus a Title I school?

No, Trenton Central High School - Main Campus is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Trenton Central High School - Main Campus?

38.8% of students at Trenton Central High School - Main Campus 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
77 Very Walkable
Transit Score
53 Good Transit
Bike Score
52 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
10th – 12th
Enrollment
2,138
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
154
Free/Reduced Lunch
38.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Mercer County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
55.1%
4-Year Graduation
75.0%

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