Average
#872 of 1,785 schools in TN
Top 49% in state
Central High School
High School · Knox County
5321 Jacksboro PIKE, Knoxville, TN 37918
Enrollment
1,296
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
6.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,296
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
6.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Knoxville
#35 of 82
public schools
Tennessee high schools
#153 of 361
In district
#41 of 88
Knox County
Academic growth
8.4 / 10
Very strong
About Central High School
Central High School serves 1,296 students in grades 9-12 in Knoxville, Tennessee, operating as a regular public school within Knox County. With 86 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a reasonable student-teacher ratio of 15.1:1, providing opportunities for meaningful student-teacher interactions. The school currently holds a MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10 and ranks #930 out of 1,796 Tennessee high schools, placing it in the 48th percentile statewide.
This indicates Central High School is working to strengthen its academic programs and support student achievement across all grade levels. Located on Jacksboro Pike, Central High School sits within the 37918 ZIP code area, where the median household income is $65,721 and median home values reach $213,500. The surrounding community includes 45,741 residents, with 29% holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a poverty rate of 10.8%.
This diverse economic landscape reflects families from various backgrounds who are invested in their children's education. As one of the larger high schools in the area, Central High School provides a comprehensive educational experience for teenagers in this mid-size Tennessee city. The school serves families throughout the Jacksboro Pike corridor and surrounding Knoxville neighborhoods, contributing to the educational fabric of Knox County's public school system.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Central High School — Students at Central High School score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.1%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 8.4/10.
How Central High School Compares
See how Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 10% (2019) to 21.6% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 37% (2019) to 44.8% (2025).
Location
5321 Jacksboro PIKE, Knoxville, TN 37918
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Richard Yoakley School (rated 6.5/10, 2.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy (rated 6.0/10, 2.9 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Halls High School (rated 6.0/10, 3.3 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Knoxville, see our Knoxville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| GARDEN MONTESSORI SCHOOL Knoxville | 0.2 mi | 7.7 |
| Fountain City Elementary Knoxville | 0.5 mi | 7.0 |
| Gresham Middle School Knoxville | 0.7 mi | 4.4 |
| Shannondale Elementary Knoxville | 1.4 mi | 6.5 |
| ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Knoxville | 1.5 mi | 6.8 |
| Whittle Springs Middle School Knoxville | 1.8 mi | 5.0 |
| Tennessee Virtual Academy Knoxville | 2.0 mi | 3.8 |
| Tennessee Virtual Junior High School Knoxville | 2.0 mi | 2.3 |
| Adrian Burnett Elementary Knoxville | 2.0 mi | 4.7 |
| Belle Morris Elementary Knoxville | 2.9 mi | 5.8 |
| Sterchi Elementary Knoxville | 2.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy Knoxville | 2.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Richard Yoakley School Knoxville | 2.5 mi | 6.5 |
| BEREAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Knoxville | 2.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Inskip Elementary Knoxville | 2.9 mi | 4.9 |
| Christenberry Elementary Knoxville | 3.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Halls Middle School Knoxville | 3.2 mi | 5.0 |
| Fulton High School Knoxville | 3.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Halls High School Knoxville | 3.3 mi | 6.0 |
| Halls Elementary Knoxville | 3.3 mi | 7.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 37918 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$69,311
Median Home Value
$237,500
Median Rent
$1,102/mo
Population
45,978
College Educated
30.8%
Homeownership
67.9%
Avg Commute
25 min
Poverty Rate
10.4%
Median Age
38.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central High School has a median household income of $69,311. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $237,500, with a median rent of $1,102/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.4%. The average commute for residents is 25 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 |
|---|---|
| Franklin Co High School Winchester, TN | 6.4 |
| Grainger High School Rutledge, TN | 6.4 |
| Greeneville High School Greeneville, TN | 6.4 |
| Tennessee High School Bristol, TN | 6.4 |
| East Hamilton High School Ooltewah, TN | 6.5 |
| Rossview High Clarksville, TN | 6.5 |
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 1,296 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central High School is 15.1:1. 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 TN?
Central High School is ranked #872 out of 1,785 schools in TN.
What is Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central High School has a composite rating of 6.4 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 11.4% math proficiency and 38.9% 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- Walk Score
- 37 Car-Dependent
- Transit Score
- 27 Some Transit
- Bike Score
- 29 Somewhat Bikeable
- City Safety
- High (3,466/100K)
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Knoxville). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,296
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 86
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Knox County
- Phone
- (865) 689-1400
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Knox County- District Enrollment
- 60,604
- Schools in District
- 94
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,187
- District Rank
- #41 of 88
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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