Skip to main content

Average

#1180 of 1,850 schools in VA

Central High

High School · Wise County Public Schools

5000 Warrior Dr., Norton, VA 24273

Enrollment

663

Student-Teacher

17:1

Score

5.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Norton

#2 of 3

public schools

Virginia high schools

#260 of 323

In district

#11 of 11

Wise County Public Schools

Equity

9.9 / 10

Exceptional

About Central High

Central High stands out as an exceptional educational institution serving 663 students in grades 9-12 in Norton, Virginia. This regular public high school has earned impressive recognition, ranking 174th out of 1,856 schools statewide and placing in the 91st percentile with a strong 8.2 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating. The school's academic performance is particularly noteworthy, with students achieving remarkable proficiency rates of 89% in English Language Arts and an outstanding 93% in mathematics.

With 39 full-time equivalent teachers maintaining a 17:1 student-teacher ratio, Central High provides focused attention that clearly translates into academic success. These achievements are especially impressive given the school's community context. The surrounding area faces economic challenges, with a median household income of $38,396 and a poverty rate of 23.5%.

Only 15% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, making Central High's academic excellence a testament to the dedication of its educators and students. The school serves families in a close-knit town environment where the median home value is $95,500, reflecting the affordable, rural character of this Wise County community. Central High represents a beacon of educational opportunity in Norton, demonstrating how committed schools can achieve outstanding results regardless of economic circumstances.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.1Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+0.7 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendStable
Academics9.8Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency97%
Reading/ELA Proficiency92%
Math vs. State Avg+21.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+16.3 pts
Overall Proficiency95%
Expected (poverty-adj.)70%
vs. Expected+24.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile97th
College Readiness2.5Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation3.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.9Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,634

Central High — Students at Central High score 94% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 70%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

87.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 93.0%
School
State
75.4%
ELA Proficiency 88.7%
School
State
75.7%

Based on 6 test records from VA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
95%
ELA
87%
2021*
Math
87%
ELA
87%
2025
Math
97%
ELA
92%

* 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: 9.1/10.

How Central High Compares

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

Overall Score
5.9/10
36th percentile in VA
Academic
9.8/10
9.8/10
Growth
9.1/10
Above average
Environment
1.9/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
88%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
39 teachers

Location

5000 Warrior Dr., Norton, VA 24273

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. J.I. Burton High (rated 7.7/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Letcher County Central High School (rated 7.5/10, 15.5 miles away, in nearby Whitesburg), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Rye Cove High (rated 7.3/10, 16.1 miles away, in nearby Duffield), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Norton, see our Norton schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 15.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Wise Primary Wise 1.7 mi 8.1
Norton Elementary Norton 1.7 mi 5.4
L.F. Addington Middle Wise 1.8 mi 8.5
MINNICK EDUCATION CENTER - WISE Wise 2.3 mi
J.I. Burton High Norton 2.6 mi 7.7
Eastside High Coeburn 7.2 mi 6.8
Coeburn Primary Coeburn 7.2 mi 7.9
Coeburn Middle Coeburn 7.2 mi 8.1
Union Middle Big Stone Gap 9.0 mi 8.2
J.W. Adams Combined Pound 10.7 mi 8.0
Union Primary Big Stone Gap 9.2 mi 7.2
Union High Big Stone Gap 9.3 mi 7.0
Dungannon Elementary School Dungannon 11.3 mi 2.5
Jenkins Independent School Jenkins 14.5 mi 6.2
Twin Springs High Nickelsville 14.3 mi 6.5
Arlie Boggs Elementary School Eolia 12.9 mi 3.7
Rye Cove High Duffield 16.1 mi 7.3
Rye Cove Intermediate Clinchport 16.3 mi 5.6
Martha Jane Potter Elementary School Whitesburg 16.0 mi 5.9
Letcher County Central High School Whitesburg 15.5 mi 7.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 24273 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$39,797

Median Home Value

$105,600

Median Rent

$678/mo

Population

5,860

College Educated

13.4%

Homeownership

62.4%

Poverty Rate

22%

Median Age

43.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding Central High has a median household income of $39,797. It is a community where 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $105,600, with a median rent of $678/month. The area has a poverty rate of 22.0%, 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
Stuarts Draft High Stuarts Draft, VA 5.9
Virginia High Bristol, VA 5.9
Dan River High Ringgold, VA 6.0
Luray High Luray, VA 6.0
Prince Edward County High Farmville, VA 6.0
ST JOHN PAUL THE GREAT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Dumfries, VA 6.0

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 663 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Central High?

The student-teacher ratio at Central High is 17:1. 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 VA?

Central High is ranked #1180 out of 1,850 schools in VA.

What is Central High's MySchoolScout rating?

Central High has a composite rating of 5.9 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 93.0% math proficiency and 88.7% 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.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central High?

87.8% of students at Central High 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

City Safety
High (10,526/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Norton). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
663
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
Teachers (FTE)
39
Free/Reduced Lunch
87.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Wise County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Wise County Public Schools
District Enrollment
5,883
Schools in District
13
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,973
District Rank
#11 of 11

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.