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
Enrollment
663
Student-Teacher
17:1
Score
5.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
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
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Central High — Students at Central High score 94% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 70%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
87.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 6 test records from VA 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: 9.1/10.
How Central High Compares
See how Central High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 95% (2019) to 97% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 87% (2019) to 92% (2025).
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.
Explore More Schools
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
- Phone
- (276) 328-8015
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Wise County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 5,883
- Schools in District
- 13
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,973
- District Rank
- #11 of 11
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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