Central High

Summary:

Central High is a public high school located in Saint Joseph, Missouri, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 1,728 students. The school is part of the St. Joseph School District, which is ranked 234 out of 386 districts in Missouri and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger. Central High has seen a decline in its statewide ranking over the past several years, dropping from 107th in 2013-2014 to 236th in the current 2023-2024 school year.

Central High's academic performance, as measured by proficiency rates on Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests, is generally lower than the state and district averages. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, the school's proficiency rates ranged from 17.8% in Algebra I to 42.4% in English II, compared to the state averages of 41.5% and 51.3%, respectively. The school's performance is particularly concerning for certain student subgroups, such as Asian, Hispanic, and Multi-racial students, who rank in the bottom quartile of Missouri high schools in their respective categories. Additionally, Central High has struggled with high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 25.7% to 31.3% in recent years, significantly higher than the state average.

When compared to other high schools in the same district, such as Benton High and Lafayette High, Central High generally performs better academically, with higher proficiency rates and graduation rates. However, these nearby schools also have higher percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, suggesting that socioeconomic factors may play a significant role in academic outcomes. Comparing Central High to schools in other districts, such as East Buchanan High and Savannah High, reveals a stark contrast, as these schools, which serve more affluent communities, consistently outperform Central High on academic measures.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 2602 Edmond
       Saint Joseph, MO  64501-3289


(816) 671-4080

District: St. Joseph

SchoolDigger Rank:
236th of 378 Missouri High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,698 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  15.5 Help
Number of students:  1,720

Racial breakdown:

White:
63.5%
Hispanic:
13.7%
Two or more races:
9.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  35.8% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Central High ranks worse than 62.4% of high schools in Missouri. It also ranks first among 3 ranked high schools in the St. Joseph School District! (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 34.56. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Central High who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a 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
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Compare Details Central High has the largest high school student body size in the St. Joseph School District. Racial makeup is: White (63.5%), Hispanic (13.7%), two or more races (9.5%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 35.8% 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 is 15.5, which is the highest among 4 high schools in the St. Joseph School District! (See more...)
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Compare Central High employs 110.3 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Central High is $10,698. 2 high schools in the St. Joseph School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Central High:

SchoolDigger ranks Central High 236th of 378 Missouri public high schools. (See Central High 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:
Gifted and Talented students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


St. Joseph:

SchoolDigger ranks St. Joseph 234th of 386 Missouri school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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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 SchoolDigger Rating
2006 70.79 102nd 534 80.9%
2007 73.30 84th 538 84.4%
2008 74.38 76th 539 85.9%
2009 46.27 271st 507 46.5%
2010 43.54 314th 516 39.1%
2011 40.47 348th 528 34.1%
2012 59.30 166th 522 68.2%
2013 59.36 145th 523 72.3%
2014 65.10 107th 521 79.5%
2015 58.89 182nd 504 63.9%
2016 50.04 196th 401 51.1%
2017 66.09 117th 404 71.0%
2018 58.74 131st 468 72.0%
2019 49.36 198th 460 57.0%
2021 50.03 149th 358 58.4%
2022 41.34 193rd 361 46.5%
2023 36.55 213th 352 39.5%
2024 34.56 236th 378 37.6%
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 SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.91 35th 52 32.7%
2019 29.43 46th 59 22.0%
2021 24.97 20th 23 13.0%
2022 14.72 27th 28 3.6%
2023 17.34 32nd 34 5.9%
2024 21.59 33rd 39 15.4%
See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Central High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 34.32 23rd 33 30.3%
2023 31.77 32nd 42 23.8%
2024 29.96 34th 45 24.4%
See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for English Language Learner 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
2024 34.87 95th 135 29.6%
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 SchoolDigger Rating
2018 41.13 225th 382 41.1%
2019 28.00 298th 368 19.0%
2021 45.72 121st 255 52.5%
2022 32.31 175th 250 30.0%
2023 27.15 208th 268 22.4%
2024 36.36 177th 274 35.4%
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 SchoolDigger Rating
2021 16.77 117th 129 9.3%
2022 49.97 44th 111 60.4%
See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Central High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 63.16 38th 100 62.0%
2019 57.85 43rd 96 55.2%
2021 61.43 20th 50 60.0%
2024 13.65 45th 47 4.3%
See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Central High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 14.75 34th 38 10.5%
2019 6.47 36th 38 5.3%
2021 25.21 14th 20 30.0%
2024 14.35 13th 15 13.3%
See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Central High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools MO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 53.60 44th 111 60.4%
2019 54.86 42nd 106 60.4%
2021 50.81 35th 96 63.5%
2022 54.47 40th 105 61.9%
2023 30.10 78th 99 21.2%
2024 34.59 75th 105 28.6%
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 47.75 44th 84 47.6%
2019 28.93 66th 91 27.5%
2021 36.21 21st 40 47.5%
2022 28.89 46th 57 19.3%
2023 22.88 58th 64 9.4%
2024 26.44 55th 70 21.4%
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 SchoolDigger Rating
2018 61.34 113th 440 74.3%
2019 49.87 164th 430 61.9%
2021 43.24 151st 309 51.1%
2022 36.17 181st 310 41.6%
2023 29.73 208th 302 31.1%
2024 35.01 191st 321 40.5%
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.

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



Data source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

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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 1606 1606
1992 1595 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1595
1993 1636 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1636
1994 1544 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1544
1995 1598 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1598
1996 1598 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1598
1997 1464 93 22 27 1 n/a n/a 0 1607
1998 1449 100 19 35 4 n/a n/a 0 1607
1999 1429 94 20 36 5 n/a n/a 0 1584
2000 1426 86 21 34 6 n/a n/a 0 1573
2001 1444 93 24 31 10 n/a n/a 0 1602
2002 1556 89 27 43 6 n/a n/a 0 1721
2003 1556 89 27 43 6 n/a n/a 0 1721
2004 1478 92 27 50 7 n/a n/a 0 1654
2005 1455 93 24 51 7 n/a n/a 0 1630
2006 1425 92 27 49 6 n/a n/a 0 1599
2007 1449 111 26 85 6 n/a n/a 0 1677
2008 1437 135 24 86 6 n/a n/a 0 1688
2009 1417 149 22 89 5 n/a n/a 0 1682
2010 1425 170 33 101 6 n/a n/a 0 1735
2011 1358 161 37 83 8 0 1 0 1648
2012 1287 138 37 79 10 1 8 0 1560
2013 1292 115 39 84 6 6 21 0 1563
2014 1334 131 36 108 10 4 46 0 1669
2015 1328 132 48 133 10 4 56 0 1711
2016 1297 129 53 138 8 9 70 0 1704
2017 1260 126 57 152 6 10 76 0 1687
2018 1268 126 64 155 3 8 75 0 1699
2019 1245 118 55 159 4 15 84 0 1680
2020 1243 116 51 182 5 15 91 0 1703
2021 1216 130 58 177 5 15 104 0 1705
2022 1200 132 47 193 9 23 126 0 1730
2023 1167 136 47 198 4 32 144 0 1728
2024 1093 131 51 235 5 41 164 0 1720

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

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 1606 92.5 17.3 10.2
1992 1595 85.9 18.5 9.8
1993 1636 85.6 19.1 10.8
1994 1544 86.3 17.9 11.3
1995 1598 87.2 18.3 14.6
1996 1598 87.2 18.3 14.6
1997 1607 89.9 17.9 15.6
1998 1607 90.1 17.8 12.4
1999 1584 94.1 16.8 16.6
2000 1573 95.4 16.5 16.1
2001 1602 93.6 17.1 18.9
2002 1721 89.6 19.2 26
2003 1721 89.6 19.2 26
2004 1654 87.7 18.9 27.2
2005 1630 89.3 18.3 29.4
2006 1599 96.5 16.6 32
2007 1677 95.4 17.6 33.8
2008 1688 100.9 16.7 33.7
2009 1682 103.0 16.3 33.4
2010 1735 128.3 13.5 33.9
2011 1648 122.5 13.4 37.6
2012 1560 115.8 13.4 41.3
2013 1563 118.8 13.1 39.6
2014 1669 116.5 14.3 46.1
2015 1711 116.0 14.7 46.2
2016 1704 117.0 14.5 37.9
2017 1687 115.7 14.5 44.8
2018 1699 115.6 14.6 49.6
2019 1680 95.5 17.5 35.3
2020 1703 107.8 15.7 48.1
2021 1705 100.3 16.9 30
2022 1730 110.0 15.7 28.2
2023 1728 93.1 18.5 40.5
2024 1720 110.3 15.5 35.8

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

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 1606 92.5 17.3 10.2
1992 1595 85.9 18.5 9.8
1993 1636 85.6 19.1 10.8
1994 1544 86.3 17.9 11.3
1995 1598 87.2 18.3 14.6
1996 1598 87.2 18.3 14.6
1997 1607 89.9 17.9 15.6
1998 1607 90.1 17.8 12.4
1999 1584 94.1 16.8 16.6
2000 1573 95.4 16.5 16.1
2001 1602 93.6 17.1 18.9
2002 1721 89.6 19.2 26
2003 1721 89.6 19.2 26
2004 1654 87.7 18.9 27.2
2005 1630 89.3 18.3 29.4
2006 1599 96.5 16.6 32
2007 1677 95.4 17.6 33.8
2008 1688 100.9 16.7 33.7
2009 1682 103.0 16.3 33.4
2010 1735 128.3 13.5 33.9
2011 1648 122.5 13.4 37.6
2012 1560 115.8 13.4 41.3
2013 1563 118.8 13.1 39.6
2014 1669 116.5 14.3 46.1
2015 1711 116.0 14.7 46.2
2016 1704 117.0 14.5 37.9
2017 1687 115.7 14.5 44.8
2018 1699 115.6 14.6 49.6
2019 1680 95.5 17.5 35.3
2020 1703 107.8 15.7 48.1
2021 1705 100.3 16.9 30
2022 1730 110.0 15.7 28.2
2023 1728 93.1 18.5 40.5
2024 1720 110.3 15.5 35.8

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

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $388 (3.8%) $9,760 (96.2%) $10,147
2020 $336 (3.2%) $10,058 (96.8%) $10,394
2021 $838 (7.7%) $10,024 (92.3%) $10,862
2022 $355 (3.3%) $10,343 (96.7%) $10,698

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 198th of 460 High schoolsRanks 213th of 352 High schools
 17.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Algebra I (Central High)26.615
 11.6%
   End of Course Algebra I (St. Joseph)33.818.4
 15.4%
   End of Course Algebra I (Missouri)45.341.5
 3.8%
End of Course Biology I (Central High)35.429.1
 6.3%
   End of Course Biology I (St. Joseph)30.725
 5.7%
   End of Course Biology I (Missouri)39.238.5
 0.7%
End of Course English II (Central High)63.651.2
 12.4%
   End of Course English II (St. Joseph)55.141.6
 13.5%
   End of Course English II (Missouri)5954.4
 4.6%
End of Course Algebra II (Central High)81.351.7
 29.6%
   End of Course Algebra II (St. Joseph)66.545.7
 20.8%
   End of Course Algebra II (Missouri)5051.6
 1.6%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students16801728
 2.9%
African American118136
 15.3%
American Indian44
Asian5547
 14.5%
Hispanic159198
 24.5%
Pacific Islander1532
 113.3%
White12451167
 6.3%
Two or More Races84144
 71.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients35.3%40.5%
 5.2%


Schools Near Central High









Frequently Asked Questions about Central High

Students at Central High are 64% White, 14% Hispanic, 10% Two or more races, 8% African American, 3% Asian, 2% Pacific Islander.

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,720 students attended Central High.

Central High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Coleman Elementary
Elementary : Edison Elementary
Elementary : Field Elementary
Elementary : Parkway Elementary
Elementary : Pickett Elementary
Elementary : Skaith Elementary
Middle : Bode Middle
Middle : Truman Middle

Central High ranks 236th of 378 Missouri high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 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 Missouri Department 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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