Central High

Summary:

Central High is a public high school located in West Allis, Wisconsin, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 1,007 students. The school is part of the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District, which is ranked 400 out of 428 districts in the state and has a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Central High has consistently ranked in the bottom 10-15% of Wisconsin high schools over the past decade, with rankings ranging from 383 to 435 out of 391 to 466 schools, placing it among the lowest-performing high schools in the state. The school's four-year graduation rate has fluctuated significantly, ranging from a low of 79.8% in 2022-2023 to a high of 92.5% in 2019-2020, and its chronic absenteeism rate has increased from 32.2% in 2018-2019 to 44.4% in 2022-2023, significantly higher than the state average. Central High's academic performance, as measured by proficiency rates on state assessments, is also significantly below the state and district averages, with only 24.44% of 10th-grade students proficient or better in Social Studies in 2023-2024, compared to the state average of 45.08%.

When comparing Central High to other high schools in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District, such as Nathan Hale High and James E. Dottke Project-Based Learning High School, Central High consistently underperforms. Examining schools outside the district, such as East High in Wauwatosa, reveals a stark contrast, as East High is a high-performing school ranking in the top 10% of Wisconsin high schools and significantly outperforming Central High across various metrics.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 8516 W Lincoln Ave
       West Allis, WI  53227-2599


(414) 604-3110

District: West Allis-West Milwaukee School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
415th of 431 Wisconsin High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,078 Help


Feeder schools for Central High:

Elementary:    Franklin Elementary
    Horace Mann Elementary
    Jefferson Elementary
    Pershing Elementary
Middle:    West Milwaukee Intermediate

Student/teacher ratio:  13.9 Help
Number of students:  1,007

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
38.3%
White:
34.8%
African American:
15.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  67.7% Help


 See top rated Wisconsin high schools

 Compare Central High to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Central High ranks worse than 96.3% of high schools in Wisconsin. It also ranks last among 3 ranked high schools in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 6.41. (See more...)
Help
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.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
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
Help
Compare Details Student population at Central High is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (38.3%), White (34.8%), African American (15.5%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 67.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the highest percentage in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Central High is 13.9. 2 high schools in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Central High employs 72.4 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Central High is $13,078. 2 high schools in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Central High:

SchoolDigger ranks Central High 415th of 431 Wisconsin public high schools. (See Central High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


West Allis-West Milwaukee School District:

SchoolDigger ranks West Allis-West Milwaukee School District 400th of 428 Wisconsin school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Central High?

Rank History for Central High

Help
Compare

Rank History for all students at Central High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 53.74 172nd 275 37.5%
2005 59.81 144th 287 49.8%
2006 49.19 215th 292 26.4%
2007 48.08 214th 281 23.8%
2008 35.58 371st 437 15.1%
2009 32.60 382nd 438 12.8%
2010 29.85 397th 450 11.8%
2011 30.56 390th 445 12.4%
2012 18.69 416th 452 8.0%
2013 9.23 429th 457 6.1%
2014 11.90 428th 462 7.4%
2015 12.49 435th 466 6.7%
2016 3.48 404th 408 1.0%
2017 3.06 404th 410 1.5%
2018 6.08 402nd 410 2.0%
2019 10.73 387th 400 3.3%
2021 2.95 387th 390 0.8%
2022 6.98 383rd 391 2.0%
2023 9.01 397th 415 4.3%
2024 6.41 415th 431 3.7%
See the entire list of Wisconsin High School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Central High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 29.16 46th 55 16.4%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin 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 WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 8.38 248th 255 2.7%
2019 14.94 239th 251 4.8%
2022 12.52 241st 250 3.6%
2023 13.88 258th 271 4.8%
2024 9.72 309th 326 5.2%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Central High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 4.65 351st 355 1.1%
2019 8.91 333rd 343 2.9%
2021 3.07 329th 332 0.9%
2022 7.92 331st 343 3.5%
2023 7.39 316th 329 4.0%
2024 8.46 336th 353 4.8%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Central High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 7.94 366th 373 1.9%
2019 13.27 337th 354 4.8%
2021 2.69 334th 334 0.0%
2022 6.48 344th 347 0.9%
2023 10.84 343rd 359 4.5%
2024 7.14 351st 365 3.8%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Central High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 29.37 13th 18 27.8%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Central High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 16.56 71st 76 6.6%
2021 14.13 67th 68 1.5%
2022 12.59 82nd 86 4.7%
2023 17.51 87th 97 10.3%
2024 10.25 114th 119 4.2%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Central High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 13.36 244th 261 6.5%
2019 19.78 233rd 266 12.4%
2021 4.04 264th 266 0.8%
2022 14.34 252nd 269 6.3%
2023 14.99 249th 271 8.1%
2024 7.88 285th 300 5.0%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, 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: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

We're sorry, but no reviews have been submitted for Central High.

If you have first-hand knowledge about Central High, submit a rating!


Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!


Enrollment information for Central High

Help
Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 1156 11 8 12 2 n/a n/a 0 1189
1989 1114 17 7 18 11 n/a n/a 0 1167
1990 1101 26 9 31 10 n/a n/a 0 1177
1991 1074 26 7 39 10 n/a n/a 0 1156
1992 1152 24 6 38 10 n/a n/a 0 1230
1993 1337 40 9 48 23 n/a n/a 0 1457
1994 1350 51 9 38 19 n/a n/a 0 1467
1995 1452 48 15 38 24 n/a n/a 0 1577
1996 1452 48 15 38 24 n/a n/a 0 1577
1997 1504 39 9 39 21 n/a n/a 0 1612
1998 1614 30 11 44 26 n/a n/a 0 1725
1999 1545 28 15 54 26 n/a n/a 0 1668
2000 1526 43 13 63 33 n/a n/a 0 1678
2001 1555 45 15 53 31 n/a n/a 0 1699
2002 1446 61 18 80 28 n/a n/a 0 1633
2003 1446 61 18 80 28 n/a n/a 0 1633
2004 1393 63 21 83 27 n/a n/a 0 1587
2005 1415 81 29 124 28 n/a n/a 0 1677
2006 1362 106 33 148 30 n/a n/a 0 1679
2007 1232 114 32 192 38 n/a n/a 0 1608
2008 1100 134 35 218 42 n/a n/a 0 1529
2009 995 142 38 249 35 n/a n/a 0 1459
2010 889 148 29 266 33 n/a n/a 0 1365
2011 794 185 21 346 24 0 28 0 1398
2012 733 211 21 353 19 2 30 0 1369
2013 631 230 19 408 17 2 36 0 1343
2014 595 271 15 444 19 4 41 0 1389
2015 557 274 25 475 24 3 54 0 1412
2016 530 277 24 483 32 4 61 0 1411
2017 495 236 37 426 32 3 70 0 1299
2018 456 207 38 369 25 2 73 0 1170
2019 431 168 26 336 24 1 78 0 1064
2020 422 162 24 315 15 1 83 0 1022
2021 403 167 21 363 15 0 90 0 1059
2022 380 172 15 378 13 0 102 0 1060
2023 350 156 21 386 7 0 87 0 1007

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

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1189 90.4 13.1 0
1989 1167 92.4 12.6 0
1990 1177 86.2 13.6 0
1991 1156 86.1 13.4 0
1992 1230 85.3 14.4 n/a
1993 1457 95.8 15.2 10
1994 1467 93.2 15.7 12.2
1995 1577 96.5 16.3 11.9
1996 1577 96.5 16.3 11.9
1997 1612 95.0 17.0 13.9
1998 1725 104.6 16.5 13.2
1999 1668 98.0 17.0 19.2
2000 1678 95.8 17.5 19.9
2001 1699 105.0 16.2 21.7
2002 1633 104.0 15.7 20
2003 1633 104.0 15.7 20
2004 1587 99.6 15.9 19.6
2005 1677 100.2 16.7 n/a
2006 1679 100.4 16.7 n/a
2007 1608 95.7 16.8 33.8
2008 1529 92.8 16.5 42.5
2009 1459 86.6 16.8 43.6
2010 1365 80.0 17.0 52.7
2011 1398 83.5 16.7 57.6
2012 1369 83.7 16.3 52.4
2013 1343 81.2 16.5 66.6
2014 1389 77.8 17.8 68.3
2015 1412 n/a n/a 73
2016 1411 86.0 16.4 71.8
2017 1299 85.5 15.1 62.5
2018 1170 82.4 14.1 60
2019 1064 78.7 13.5 61.8
2020 1022 64.1 15.9 65.2
2021 1059 69.7 15.1 69.2
2022 1060 72.0 14.7 67.7
2023 1007 72.4 13.9 67.7

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

Help
Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1189 90.4 13.1 0
1989 1167 92.4 12.6 0
1990 1177 86.2 13.6 0
1991 1156 86.1 13.4 0
1992 1230 85.3 14.4 n/a
1993 1457 95.8 15.2 10
1994 1467 93.2 15.7 12.2
1995 1577 96.5 16.3 11.9
1996 1577 96.5 16.3 11.9
1997 1612 95.0 17.0 13.9
1998 1725 104.6 16.5 13.2
1999 1668 98.0 17.0 19.2
2000 1678 95.8 17.5 19.9
2001 1699 105.0 16.2 21.7
2002 1633 104.0 15.7 20
2003 1633 104.0 15.7 20
2004 1587 99.6 15.9 19.6
2005 1677 100.2 16.7 n/a
2006 1679 100.4 16.7 n/a
2007 1608 95.7 16.8 33.8
2008 1529 92.8 16.5 42.5
2009 1459 86.6 16.8 43.6
2010 1365 80.0 17.0 52.7
2011 1398 83.5 16.7 57.6
2012 1369 83.7 16.3 52.4
2013 1343 81.2 16.5 66.6
2014 1389 77.8 17.8 68.3
2015 1412 n/a n/a 73
2016 1411 86.0 16.4 71.8
2017 1299 85.5 15.1 62.5
2018 1170 82.4 14.1 60
2019 1064 78.7 13.5 61.8
2020 1022 64.1 15.9 65.2
2021 1059 69.7 15.1 69.2
2022 1060 72.0 14.7 67.7
2023 1007 72.4 13.9 67.7

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

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $550 (4.6%) $11,425 (95.4%) $11,975
2020 $922 (7.9%) $10,701 (92.1%) $11,623
2021 $1,128 (8.6%) $11,949 (91.4%) $13,078

Data source: Wisconsin 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 387th of 400 High schoolsRanks 397th of 415 High schools
 1.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
10th Grade Social Studies (Central High)30.324.9
 5.4%
   10th Grade Social Studies (West Allis-West Milwaukee School District)36.529.5
 7%
   10th Grade Social Studies (Wisconsin)45.947.2
 1.3%
10th Grade English Language Arts (Central High)21.724.5
 2.8%
   10th Grade English Language Arts (West Allis-West Milwaukee School District)24.824.9
 0.1%
   10th Grade English Language Arts (Wisconsin)38.841.4
 2.6%
10th Grade Mathematics (Central High)14.99.9
 5%
   10th Grade Mathematics (West Allis-West Milwaukee School District)1410.8
 3.2%
   10th Grade Mathematics (Wisconsin)30.829.4
 1.3%
10th Grade Science (Central High)15.417.5
 2.2%
   10th Grade Science (West Allis-West Milwaukee School District)16.417.3
 0.9%
   10th Grade Science (Wisconsin)32.731.7
 1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students10641007
 5.4%
African American168156
 7.1%
American Indian247
 70.8%
Asian2621
 19.2%
Hispanic336386
 14.9%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White431350
 18.8%
Two or More Races7887
 11.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients61.8%67.7%
 5.9%


Schools Near Central High









Frequently Asked Questions about Central High

Students at Central High are 38% Hispanic, 35% White, 15% African American, 9% Two or more races, 2% Asian.

Central High ranks in the bottom 3.7% of Wisconsin high schools.

Central High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Franklin Elementary
Elementary : Horace Mann Elementary
Elementary : Jefferson Elementary
Elementary : Pershing Elementary
Middle : West Milwaukee Intermediate

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,007 students attended Central High.


Rate Central High!



Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Central High!




SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

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.





Diagnostics

None retrieved from Database in 48 milliseconds.