Skip to main content

Below Average

#1593 of 1,785 schools in TN

Central High School

High School · Morgan County

1119 Knoxville HWY, Wartburg, TN 37887

Enrollment

350

Student-Teacher

17.5:1

Score

4.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Wartburg

#4 of 4

public schools

Tennessee high schools

#328 of 361

In district

#8 of 8

Morgan County

Academic growth

8.1 / 10

Very strong

About Central High School

Central High School is a regular public high school located in Wartburg, Tennessee, in the heart of Morgan County. Situated along Knoxville Highway at 1119, it serves students from grades 9 through 12, with an enrollment of about 350 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17.5:1. The school has 20 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to providing education in a rural setting.

Central High School's academic performance currently reflects room for growth, as indicated by its MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10 and state ranking at #1463 out of 1796 schools in Tennessee (19th percentile). Test scores show that 21% of students are proficient or above in ELA/reading, 8% in math, 24% in science, and 22% in social studies. While the academic performance metrics suggest areas for improvement, Central High School continues to focus on student development and community support.

The school is deeply embedded in its rural surroundings, fostering a close-knit environment where teachers know students well and work collaboratively with families to enhance educational outcomes.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Central High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Located in a rural area, Central High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.1Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+1.56 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendImproving
Academics3.8Fair25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency18.1%
Reading/ELA Proficiency23.7%
Math vs. State Avg-21.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-17.1 pts
Overall Proficiency21%
Expected (poverty-adj.)35%
vs. Expected-13.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile19th
College Readiness2.0Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation0.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.8Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,342

Central High School — Students at Central High School score 21% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).

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 TN TCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 7.7%
School
State
39.2%
ELA Proficiency 20.9%
School
State
40.8%

Based on 8 test records from TN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
2.5%
ELA
22%
2021*
Math
2.5%
ELA
17%
2025
Math
18.1%
ELA
23.7%

* 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: 8.1/10.

How Central High School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.3/10
11th percentile in TN
Academic
3.8/10
3.8/10
Growth
8.1/10
Above average
Environment
3.8/10
Below average

Location

1119 Knoxville HWY, Wartburg, TN 37887

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Morgan County Career and Technical Center (rated 8.0/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Midtown Educational Center (rated 7.9/10, 16.1 miles away, in nearby Harriman), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Roane County High School (rated 6.7/10, 16.3 miles away, in nearby Kingston), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Wartburg, see our Wartburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 14.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Central Elementary Wartburg 0.6 mi 5.1
Morgan County Career and Technical Center Wartburg 1.9 mi 8.0
Central Middle School Wartburg 2.4 mi 6.6
REDEMPTION BAPTIST ACADEMY Lancing 7.4 mi
Oakdale School Oakdale 8.5 mi 5.5
Petros Joyner Elementary Oliver Springs 7.6 mi 6.7
Harriman High School Harriman 11.7 mi 5.5
Harriman Middle School Harriman 11.8 mi 6.8
Sunbright School Sunbright 11.9 mi 5.1
Coalfield School Coalfield 10.6 mi 6.2
Bowers Elementary Harriman 13.1 mi 5.5
MOUNT PISGAH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Oliver Springs 12.5 mi 6.7
Midtown Elementary Harriman 15.6 mi 4.8
Midtown Educational Center Harriman 16.1 mi 7.9
Roane County Virtual Academy Harriman 16.1 mi 5.7
SAILAWAY LEARNING & ACADEMY Kingston 16.1 mi 2.9
CALVARY BAPTIST SCHOOL Kingston 16.2 mi 5.5
Roane County High School Kingston 16.3 mi 6.7
Oliver Springs Middle Oliver Springs 14.1 mi 7.4
Oliver Springs High School Oliver Springs 14.1 mi 5.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 37887 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$56,375

Median Home Value

$149,100

Median Rent

$682/mo

Population

6,652

College Educated

8.4%

Homeownership

77.8%

Poverty Rate

23.7%

Median Age

42.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Central High School has a median household income of $56,375. It is a community where 8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $149,100, with a median rent of $682/month. The area has a poverty rate of 23.7%, 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
Cornersville School Cornersville, TN 4.2
Cloudland High School Roan Mountain, TN 4.4
Westwood High Memphis, TN 4.4
B. T. Washington High Memphis, TN 4.5
Moore County High School Lynchburg, TN 4.5
Oneida High School Oneida, TN 4.1

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 350 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Central High School is 17.5:1. 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 TN?

Central High School is ranked #1593 out of 1,785 schools in TN.

What is Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Central High School has a composite rating of 4.3 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 7.7% math proficiency and 20.9% 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

County Safety
Elevated (769/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
350
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
20
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Morgan County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Morgan County
District Enrollment
2,831
Schools in District
8
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,432
District Rank
#8 of 8

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

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.