Central High School

Summary:

Central High School is a public high school in Knoxville, Tennessee, serving 1,294 students in grades 9-12. The school is part of the Knox County school district, which is ranked 72 out of 139 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

While Central High School has a relatively diverse student population, with 54.71% White, 19.4% African American, and 18.93% Hispanic students, its academic performance is generally below the Knox County and Tennessee state averages. The school's proficiency rates in subjects like Biology I (53.3%), US History (25.1%), and English I (26.6%) are lower than the county and state averages. Additionally, Central High School's rankings for specific student subgroups, such as African American, Hispanic, and Special Education students, are particularly low, often in the bottom quartile of Tennessee high schools.

When compared to other high schools in the area, Central High School generally underperforms. For instance, West High School and Halls High School have higher academic proficiency rates and better statewide rankings than Central High School. The school's declining racial diversity and inconsistent academic performance across different subjects and grade levels suggest that addressing these challenges will be crucial for Central High School to improve its overall standing and provide a high-quality education for all its students.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 5321 Jacksboro PIKE
       Knoxville, TN  37918


(865) 689-1400

District: Knox County

SchoolDigger Rank:
266th of 392 Tennessee High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,711 Help


Feeder schools for Central High School:

Elementary:    Fountain City Elementary
    Inskip Elementary
    Lonsdale Elementary
    Shannondale Elementary
    More...
Middle:    Gresham Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  13.5 Help
Number of students:  1,294

Racial breakdown:

White:
54.7%
African American:
19.4%
Hispanic:
18.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  52.1% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Central High School ranks worse than 67.9% of high schools in Tennessee. It also ranks 13th among 15 ranked high schools in the Knox County School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 32.37. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Central High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
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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 School has the largest high school student body size in the Knox County School District.  (See more...)
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Central High School is $10,711, which is the 7th highest among 15 high schools in the Knox County School District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Central High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Central High School 266th of 392 Tennessee public high schools. (See Central High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Knox County:

SchoolDigger ranks Knox County 80th of 140 Tennessee school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Central High School.

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Your rating for Central High School?

Rank History for Central High School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2010 41.67 196th 267 26.6%
2011 40.52 202nd 273 26.0%
2012 53.66 154th 269 42.8%
2013 45.33 200th 285 29.8%
2014 36.54 231st 296 22.0%
2015 36.60 246th 300 18.0%
2016 41.74 213th 351 39.3%
2017 33.88 182nd 273 33.3%
2018 39.93 199th 341 41.6%
2019 41.44 194th 342 43.3%
2021 41.06 193rd 347 44.4%
2022 31.56 253rd 358 29.3%
2023 34.87 248th 384 35.4%
2024 32.37 266th 392 32.1%
See the entire list of Tennessee High School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 29.50 121st 159 23.9%
2019 26.57 104th 127 18.1%
2021 49.43 39th 125 68.8%
2022 20.92 145th 151 4.0%
2023 33.44 96th 154 37.7%
2024 28.11 134th 183 26.8%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee 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 TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 36.77 194th 308 37.0%
2019 30.53 221st 302 26.8%
2021 33.56 220th 317 30.6%
2022 26.42 261st 322 18.9%
2023 35.55 219th 330 33.6%
2024 20.24 294th 337 12.8%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee 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 TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 43.34 188th 337 44.2%
2021 41.91 184th 340 45.9%
2022 31.42 253rd 350 27.7%
2023 35.46 240th 366 34.4%
2024 29.15 268th 365 26.6%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 43.15 169th 329 48.6%
2021 40.07 192nd 332 42.2%
2022 31.84 239th 349 31.5%
2023 30.73 248th 359 30.9%
2024 34.54 237th 366 35.2%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee 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 TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 33.42 121st 199 39.2%
2019 29.13 139th 187 25.7%
2021 33.77 130th 208 37.5%
2022 24.03 177th 222 20.3%
2023 23.28 188th 239 21.3%
2024 16.67 214th 240 10.8%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee 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 TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 33.50 104th 159 34.6%
2019 25.44 112th 153 26.8%
2021 23.10 148th 180 17.8%
2022 18.20 171st 189 9.5%
2023 19.50 179th 202 11.4%
2024 22.49 182nd 209 12.9%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Central High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 43.06 163rd 307 46.9%
2019 50.42 115th 301 61.8%
2021 45.11 151st 306 50.7%
2022 35.81 210th 312 32.7%
2023 38.14 189th 325 41.8%
2024 35.02 210th 326 35.6%
See the entire list of Best Tennessee High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Tennessee 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: Tennessee Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
50%

0%

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50%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Monday, July 7, 2014

Open Quote The implementation of the Freshman Academy was a very welcome program to help prepare students for success in high school. The staff is well -qualified to teach at the high school level and develop a rapport with the students. They are responsive to the requests of both students and parents alike and have always made themselves adequately available to students and parents.

Dual-path courses allow qualified students to earn college credits while completing their high school requirements and offer skill/trades alternatives for those students not desiring to continue a higher academic path. Opportunities in the performing arts include the Award winning Bobcat Company and three highly acclaimed chorus groups.

The atmosphere at CHS welcoming and conducive to learning including a beautiful and well maintained campus. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Central High School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 1309 64 4 2 0 n/a n/a 0 1379
1989 1225 86 9 2 n/a n/a n/a 30 1352
1990 1186 90 9 1 0 n/a n/a 0 1286
1991 1081 93 10 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1184
1992 1250 108 12 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1370
1993 1149 202 14 7 3 n/a n/a 0 1375
1994 1127 189 19 1 1 n/a n/a 0 1337
1995 1044 176 14 6 2 n/a n/a 0 1242
1996 1044 176 14 6 2 n/a n/a 0 1242
1997 1082 202 17 9 0 n/a n/a -46 1264
1998 1042 158 18 9 2 n/a n/a -1 1228
1999 944 207 25 15 4 n/a n/a 0 1195
2000 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1334 1334
2001 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1173 1173
2002 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1227 1227
2003 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1227 1227
2004 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1259 1259
2005 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1354 1354
2006 1055 243 14 36 2 n/a n/a 0 1350
2007 1181 364 13 51 1 n/a n/a 0 1610
2008 1014 275 17 59 3 n/a n/a 0 1368
2009 872 254 25 55 4 n/a n/a 0 1210
2010 848 257 24 46 4 n/a n/a 0 1179
2011 817 204 19 46 5 1 8 0 1100
2012 785 186 18 57 3 0 10 0 1059
2013 807 206 11 64 2 1 15 0 1106
2014 820 227 10 81 6 1 14 0 1159
2015 776 220 12 89 7 1 23 0 1128
2016 737 218 14 128 8 1 33 0 1139
2017 716 218 14 135 3 2 25 0 1113
2018 681 220 15 152 4 2 38 0 1112
2019 697 237 16 152 2 2 44 0 1150
2020 719 244 15 189 3 2 47 0 1219
2021 752 249 15 191 4 0 66 0 1277
2022 722 258 14 209 2 0 78 0 1283
2023 708 251 15 245 3 0 72 0 1294

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 1379 67.0 20.5 n/a
1989 1352 67.0 20.1 n/a
1990 1286 67.0 19.1 n/a
1991 1184 78.0 15.1 n/a
1992 1370 78.0 17.5 n/a
1993 1375 78.0 17.6 n/a
1994 1337 79.0 16.9 n/a
1995 1242 79.0 15.7 n/a
1996 1242 79.0 15.7 n/a
1997 1264 n/a 0.0 n/a
1998 1228 n/a 0.0 n/a
1999 1195 n/a 0.0 n/a
2000 1334 n/a 0.0 n/a
2001 1173 n/a 0.0 n/a
2002 1227 n/a n/a n/a
2003 1227 n/a n/a n/a
2004 1259 n/a n/a n/a
2005 1354 n/a n/a n/a
2006 1350 74.5 18.1 n/a
2007 1610 77.7 20.7 34.5
2008 1368 79.1 17.3 44.1
2009 1210 79.5 15.2 47
2010 1179 76.6 15.3 46.7
2011 1100 72.9 15.0 56.2
2012 1059 72.5 14.6 50.9
2013 1106 71.1 15.5 55.6
2014 1159 72.7 15.9 55.6
2015 1128 74.0 15.2 37.8
2016 1139 74.0 15.3 52.1
2017 1113 76.7 14.5 n/a
2018 1112 76.5 14.5 n/a
2019 1150 78.0 14.7 n/a
2020 1219 76.7 15.8 n/a
2021 1277 81.8 15.5 n/a
2022 1283 79.5 16.1 n/a
2023 1294 95.8 13.5 n/a

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 1379 67.0 20.5 n/a
1989 1352 67.0 20.1 n/a
1990 1286 67.0 19.1 n/a
1991 1184 78.0 15.1 n/a
1992 1370 78.0 17.5 n/a
1993 1375 78.0 17.6 n/a
1994 1337 79.0 16.9 n/a
1995 1242 79.0 15.7 n/a
1996 1242 79.0 15.7 n/a
1997 1264 n/a 0.0 n/a
1998 1228 n/a 0.0 n/a
1999 1195 n/a 0.0 n/a
2000 1334 n/a 0.0 n/a
2001 1173 n/a 0.0 n/a
2002 1227 n/a n/a n/a
2003 1227 n/a n/a n/a
2004 1259 n/a n/a n/a
2005 1354 n/a n/a n/a
2006 1350 74.5 18.1 n/a
2007 1610 77.7 20.7 34.5
2008 1368 79.1 17.3 44.1
2009 1210 79.5 15.2 47
2010 1179 76.6 15.3 46.7
2011 1100 72.9 15.0 56.2
2012 1059 72.5 14.6 50.9
2013 1106 71.1 15.5 55.6
2014 1159 72.7 15.9 55.6
2015 1128 74.0 15.2 37.8
2016 1139 74.0 15.3 52.1
2017 1113 76.7 14.5 n/a
2018 1112 76.5 14.5 n/a
2019 1150 78.0 14.7 n/a
2020 1219 76.7 15.8 n/a
2021 1277 81.8 15.5 n/a
2022 1283 79.5 16.1 n/a
2023 1294 95.8 13.5 n/a

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 $316 (3.4%) $8,469 (91.8%) $9,223
2020 $390 (4.3%) $8,237 (91.0%) $9,051
2021 $603 (6.4%) $8,499 (90.3%) $9,416
2022 $769 (7.7%) $8,823 (87.9%) $10,041
2023 $832 (7.8%) $9,350 (87.3%) $10,711

Data source: Tennessee 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 194th of 342 High schoolsRanks 248th of 384 High schools
 7.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
9th Grade English I (Central High School)31.831.4
 0.4%
   9th Grade English I (Knox County)41.541
 0.5%
   9th Grade English I (Tennessee)33.336
 2.7%
9th Grade Geometry (Central High School)9058.8
 31.2%
   9th Grade Geometry (Knox County)88.478.7
 9.7%
   9th Grade Geometry (Tennessee)7972.8
 6.2%
10th Grade Algebra II (Central High School)72.557.8
 14.7%
   10th Grade Algebra II (Knox County)77.969.9
 8%
   10th Grade Algebra II (Tennessee)46.747.7
 1%
10th Grade English I (Central High School)12.521.2
 8.7%
   10th Grade English I (Knox County)1310.2
 2.8%
   10th Grade English I (Tennessee)7.113.4
 6.3%
10th Grade English II (Central High School)41.750
 8.3%
   10th Grade English II (Knox County)50.751.4
 0.7%
   10th Grade English II (Tennessee)4450.7
 6.7%
10th Grade Geometry (Central High School)17.39.3
 8%
   10th Grade Geometry (Knox County)2317.2
 5.8%
   10th Grade Geometry (Tennessee)28.223.8
 4.4%
11th Grade Algebra II (Central High School)17.66.2
 11.4%
   11th Grade Algebra II (Knox County)13.911.2
 2.7%
   11th Grade Algebra II (Tennessee)17.716.8
 0.9%
11th Grade US History (Central High School)26.130.6
 4.5%
   11th Grade US History (Knox County)36.543.6
 7.1%
   11th Grade US History (Tennessee)29.639.7
 10.1%
11th Grade English II (Central High School)6.721.9
 15.2%
   11th Grade English II (Knox County)11.713.6
 1.9%
   11th Grade English II (Tennessee)10.513.3
 2.8%
11th Grade Geometry (Central High School)57.7
 2.7%
   11th Grade Geometry (Knox County)7.59.1
 1.6%
   11th Grade Geometry (Tennessee)2016
 4%
12th Grade Algebra II (Central High School)11.18.7
 2.4%
   12th Grade Algebra II (Knox County)5.23.5
 1.7%
   12th Grade Algebra II (Tennessee)4.55.1
 0.6%
All Grades Algebra II (Central High School)31.618.4
 13.2%
   All Grades Algebra II (Knox County)32.426
 6.4%
   All Grades Algebra II (Tennessee)27.425.6
 1.8%
All Grades US History (Central High School)26.330
 3.7%
   All Grades US History (Knox County)3643.1
 7.1%
   All Grades US History (Tennessee)28.638.5
 9.9%
All Grades English I (Central High School)29.429.8
 0.4%
   All Grades English I (Knox County)4039.2
 0.8%
   All Grades English I (Tennessee)32.735.4
 2.7%
All Grades English II (Central High School)3847.3
 9.3%
   All Grades English II (Knox County)48.549.6
 1.1%
   All Grades English II (Tennessee)42.749.4
 6.7%
All Grades Geometry (Central High School)25.419
 6.4%
   All Grades Geometry (Knox County)36.530.3
 6.2%
   All Grades Geometry (Tennessee)33.928.6
 5.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students11501294
 12.5%
African American237251
 5.9%
American Indian23
 50%
Asian1615
 6.3%
Hispanic152245
 61.2%
Pacific Islander20
 100%
White697708
 1.6%
Two or More Races4472
 63.6%


Schools Near Central High School









Frequently Asked Questions about Central High School

Central High School ranks 266th of 392 Tennessee high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Students at Central High School are 55% White, 19% African American, 19% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,294 students attended Central High School.

Central High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Fountain City Elementary
Elementary : Inskip Elementary
Elementary : Lonsdale Elementary
Elementary : Shannondale Elementary
Elementary : Sterchi Elementary
Middle : Gresham Middle 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 Tennessee 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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