Central High School

Summary:

Central High School is a public high school in Phenix City, Alabama, serving 1,495 students in grades 9-12. It is part of the Phenix City School District, which is ranked 87 out of 137 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

One of Central High School's key differentiating factors is its significantly higher percentage of African American students (61.14%) compared to the nearby schools, which have a majority white student population. However, the school's academic performance, as measured by the percentage of students proficient or better in Summative Assessments, is generally lower than the state and nearby school averages, particularly in mathematics and science. For example, in 2023-2024, only 20.6% of 11th-grade students were proficient or better in mathematics, compared to the state average of 23.12%. The school's performance on subgroup metrics is mixed, with strong results for African American and Hispanic students but struggles with special education and military-connected students.

Central High School faces several challenges, including a high percentage of socioeconomically disadvantaged students (74.45% receiving free or reduced-price lunch) and an increasing student-teacher ratio, which may impact the quality of instruction and student support. Compared to nearby schools like Beauregard High School, Beulah High School, Russell County High School, and Smiths Station High School, Central High School generally underperforms in academic metrics, but it outperforms some of the nearby schools in terms of subgroup performance, particularly for African American and Hispanic students.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 2400 Dobbs Dr
       Phenix City, AL  36870


(334) 298-3626

District: Phenix City

SchoolDigger Rank:
124th of 378 Alabama High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $12,035 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  18.7 Help
Number of students:  1,495

Racial breakdown:

African American:
61.1%
White:
22.5%
Hispanic:
10.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  74.4% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Central High School ranks better than 67.2% of high schools in Alabama. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 60.09. (See more...)
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The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of Central High School freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (61.1%), White (22.5%), Hispanic (10.8%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 74.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Central High School is 18.7. (See more...)
Help
Compare Central High School employs 79.6 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Central High School is $12,035.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Central High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Central High School 124th of 378 Alabama public high schools. (See Central High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Military Connected students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Phenix City:

SchoolDigger ranks Phenix City 87th of 137 Alabama school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Central High School

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Rank History for all students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 47.53 208th 357 41.7%
2005 47.81 213th 359 40.7%
2006 46.05 236th 357 33.9%
2007 42.97 233rd 358 34.9%
2008 40.02 258th 359 28.1%
2009 25.10 313th 357 12.3%
2010 34.57 277th 358 22.6%
2011 49.34 220th 360 38.9%
2012 36.46 276th 358 22.9%
2013 40.42 288th 358 19.6%
2014 34.13 239th 358 33.2%
2015 39.96 212th 353 39.9%
2016 39.45 207th 351 41.0%
2017 41.02 196th 353 44.5%
2018 39.59 221st 356 37.9%
2019 56.22 159th 366 56.6%
2021 61.18 121st 371 67.4%
2022 41.03 203rd 367 44.7%
2023 66.86 103rd 371 72.2%
2024 60.09 124th 378 67.2%
See the entire list of Alabama High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 40.94 13th 19 31.6%
2018 22.06 20th 24 16.7%
2019 55.08 18th 37 51.4%
2021 19.58 34th 43 20.9%
2022 41.80 25th 40 37.5%
2023 45.09 22nd 45 51.1%
2024 53.48 26th 56 53.6%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 44.15 25th 63 60.3%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 36.00 89th 160 44.4%
2019 19.36 150th 171 12.3%
2021 26.73 149th 196 24.0%
2022 17.07 147th 169 13.0%
2023 59.96 52nd 182 71.4%
2024 30.73 139th 198 29.8%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 39.60 186th 315 41.0%
2018 45.53 191st 349 45.3%
2019 63.30 118th 358 67.0%
2021 61.31 112th 361 69.0%
2022 43.31 190th 361 47.4%
2023 69.68 85th 349 75.6%
2024 61.27 112th 375 70.1%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 38.31 201st 343 41.4%
2018 33.89 239th 347 31.1%
2019 50.22 177th 354 50.0%
2021 59.11 132nd 359 63.2%
2022 34.88 228th 367 37.9%
2023 69.89 95th 358 73.5%
2024 65.86 100th 366 72.7%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 40.45 14th 25 44.0%
2022 9.10 25th 26 3.8%
2023 17.16 23rd 27 14.8%
2024 44.36 14th 24 41.7%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 41.90 188th 339 44.5%
2018 44.92 193rd 350 44.9%
2019 58.82 147th 357 58.8%
2021 60.44 122nd 366 66.7%
2022 47.93 169th 366 53.8%
2023 57.31 124th 358 65.4%
2024 50.98 162nd 368 56.0%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 50.85 69th 189 63.5%
2018 60.38 60th 223 73.1%
2019 74.43 37th 224 83.5%
2021 60.51 51st 228 77.6%
2022 52.02 69th 222 68.9%
2023 74.54 31st 224 86.2%
2024 73.53 37th 231 84.0%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 76.77 20th 93 78.5%
2018 69.96 23rd 95 75.8%
2019 90.32 15th 103 85.4%
2021 61.99 30th 113 73.5%
2022 78.44 20th 114 82.5%
2023 98.29 4th 122 96.7%
2024 70.60 36th 139 74.1%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for Native American students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 18.99 34th 40 15.0%
2022 38.09 21st 40 47.5%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Native American Students!

Rank History for White students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 56.43 78th 230 66.1%
2018 56.14 113th 300 62.3%
2019 78.24 57th 313 81.8%
2021 90.59 24th 319 92.5%
2022 59.87 105th 326 67.8%
2023 88.84 37th 317 88.3%
2024 80.22 51st 325 84.3%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Alabama State Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Central High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 



Data source: Alabama State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

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by a parent
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Open Quote This school brings children from many different backgrounds together to provide them with an excellent education while also preparing them for their careers. The Superintendent really cares about each and every student individually and the Teachers provide a supportive environment where children are encouraged to exceed their own expectations. My children attended Phenix City schools until we moved to Georgia 3 years ago. Georgia teachers and administration are not nearly as supportive or encouraging. And in comparison, Phenix City schools are well ahead of Columbus, GA schools. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Central High School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 925 925
1989 466 436 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 902
1990 432 454 0 2 0 n/a n/a 0 888
1991 639 659 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1299
1992 671 664 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1336
1993 673 648 1 2 1 n/a n/a 0 1325
1994 650 670 2 6 0 n/a n/a 0 1328
1995 608 744 4 9 0 n/a n/a 0 1365
1996 608 744 4 9 0 n/a n/a 0 1365
1997 600 684 3 8 0 n/a n/a 0 1295
1998 603 788 3 9 0 n/a n/a 0 1403
1999 605 758 2 6 2 n/a n/a 0 1373
2000 555 768 4 8 0 n/a n/a 0 1335
2001 578 780 4 5 0 n/a n/a 0 1367
2002 552 831 6 12 0 n/a n/a 0 1401
2003 552 831 6 12 0 n/a n/a 0 1401
2004 526 839 4 13 2 n/a n/a 11 1395
2005 492 866 5 10 3 n/a n/a 0 1376
2006 471 859 4 14 4 n/a n/a 7 1359
2007 473 908 7 8 3 n/a n/a 10 1409
2008 465 1022 11 16 3 n/a n/a 0 1517
2009 513 1115 15 22 1 n/a n/a 0 1666
2010 384 892 12 19 0 n/a n/a 8 1315
2011 388 920 7 28 0 0 3 0 1346
2012 396 874 10 30 3 4 4 0 1321
2013 358 870 10 32 0 3 8 0 1281
2014 368 896 10 53 2 3 14 0 1346
2015 348 840 2 58 2 2 19 0 1271
2016 347 879 2 39 3 1 39 0 1310
2017 299 816 3 79 7 0 72 0 1276
2018 271 834 5 93 12 0 70 0 1285
2019 308 783 3 85 7 0 62 0 1248
2020 342 766 12 114 6 1 61 0 1302
2021 335 777 11 134 9 2 64 0 1332
2022 311 840 7 160 5 1 68 0 1392
2023 337 914 7 162 6 2 67 0 1495

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Central High School

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 925 37.5 24.6 0
1989 902 37.5 24.0 n/a
1990 888 36.0 24.6 0
1991 1299 74.0 17.5 n/a
1992 1336 71.5 18.6 n/a
1993 1325 76.5 17.3 n/a
1994 1328 78.3 17.0 n/a
1995 1365 83.9 16.3 n/a
1996 1365 83.9 16.3 n/a
1997 1295 87.0 14.9 37.8
1998 1403 86.9 16.1 36.6
1999 1373 84.0 16.3 43.2
2000 1335 82.0 16.3 49
2001 1367 78.0 17.5 46.1
2002 1401 81.0 17.3 51.6
2003 1401 81.0 17.3 51.6
2004 1395 83.0 16.8 55.1
2005 1376 86.0 16.0 58.2
2006 1359 86.0 15.7 59.5
2007 1409 89.2 15.8 71.5
2008 1517 93.5 16.2 64.8
2009 1666 96.3 17.1 64.1
2010 1315 73.0 18.0 66.4
2011 1346 72.5 18.5 67.5
2012 1321 75.5 17.4 68.1
2013 1281 79.4 16.1 65.8
2014 1346 73.7 18.2 66
2015 1271 73.0 17.4 60.5
2016 1310 68.0 19.2 66
2017 1276 70.8 18.0 66.5
2018 1285 70.1 18.3 67.8
2019 1248 73.1 17.0 68.3
2020 1302 78.0 16.6 64.7
2021 1332 79.1 16.8 56.2
2022 1392 74.9 18.5 54.2
2023 1495 79.6 18.7 74.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Central High School

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 925 37.5 24.6 0
1989 902 37.5 24.0 n/a
1990 888 36.0 24.6 0
1991 1299 74.0 17.5 n/a
1992 1336 71.5 18.6 n/a
1993 1325 76.5 17.3 n/a
1994 1328 78.3 17.0 n/a
1995 1365 83.9 16.3 n/a
1996 1365 83.9 16.3 n/a
1997 1295 87.0 14.9 37.8
1998 1403 86.9 16.1 36.6
1999 1373 84.0 16.3 43.2
2000 1335 82.0 16.3 49
2001 1367 78.0 17.5 46.1
2002 1401 81.0 17.3 51.6
2003 1401 81.0 17.3 51.6
2004 1395 83.0 16.8 55.1
2005 1376 86.0 16.0 58.2
2006 1359 86.0 15.7 59.5
2007 1409 89.2 15.8 71.5
2008 1517 93.5 16.2 64.8
2009 1666 96.3 17.1 64.1
2010 1315 73.0 18.0 66.4
2011 1346 72.5 18.5 67.5
2012 1321 75.5 17.4 68.1
2013 1281 79.4 16.1 65.8
2014 1346 73.7 18.2 66
2015 1271 73.0 17.4 60.5
2016 1310 68.0 19.2 66
2017 1276 70.8 18.0 66.5
2018 1285 70.1 18.3 67.8
2019 1248 73.1 17.0 68.3
2020 1302 78.0 16.6 64.7
2021 1332 79.1 16.8 56.2
2022 1392 74.9 18.5 54.2
2023 1495 79.6 18.7 74.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Central High School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,574 (13.1%) $10,441 (86.8%) $12,035

Data source: Alabama Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Central High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 159th of 366 High schoolsRanks 103rd of 371 High schools
 15.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Mathematics (Central High School)39.116.8
 22.3%
   End of Course Mathematics (Phenix City)39.116.8
 22.3%
   End of Course Mathematics (Alabama)42.523.6
 19%
End of Course Science (Central High School)39.124.2
 15%
   End of Course Science (Phenix City)39.124.2
 15%
   End of Course Science (Alabama)42.631.7
 10.9%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students12481495
 19.8%
African American783914
 16.7%
American Indian76
 14.3%
Asian37
 133.3%
Hispanic85162
 90.6%
Pacific Islander02
White308337
 9.4%
Two or More Races6267
 8.1%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients68.3%74.4%
 6.2%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Central High School

Students at Central High School are 61% African American, 23% White, 11% Hispanic, 4% Two or more races.

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,495 students attended Central High School.

Central High School ranks 124th of 378 Alabama high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama State Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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