Average
#1297 of 1,785 schools in TN
Central High
High School · Memphis-Shelby County Schools
306 S Bellevue Blvd, Memphis, TN 38104
Enrollment
1,300
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
5.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,300
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
5.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Memphis
#101 of 199
public schools
Tennessee high schools
#263 of 361
In district
#107 of 202
Memphis-Shelby County Schools
About Central High
Central High serves 1,300 students in grades 9-12 in Memphis, Tennessee's Shelby County district. This regular public high school operates with a student-teacher ratio of 16.7:1, supported by 78 full-time equivalent teachers, providing reasonably sized classes for high school students. The school currently holds a MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 out of 10 and ranks #1340 out of 1796 high schools statewide, placing it in the 25th percentile among Tennessee schools.
While these rankings indicate room for academic growth, Central High continues to serve its diverse student body with dedicated staff and programming. Located on South Bellevue Boulevard, Central High sits within the 38104 ZIP code area, a community of approximately 23,400 residents where half hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The neighborhood reflects a mix of economic backgrounds, with a median household income of $53,351 and median home values around $288,900.
The area maintains a relatively low poverty rate of 15 percent, suggesting a stable community foundation. Central High operates within Memphis's large city environment, giving students access to the cultural, educational, and career opportunities that come with urban living while serving families throughout this established Memphis neighborhood.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Central High — Students at Central High score 23% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores TN TCAP (2024-25)
Based on 8 test records from TN 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: 4.8/10.
How Central High Compares
See how Central High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 8% (2019) to 13% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 40% (2019) to 32.2% (2025).
Location
306 S Bellevue Blvd, Memphis, TN 38104
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Crosstown High School (rated 9.1/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Medical District High School (rated 8.6/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Compass Community School Midtown Campus (rated 7.0/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Memphis, see our Memphis schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1ST CLASS MONTESSORI Memphis | 0.2 mi | — |
| 1ST CLASS MONTESSORI - I Memphis | 0.2 mi | — |
| Bellevue Middle Memphis | 0.2 mi | 3.9 |
| Bruce Elementary Memphis | 0.2 mi | 5.5 |
| Memphis Academy Of Science Engineering Middle/High Memphis | 0.6 mi | 5.1 |
| MEMPHIS RECOVERY CENTER Memphis | 0.8 mi | 6.8 |
| GRACE-ST LUKES EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Memphis | 0.8 mi | 6.8 |
| IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL SCHOOL Memphis | 1.0 mi | 8.0 |
| Medical District High School Memphis | 1.0 mi | 8.6 |
| Cummings Elementary/Middle Memphis | 1.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Rozelle Elementary Memphis | 1.2 mi | 5.2 |
| Crosstown High School Memphis | 1.3 mi | 9.1 |
| Compass Community School Midtown Campus Memphis | 1.2 mi | 7.0 |
| Hollis F. Price Middle College Memphis | 1.4 mi | 6.4 |
| Soulsville Charter School Memphis | 1.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Idlewild Elementary Memphis | 1.3 mi | 8.9 |
| Memphis Delta Preparatory Memphis | 1.6 mi | 4.7 |
| MIDTOWN MONTESSORI SCHOOL Memphis | 1.6 mi | 7.3 |
| B. T. Washington High Memphis | 1.5 mi | 4.5 |
| Hamilton School Memphis | 2.0 mi | 4.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 38104 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$56,452
Median Home Value
$301,100
Median Rent
$1,073/mo
Population
22,925
College Educated
51.9%
Homeownership
39.4%
Avg Commute
18.4 min
Poverty Rate
14.1%
Median Age
37.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central High has a median household income of $56,452. It is a well-educated community where 52% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $301,100, with a median rent of $1,073/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.1%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 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 |
|---|---|
| Anderson County High School Clinton, TN | 5.2 |
| Lawrence Co High School Lawrenceburg, TN | 5.2 |
| Sevier County High School Sevierville, TN | 5.2 |
| Sullivan East High School Bluff City, TN | 5.2 |
| Coffee County Central High School Manchester, TN | 5.3 |
| Craigmont High Memphis, TN | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central High
What grades does Central High serve?
Central High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Central High?
Central High has an enrollment of approximately 1,300 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central High?
The student-teacher ratio at Central High is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central High rank in TN?
Central High is ranked #1297 out of 1,785 schools in TN.
What is Central High's MySchoolScout rating?
Central High has a composite rating of 5.2 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?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central High has 8.0% math proficiency and 33.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Central High a charter school?
No, Central High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central High a Title I school?
No, Central High is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,300
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 78
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Shelby County
- Phone
- (901) 416-4500
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Memphis-Shelby County Schools- District Enrollment
- 110,057
- Schools in District
- 222
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,695
- District Rank
- #107 of 202
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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