Is Central High a good school?

Central High ranks 162 nd of 352 Missouri high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Central High?

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,341 students attended Central High.

What is the racial makeup of Central High?

Students at Central High are 53% White, 29% African American, 10% Two or more races, 7% Hispanic, 2% Asian.

What schools feed into Central High?

Central High is fed by the following schools: Elementary : Alma Schrader Elementary Elementary : Blanchard Elementary Elementary : Clippard Elementary Elementary : Franklin Elementary Elementary : Jefferson Elementary Middle : Central Junior High Middle : Central Middle

Central High

Summary:

Central High is a public high school located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 1,341 students. The school is part of the Cape Girardeau 63 school district, which is ranked 248 out of 376 districts in Missouri and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Central High has a relatively diverse student population, with 52.72% White, 29.16% African American, 6.56% Hispanic, and 1.94% Asian students. However, the school's academic performance, as measured by the percentage of students proficient or better in various MAP/End of Course exams, is generally lower than the state average and the performance of the Cape Girardeau 63 district. For example, in Algebra I, Central High's proficiency rate was 26.2% compared to the state average of 41.5%. Additionally, the school's performance varies significantly across different student subgroups, with African American and Hispanic students lagging behind their peers in the state.

Despite these challenges, Central High outperforms some of the nearby schools, such as Oak Ridge High and Thomas W. Kelly High, in terms of overall statewide ranking and academic proficiency rates. The school has also seen a significant decrease in the percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, from 99.77% in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 to just 0.22% in 2022-2023, which suggests a potential shift in the socioeconomic status of the student population.

Detail:

Public 9-12

1000 S Silver Springs Rd
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703-7511

(573) 335-8228

District: Cape Girardeau 63

SchoolDigger Rank:
162^nd of 352 Missouri High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $11,571

Feeder schools for Central High:

Elementary:	Alma Schrader Elementary
	Blanchard Elementary
	Clippard Elementary
	Franklin Elementary
	More...
	Jefferson Elementary
Middle:	Central Junior High
	Central Middle

Student/teacher ratio: 15.0

Number of students: 1,341

Racial breakdown:

White:

52.7%

African American:

29.2%

Two or more races:

9.5%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 0.2%

See top rated Missouri high schools

Compare Central High to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Central High ranks better than 54% of high schools in Missouri. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 46.06. (See more...)

The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of Central High freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (52.7%), African American (29.2%), two or more races (9.5%). (See more...)

Compare Details 0.2% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Central High is 15. (See more...)

Compare Central High employs 89 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Central High is $11,571.

Schooldigger 2023 Rankings:

Central High:

SchoolDigger ranks Central High 162^nd of 352 Missouri public high schools. (See Central High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Multi-racial students:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

African American students:

White students:

Cape Girardeau 63:

SchoolDigger ranks Cape Girardeau 63 248^th of 376 Missouri school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Central High.

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Rank History for Central High

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Rank History for all students at Central High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2006	67.40	123^rd	534	77.0%
2007	64.23	148^th	538	72.5%
2008	58.29	218^th	539	59.6%
2009	11.89	470^th	507	7.3%
2010	42.45	322^nd	516	37.6%
2011	24.83	451^st	528	14.6%
2012	18.06	477^th	522	8.6%
2013	45.04	302^nd	523	42.3%
2014	37.23	365^th	521	29.9%
2015	43.38	297^th	504	41.1%
2016	44.90	227^th	401	43.4%
2017	30.62	320^th	404	20.8%
2018	35.17	312^th	468	33.3%
2019	33.84	318^th	460	30.9%
2021	44.63	183^rd	358	48.9%
2022	45.21	171^st	361	52.6%
2023	46.06	162^nd	352	54.0%

See the entire list of Missouri High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Central High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	12.64	51^st	52	1.9%
2019	19.15	55^th	59	6.8%
2021	37.08	12^th	23	47.8%
2022	25.97	20^th	28	28.6%
2023	40.25	18^th	34	47.1%

See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Central High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	47.17	60^th	127	52.8%

See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Central High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	24.61	325^th	382	14.9%
2019	50.82	149^th	368	59.5%
2021	80.74	23^rd	255	91.0%
2022	83.82	21^st	250	91.6%
2023	77.27	29^th	268	89.2%

See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Central High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2019	47.43	55^th	103	46.6%
2021	50.56	61^st	129	52.7%
2022	50.24	42^nd	111	62.2%

See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for African American students at Central High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	17.45	101^st	111	9.0%
2019	27.73	80^th	106	24.5%
2021	26.31	83^rd	96	13.5%
2022	52.50	43^rd	105	59.0%
2023	49.55	35^th	99	64.6%

See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Central High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	63.45	25^th	84	70.2%
2019	26.61	70^th	91	23.1%

See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Central High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	59.36	124^th	440	71.8%
2019	51.90	152^nd	430	64.7%
2021	58.43	81^st	309	73.8%
2022	59.41	77^th	310	75.2%
2023	63.80	57^th	302	81.1%

See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary 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.

Data source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Friday, August 31, 2012

The faculty at CHS are fantastic. They are well trained, caring, and very well qualified to teach the diversified student body. The high school has a lot of opportunities for my children to participate in during and after school. I'm very pleased to have my kids attend this high school. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Central High

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1991	0	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	1030	1030
1992	832	112	15	4	0	n/a	n/a	0	963
1993	864	102	13	4	5	n/a	n/a	0	988
1994	872	102	6	2	1	n/a	n/a	0	983
1995	870	148	13	2	1	n/a	n/a	0	1034
1996	870	148	13	2	1	n/a	n/a	0	1034
1997	822	143	18	0	2	n/a	n/a	0	985
1998	809	136	14	5	2	n/a	n/a	0	966
1999	800	148	15	6	3	n/a	n/a	0	972
2000	790	140	8	8	4	n/a	n/a	0	950
2001	764	163	8	6	2	n/a	n/a	0	943
2002	1101	225	17	11	1	n/a	n/a	0	1355
2003	1101	225	17	11	1	n/a	n/a	0	1355
2004	1080	225	15	11	3	n/a	n/a	0	1334
2005	1088	260	17	11	1	n/a	n/a	0	1377
2006	1050	274	22	17	1	n/a	n/a	0	1364
2007	1000	328	24	26	1	n/a	n/a	0	1379
2008	975	347	26	28	1	n/a	n/a	0	1377
2009	911	342	17	30	2	n/a	n/a	0	1302
2010	847	348	15	33	3	n/a	n/a	0	1246
2011	815	331	16	34	3	0	0	0	1199
2012	793	343	14	36	2	0	5	0	1193
2013	700	358	11	39	1	0	13	0	1122
2014	726	347	14	39	2	0	23	0	1151
2015	702	332	18	38	2	0	40	0	1132
2016	684	309	10	42	2	0	53	0	1100
2017	654	341	16	33	2	0	64	0	1110
2018	658	350	20	41	1	1	85	0	1156
2019	669	352	21	48	2	0	93	0	1185
2020	699	340	27	63	1	1	101	0	1232
2021	705	362	27	68	1	1	114	0	1278
2022	705	382	32	70	1	1	117	0	1308
2023	707	391	26	88	0	1	128	0	1341

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

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1991	1030	65.3	15.7	n/a
1992	963	61.0	15.7	6.1
1993	988	53.5	18.5	6.2
1994	983	56.7	17.3	6.2
1995	1034	64.6	16.0	13.6
1996	1034	64.6	16.0	13.6
1997	985	65.0	15.2	13.3
1998	966	66.2	14.6	10.4
1999	972	57.6	16.9	13.7
2000	950	56.8	16.7	20.2
2001	943	62.0	15.2	18.1
2002	1355	81.9	16.5	26.9
2003	1355	81.9	16.5	26.9
2004	1334	78.5	17.0	26.6
2005	1377	80.2	17.2	32.2
2006	1364	82.1	16.6	35.7
2007	1379	81.0	17.0	32.6
2008	1377	87.7	15.7	37.8
2009	1302	97.5	13.4	33.3
2010	1246	99.9	12.4	40.4
2011	1199	96.8	12.3	44.6
2012	1193	95.5	12.4	45.6
2013	1122	94.0	11.9	47.7
2014	1151	94.7	12.1	51.4
2015	1132	91.0	12.4	51.4
2016	1100	89.0	12.3	51.1
2017	1110	82.2	13.4	52.3
2018	1156	80.1	14.4	53.5
2019	1185	82.3	14.3	99.7
2020	1232	81.2	15.1	99.8
2021	1278	87.9	14.5	99.8
2022	1308	87.8	14.8	99.8
2023	1341	89.0	15.0	0.2

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

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1991	1030	65.3	15.7	n/a
1992	963	61.0	15.7	6.1
1993	988	53.5	18.5	6.2
1994	983	56.7	17.3	6.2
1995	1034	64.6	16.0	13.6
1996	1034	64.6	16.0	13.6
1997	985	65.0	15.2	13.3
1998	966	66.2	14.6	10.4
1999	972	57.6	16.9	13.7
2000	950	56.8	16.7	20.2
2001	943	62.0	15.2	18.1
2002	1355	81.9	16.5	26.9
2003	1355	81.9	16.5	26.9
2004	1334	78.5	17.0	26.6
2005	1377	80.2	17.2	32.2
2006	1364	82.1	16.6	35.7
2007	1379	81.0	17.0	32.6
2008	1377	87.7	15.7	37.8
2009	1302	97.5	13.4	33.3
2010	1246	99.9	12.4	40.4
2011	1199	96.8	12.3	44.6
2012	1193	95.5	12.4	45.6
2013	1122	94.0	11.9	47.7
2014	1151	94.7	12.1	51.4
2015	1132	91.0	12.4	51.4
2016	1100	89.0	12.3	51.1
2017	1110	82.2	13.4	52.3
2018	1156	80.1	14.4	53.5
2019	1185	82.3	14.3	99.7
2020	1232	81.2	15.1	99.8
2021	1278	87.9	14.5	99.8
2022	1308	87.8	14.8	99.8
2023	1341	89.0	15.0	0.2

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

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$911 (8.2%)	$10,192 (91.8%)	$11,103
2020	$1,222 (11.6%)	$9,320 (88.4%)	$10,541
2021	$1,206 (10.4%)	$10,427 (89.6%)	$11,633
2022	$3,016 (26.1%)	$8,555 (73.9%)	$11,571

Data source: Missouri Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Central High

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 318^th of 460 High schools	Ranks 162^nd of 352 High schools	23.1%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
End of Course Algebra I (Central High)	29.1	26.2	2.9%
End of Course Algebra I (Cape Girardeau 63)	41	33.8	7.2%
End of Course Algebra I (Missouri)	45.3	41.5	3.8%
End of Course Biology I (Central High)	21.8	35.1	13.3%
End of Course Biology I (Cape Girardeau 63)	21.8	35.1	13.3%
End of Course Biology I (Missouri)	39.2	38.5	0.7%
End of Course English II (Central High)	58.9	52.6	6.3%
End of Course English II (Cape Girardeau 63)	58.9	52.6	6.3%
End of Course English II (Missouri)	59	54.4	4.6%
End of Course Algebra II (Central High)	49.3	71.6	22.3%
End of Course Algebra II (Cape Girardeau 63)	49.3	71.6	22.3%
End of Course Algebra II (Missouri)	50	51.6	1.6%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	1185	1341	13.2%
African American	352	391	11.1%
American Indian	2	0	100%
Asian	21	26	23.8%
Hispanic	48	88	83.3%
Pacific Islander	0	1
White	669	707	5.7%
Two or More Races	93	128	37.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	99.7%	0.2%	99.5%

Schools Near Central High

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2023)				Ranking (2022)				MAP Mathematics (2023)		MAP Science (2023)	MAP English Language Arts (2023)	MAP Algebra I (2023)	MAP Biology I (2023)	MAP English II (2023)	MAP Algebra II (2023)	MAP English I (2023)	MAP Government (2023)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	SchoolDigger Rating (2023)	Average Standard Score (2022)	Statewide Rank (2022)	State Percentile (2022)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MAP Mathematics 7th Grade	MAP Mathematics 8th Grade	MAP Science 8th Grade	MAP English Language Arts 8th Grade	MAP Algebra I End of Course	MAP Biology I End of Course	MAP English II End of Course	MAP Algebra II End of Course	MAP English I End of Course	MAP Government End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Central High	Public	9-12	1000 S Silver Springs Rd	Cape Girardeau	63703	Cape Girardeau County	Cape Girardeau 63	No	No	No	No	(573) 335-8228	1,341	89	15.0	0.2%	707 (52.7%)	391 (29.2%)	88 (6.6%)	26 (1.9%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	128 (9.5%)	46.1	162^nd of 352 public high schools	54.0%		45.2	171^st of 361 public high schools	52.6%	9					26.2	35.1	52.6	71.6		37.1	$11,571	$3,016	$8,555
Cape Girardeau Car Technical Center	Public	9-12	1080 S Silver Springs Rd	Cape Girardeau	63703	Cape Girardeau County	Cape Girardeau 63	No	No	No	No	(573) 334-0826	0	22	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Echo Day Treatment Center	Public	6-12	3445 Armstrong Dr	Cape Girardeau	63703	Cape Girardeau County	Division Of Youth Service	No	No	No	No	(573) 290-5814	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Girardot Center For Youth	Public	5-12	609 N Middle	Cape Girardeau	63702	Cape Girardeau County	Division Of Youth Service	No	No	No	No	(573) 290-5860	18	5	4.0	83.3%	13 (72.2%)	5 (27.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
Scott City High	Public	9-12	3000 Main St	Scott City	63780	Scott County	Scott City R-I	No	No	No	No	(573) 264-2131	260	21	12.1	38.8%	243 (93.5%)	1 (0.4%)	5 (1.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	11 (4.2%)	50.3	133^rd of 352 public high schools	62.2%		49.2	152^nd of 361 public high schools	57.9%	19					39.9	38.8					$11,425	$2,060	$9,365
Chaffee Junior-Senior High	Public	7-12	517 W Yoakum Ave	Chaffee	63740	Scott County	Chaffee R-II	No	No	No	No	(573) 887-3226	300	26	11.4	52.0%	280 (93.3%)	13 (4.3%)	6 (2.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	16.3	298^th of 352 public high schools	15.3%		16.6	307^th of 361 public high schools	15.0%	9		14.6	25.8	24.2	18.9	16.7					$9,858	$2,821	$7,036
Jackson Senior High	Public	9-12	315 S Missouri	Jackson	63755	Cape Girardeau County	Jackson R-II	No	No	No	No	(573) 243-9513	1,764	103	17.1	30.2%	1,611 (91.3%)	44 (2.5%)	44 (2.5%)	5 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	59 (3.3%)	68.3	55^th of 352 public high schools	84.4%		67.7	64^th of 361 public high schools	82.3%	9					49.9	48.2	62.2	86.1		42.8	$10,409	$575	$9,835
Delta High	Public	6-12	324 Liberty St	Delta	63744	Cape Girardeau County	Delta R-V	No	No	No	Yes	(573) 794-2511	119	13	8.8	59.7%	114 (95.8%)	2 (1.7%)	1 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.8%)	1 (0.8%)								(n/a)		8.3			33.3						$13,737	$3,186	$10,551
Oran High School	Public	7-12	310 Church St	Oran	63771	Scott County	Oran R-III	No	No	No	No	(573) 262-3345	187	12	15.5	38.0%	173 (92.5%)	3 (1.6%)	5 (2.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (3.2%)	58	92^nd of 352 public high schools	73.9%					(n/a)	61.3	14.2			48.2			5.9	84.4		$10,363	$220	$10,144
Thomas W. Kelly High	Public	9-12	4035 State Hwy 77	Benton	63736	Scott County	Scott County R-IV	No	No	No	No	(573) 545-3541	319	24	13.1	46.7%	307 (96.2%)	3 (0.9%)	8 (2.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	38.3	207^th of 352 public high schools	41.2%		52.9	133^rd of 361 public high schools	63.2%	74					4.8	38.8					$9,350	$478	$8,872

Central High

Central High:

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Cape Girardeau 63:

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Central High

Rank History for all students at Central High

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Central High

Rank History for Special Education students at Central High

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Central High

Rank History for Disabled students at Central High

Rank History for African American students at Central High

Rank History for Hispanic students at Central High

Rank History for White students at Central High

Review counts

Enrollment information for Central High

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Central High

Student/Teacher Ratio Central High

Per Pupil Expenditures for Central High

Impact of COVID-19 on Central High

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Central High

Frequently Asked Questions about Central High

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