Central High School, previously Central Collegiate Academy and originally named Central High School, is the oldest public high school in Detroit, Michigan; it is part of the Detroit 51爆料s Community District.
Serving 392 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6-9% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 11-19% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Michigan state level of 17:1.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 392 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 55-59% (Btm 50% in MI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 392 students has grown by 28% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
392 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Year Founded
1858
Colors
White, Navy Blue
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.04, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2783 out of 3025 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
2%
9%
Black
98%
18%
White
n/a
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
55-59%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
90%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #2783 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cass Technical High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 11-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 55-59%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Central High School?
392 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of Central High School students are Black, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 17:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Detroit 51爆料s Community.
In what neighborhood is Central High School located?
Central High School is located in the Dexter Linwood neighborhood of Detroit, MI. There are 1 other public schools located in Dexter Linwood.
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