Central High School

Summary:

Central High School is a public high school located in West Helena, Arkansas, serving grades 7-12 with a total enrollment of 493 students. The school is part of the Helena / West Helena School District, which is ranked 244 out of 252 districts in the state and has a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger. Central High School has consistently ranked in the bottom 10-15% of Arkansas high schools over the past decade, with a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Central High School significantly underperforms the state averages across all subject areas and grade levels. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, only 11.2% of students were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to the state average of 33.8%. In mathematics, the school had a dismal 4.2% proficiency rate, compared to the state's 36.4%. The school's performance on the ACT exam is also very low, with only 4.1% of 11th-grade students proficient or better in Mathematics, 17.8% in English, 11% in Reading, and 5.5% in Science, all well below the state averages. The school has a 100% free and reduced-lunch rate, indicating that the student population comes from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Despite the school's higher-than-average per-student spending of $14,207 in 2018-2019, its performance has remained consistently poor over the past decade, with no significant improvement in its statewide ranking or academic proficiency rates. The nearby schools, such as Lee High School, Marvell-Elaine High School, and Barton High School, also struggle with low academic performance, but Central High School consistently ranks at the bottom of the group. Addressing the underlying socioeconomic challenges faced by the school and its district may be crucial in improving student achievement.


Detail:

Public 7-12

 103 School Rd
       West Helena, AR  72390


(870) 572-6744

District: Helena / West Helena School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
288th of 305 Arkansas High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $14,207 Help


Feeder schools for Central High School:

Elementary:    J.F. Wahl Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio:  8.2 Help
Number of students:  493

Racial breakdown:

African American:
94.3%
White:
3.2%
Two or more races:
1.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  100% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Central High School ranks worse than 96.7% of middle schools in Arkansas. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 6.82. (See more...)
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Compare Details Central High School ranks worse than 94.4% of high schools in Arkansas. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 13.19. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (94.3%), White (3.2%), two or more races (1.4%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 100% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Central High School is 8.2. (See more...)
Help
Compare Central High School employs 59.8 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Central High School is $14,207.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Central High School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.
SchoolDigger ranks Central High School 324th of 335 Arkansas public middle schools. (See Central High School in the ranking list.)
SchoolDigger ranks Central High School 288th of 305 Arkansas public high schools. (See Central High School in the ranking list.)

Helena / West Helena School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Helena / West Helena School District 244th of 252 Arkansas school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Central High School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AR State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2013 11.05 257th 278 7.6%
2014 2.40 277th 280 1.1%
2015 14.24 256th 275 6.9%
2016 15.08 286th 312 8.3%
2017 12.62 293rd 315 7.0%
2018 8.05 297th 318 6.6%
2019 5.18 306th 319 4.1%
2021 6.93 310th 330 6.1%
2022 7.47 299th 318 6.0%
2023 13.46 302nd 330 8.5%
2024 6.82 324th 335 3.3%
See the entire list of Arkansas High School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Central High School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AR State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 15.38 203rd 232 12.5%
2007 5.79 248th 258 3.9%
2008 2.09 251st 256 2.0%
2009 6.46 248th 261 5.0%
2010 13.11 237th 262 9.5%
2011 9.69 249th 266 6.4%
2012 3.20 257th 266 3.4%
2013 5.58 258th 271 4.8%
2014 7.97 256th 268 4.5%
2015 15.19 251st 267 6.0%
2016 3.22 265th 269 1.5%
2017 9.82 246th 264 6.8%
2018 8.84 244th 263 7.2%
2019 7.33 267th 282 5.3%
2021 6.64 277th 290 4.5%
2022 7.02 272nd 282 3.5%
2023 7.31 278th 295 5.8%
2024 13.19 288th 305 5.6%
See the entire list of Arkansas High School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

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








Data source: Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

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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 355 884 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1240
1989 321 867 1 2 n/a n/a n/a 0 1191
1990 318 831 0 1 0 n/a n/a 0 1150
1991 285 757 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1044
1992 289 768 0 7 0 n/a n/a 0 1064
1993 267 748 0 5 0 n/a n/a 0 1020
1994 224 821 3 8 0 n/a n/a 0 1056
1995 168 822 4 5 1 n/a n/a 0 1000
1996 168 822 4 5 1 n/a n/a 0 1000
1997 140 878 0 5 0 n/a n/a 0 1023
1998 145 971 3 7 0 n/a n/a 0 1126
1999 101 947 3 7 0 n/a n/a 0 1058
2000 92 933 4 7 0 n/a n/a 0 1036
2001 78 905 3 3 1 n/a n/a 0 990
2002 65 824 4 4 0 n/a n/a 0 897
2003 65 824 4 4 0 n/a n/a 0 897
2004 61 780 6 4 0 n/a n/a 0 851
2005 57 727 4 4 0 n/a n/a 0 792
2006 49 795 4 2 0 n/a n/a 0 850
2007 24 768 4 2 0 n/a n/a 0 798
2008 22 771 2 3 0 n/a n/a 0 798
2009 22 774 1 2 0 n/a n/a 0 799
2010 19 674 1 2 0 0 0 0 696
2011 19 663 2 0 0 0 0 0 684
2012 17 550 0 0 0 0 0 0 567
2013 25 721 3 0 0 0 3 0 752
2014 21 740 2 0 0 0 3 0 766
2015 16 712 1 2 0 0 6 0 737
2016 18 620 0 1 0 0 2 0 641
2017 20 611 0 1 0 0 1 0 633
2018 22 580 0 2 0 0 5 0 609
2019 24 557 0 1 0 0 4 0 586
2020 20 549 0 2 0 0 7 0 578
2021 17 539 0 2 0 0 7 0 565
2022 14 502 0 5 0 0 3 0 524
2023 16 465 0 4 0 1 7 0 493

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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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1240 70.7 17.5 n/a
1989 1191 73.0 16.3 n/a
1990 1150 69.0 16.6 55.1
1991 1044 67.6 15.4 57.8
1992 1064 65.7 16.1 60.4
1993 1020 66.2 15.4 55.9
1994 1056 65.2 16.2 57.6
1995 1000 68.6 14.6 46.1
1996 1000 68.6 14.6 46.1
1997 1023 68.4 15.0 47.9
1998 1126 68.4 16.5 52.2
1999 1058 43.6 24.3 61.2
2000 1036 69.0 15.0 59.5
2001 990 66.0 15.0 56.1
2002 897 62.0 14.5 78.5
2003 897 62.0 14.5 78.5
2004 851 80.0 10.6 73.3
2005 792 70.0 11.3 99.5
2006 850 73.0 11.6 81.3
2007 798 65.0 12.3 99.5
2008 798 63.0 12.7 99.6
2009 799 57.9 13.8 99.6
2010 696 62.1 11.0 99.6
2011 684 68.2 10.0 99.6
2012 567 39.7 14.2 86.4
2013 752 71.0 10.5 91.6
2014 766 67.0 11.4 94.8
2015 737 64.0 11.5 95.7
2016 641 60.0 10.6 100
2017 633 55.1 11.4 36
2018 609 56.1 10.8 36.9
2019 586 64.3 9.1 100
2020 578 58.3 9.9 100
2021 565 67.0 8.4 100
2022 524 58.0 9.0 100
2023 493 59.8 8.2 100

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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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1240 70.7 17.5 n/a
1989 1191 73.0 16.3 n/a
1990 1150 69.0 16.6 55.1
1991 1044 67.6 15.4 57.8
1992 1064 65.7 16.1 60.4
1993 1020 66.2 15.4 55.9
1994 1056 65.2 16.2 57.6
1995 1000 68.6 14.6 46.1
1996 1000 68.6 14.6 46.1
1997 1023 68.4 15.0 47.9
1998 1126 68.4 16.5 52.2
1999 1058 43.6 24.3 61.2
2000 1036 69.0 15.0 59.5
2001 990 66.0 15.0 56.1
2002 897 62.0 14.5 78.5
2003 897 62.0 14.5 78.5
2004 851 80.0 10.6 73.3
2005 792 70.0 11.3 99.5
2006 850 73.0 11.6 81.3
2007 798 65.0 12.3 99.5
2008 798 63.0 12.7 99.6
2009 799 57.9 13.8 99.6
2010 696 62.1 11.0 99.6
2011 684 68.2 10.0 99.6
2012 567 39.7 14.2 86.4
2013 752 71.0 10.5 91.6
2014 766 67.0 11.4 94.8
2015 737 64.0 11.5 95.7
2016 641 60.0 10.6 100
2017 633 55.1 11.4 36
2018 609 56.1 10.8 36.9
2019 586 64.3 9.1 100
2020 578 58.3 9.9 100
2021 565 67.0 8.4 100
2022 524 58.0 9.0 100
2023 493 59.8 8.2 100

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 $2,440 (17.2%) $11,767 (82.8%) $14,207

Data source: Arkansas 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 306th of 319 Middle schoolsRanks 302nd of 330 Middle schools
 4.4%
Ranks 267th of 282 High schoolsRanks 278th of 295 High schools
 0.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
7th Grade English (Central High School)61.973.3
 11.4%
   7th Grade English (Helena / West Helena School District)61.973.3
 11.4%
   7th Grade English (Arkansas)78.375.1
 3.2%
7th Grade Math (Central High School)10.78.5
 2.2%
   7th Grade Math (Helena / West Helena School District)10.78.5
 2.2%
   7th Grade Math (Arkansas)47.739.6
 8.1%
7th Grade Science (Central High School)21.518.3
 3.2%
   7th Grade Science (Helena / West Helena School District)21.518.3
 3.2%
   7th Grade Science (Arkansas)4338.5
 4.5%
7th Grade Reading (Central High School)13.18.4
 4.7%
   7th Grade Reading (Helena / West Helena School District)13.18.4
 4.7%
   7th Grade Reading (Arkansas)39.234.2
 5%
8th Grade English (Central High School)5153
 2%
   8th Grade English (Helena / West Helena School District)5153
 2%
   8th Grade English (Arkansas)74.169.2
 4.9%
8th Grade Math (Central High School)14.24.5
 9.7%
   8th Grade Math (Helena / West Helena School District)14.24.5
 9.7%
   8th Grade Math (Arkansas)47.737.9
 9.8%
8th Grade Science (Central High School)18.412.1
 6.3%
   8th Grade Science (Helena / West Helena School District)18.412.1
 6.3%
   8th Grade Science (Arkansas)42.536.1
 6.4%
8th Grade Reading (Central High School)19.434.9
 15.5%
   8th Grade Reading (Helena / West Helena School District)19.434.9
 15.5%
   8th Grade Reading (Arkansas)53.150.8
 2.3%
9th Grade English (Central High School)31.428.4
 3%
   9th Grade English (Helena / West Helena School District)31.428.4
 3%
   9th Grade English (Arkansas)58.653.4
 5.2%
9th Grade Math (Central High School)3.52.3
 1.2%
   9th Grade Math (Helena / West Helena School District)3.52.3
 1.2%
   9th Grade Math (Arkansas)35.826.6
 9.2%
9th Grade Science (Central High School)15.110.2
 4.9%
   9th Grade Science (Helena / West Helena School District)15.110.2
 4.9%
   9th Grade Science (Arkansas)3531.9
 3.1%
9th Grade Reading (Central High School)11.617.1
 5.5%
   9th Grade Reading (Helena / West Helena School District)11.617.1
 5.5%
   9th Grade Reading (Arkansas)37.440.6
 3.2%
10th Grade English (Central High School)37.621.7
 15.9%
   10th Grade English (Helena / West Helena School District)37.621.7
 15.9%
   10th Grade English (Arkansas)59.654.4
 5.2%
10th Grade Math (Central High School)2.40
 2.4%
   10th Grade Math (Helena / West Helena School District)2.40
 2.4%
   10th Grade Math (Arkansas)29.220.4
 8.8%
10th Grade Science (Central High School)9.57.2
 2.3%
   10th Grade Science (Helena / West Helena School District)9.57.2
 2.3%
   10th Grade Science (Arkansas)3328.6
 4.4%
10th Grade Reading (Central High School)16.714.4
 2.3%
   10th Grade Reading (Helena / West Helena School District)16.714.4
 2.3%
   10th Grade Reading (Arkansas)32.235.9
 3.7%
11th Grade Mathematics (Central High School)3.34.1
 0.8%
   11th Grade Mathematics (Helena / West Helena School District)3.34.1
 0.8%
11th Grade English (Central High School)16.317.8
 1.5%
   11th Grade English (Helena / West Helena School District)16.317.8
 1.5%
11th Grade Reading (Central High School)6.511
 4.5%
   11th Grade Reading (Helena / West Helena School District)6.511
 4.5%
11th Grade Science (Central High School)2.25.5
 3.3%
   11th Grade Science (Helena / West Helena School District)2.25.5
 3.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students586493
 15.9%
African American557465
 16.5%
American Indian00
Asian00
Hispanic14
 300%
Pacific Islander01
White2416
 33.3%
Two or More Races47
 75%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients100%100%


Schools Near Central High School









Frequently Asked Questions about Central High School

Central High School ranks in the bottom 5.6% of Arkansas high schools.

Students at Central High School are 94% African American, 3% White, 1% Two or more races.

Central High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : J.F. Wahl Elementary School

In the 2022-23 school year, 493 students attended Central High School.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary 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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