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Below Average

#1030 of 1,226 schools in OR

Central High School

High School · Central SD 13J

1530 Monmouth St, Independence, OR 97351

Enrollment

1,014

Student-Teacher

22.5:1

Score

4.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Oregon schools

#1,030 of 1,226

In Independence

#2 of 3

public schools

In district

#4 of 5

Central SD 13J

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Central High School

4.4/10

High School in Independence · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Talmadge Middle School

5.3/10

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

Ash Creek Elementary School

5.5/10

0.7 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 Independence, OR, part of Central SD 13J. Central High School serves approximately 1,014 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 22.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,030 of 1,226 schools in OR.

Structured state assessment records for Central High School show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.5 pts below OR schools
  • This school 4.4 · Below Average
  • OR avg 5.9

What Parents Should Know

Central High School runs 22.5:1 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.

58% 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 metrics
Student Progress5.4Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-2.97 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics2.7Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency7.1% (2025 OSAS)
Reading/ELA Proficiency25.2% (2025 OSAS)
Math vs. State Avg-24.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-17.8 pts
Overall Proficiency16% (2025 OSAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)31% (model expectation from 2025 OSAS)
vs. Expected-15.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile9th
College Readiness6.1Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate85%
AP Participation24.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,990
Chronic Absenteeism58%

Central High School — Students at Central High School score 16% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 31%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

70.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OR OSAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 34.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
31.8% (2025 OSAS)
ELA Proficiency 66.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
43.0% (2025 OSAS)

Based on 26 test records from OR state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
39%
ELA
62%
2010
Math
67%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
67%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
64%
ELA
84%
2014
Math
22%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
18%
ELA
59%
2016
Math
21%
ELA
67%
2017
Math
27%
ELA
74%
2018
Math
27%
ELA
69%
2019
Math
27%
ELA
69%
2022
Math
10%
ELA
52%
2025
Math
7.1%
ELA
25.2%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.4/10.

How Central High School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.4/10
16th percentile in OR
Academic
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
5.4/10
Average
Environment
2.8/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.4
Sports
20
10 boys' · 10 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
70%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
45 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
58.0%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
24.4% participation·State avg: 2.4 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics20sports offered
10 boys'·10 girls'·33 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

1530 Monmouth St, Independence, OR 97351

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Sprague High School (rated 4.1/10, 6.9 miles away, in nearby Salem), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Dallas High School (rated 3.6/10, 6.4 miles away, in nearby Dallas), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Independence, see our Independence schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 8.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Talmadge Middle School Independence 0.2 mi 5.3
Ash Creek Elementary School Monmouth 0.7 mi 5.5
MONMOUTH MONTESSORI SCHOOL LLC Monmouth 0.7 mi
Monmouth Elementary School Monmouth 0.7 mi 7.0
Independence Elementary School Independence 1.0 mi 3.2
FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Dallas 5.8 mi 4.8
Whitworth Elementary School Dallas 6.2 mi 6.6
Dallas High School Dallas 6.4 mi 3.6
LaCreole Middle School Dallas 6.6 mi 6.0
Dallas Community Charter Dallas 7.2 mi 5.7
Lyle Elementary School Dallas 7.6 mi 4.1
Sprague High School Salem 6.9 mi 4.1
Schirle Elementary School Salem 7.1 mi 5.2
Oakdale Heights Elementary School Dallas 7.7 mi 6.2
BUD TO BLOSSOM CHILDREN'S SCHOOL OF DISCOVERY Salem 7.2 mi
Crossler Middle School Salem 7.3 mi 5.0
SILVERLEAF SCHOOL Salem 7.7 mi
Liberty Elementary School Salem 7.7 mi 4.4
Myers Elementary School Salem 9.2 mi 6.4
Candalaria Elementary School Salem 8.5 mi 7.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 97351 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$84,717

Median Home Value

$357,700

Median Rent

$1,592/mo

Population

11,384

College Educated

24.7%

Homeownership

62.4%

Avg Commute

24.9 min

Poverty Rate

11.1%

Median Age

32.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Canby High School Canby, OR 4.5
North Eugene High School Eugene, OR 4.5
Putnam High School Milwaukie, OR 4.5
Molalla High School Molalla, OR 4.6
Ridgeview High School Redmond, OR 4.2
Clackamas High School Clackamas, OR 4.7

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 1,014 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 OR?

Central High School ranks #1,030 of 1,226 schools in OR.

What is Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 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 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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?

70.1% 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
71 Very Walkable
Bike Score
67 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,014
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
45
Free/Reduced Lunch
70.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Town
County
Polk County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
58.0%
4-Year Graduation
85.0%

District

Central SD 13J
District Enrollment
3,072
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,990
District Rank
#4 of 5

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