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GreatSchools Rating

Central High School

Public | 9-12 | 1824 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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15 reviews of this school


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Posted August 14, 2012

When I was ready to move into a new neighborhood in 2007, I was so grateful to be able to move to the Central Garden area so that he could be a part of such a great I institution. The teachers care as Well as the principal, the children are well rounded, and there are a variety of things to learn in that school. My son took classes that seemed so hard that it made me nervous, but he passed with flying colors! Central has pride and works with parents to not only make the school great, but the neighborhood as well. And I am grateful for the quality.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 28, 2009

I am a very pleased parent of a student at Central High School. I give them 5 stars.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 30, 2008

Central High School is the best high school in America. CHS has a good marching band, I see, and the academically wise, CHS is great. Yes, the football team isn't very good but the rest of the sports at The High School are pretty good.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 16, 2008

My name is Ayana Reynolds, and I am a freshman at Central High School. Recently, there has been a fight that has been talked about over the news. This fight really makes Central look bad. However; if you think about it, isn't this the first time Central has been on the news for something bad? Central is a great school, and this is coming from someone who didn't want to come to Central to begin with. This school has friendly students, nice teachers, and most important of all, the best principal in the world, Mr. McCoullough. A student couldn't ask for anything more!!
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 26, 2007

I am currently a sophomore at Central High School. I went to Central last year and it is a great school. Some people might not like Central because we have over 1700 students, but Central is good in education. The prinicpal, he has everything under control. The system he has to keep Central safe is very useful. Only other thing bad about Central is the sports. The football team has a bad record of losing a lot of games. Also Central doesnt have a majorette squad and the band is not a marching band.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 4, 2007

I am a rising junior at Central High School. I moved to Memphis from a suburb of Nashville in July 2006. Before coming to Memphis all I heard about the city was the large amount of crime and how bad the schools were. People told me to definitely stay in the county. However, after a year at Central I have found experience here to be invaluable. The rigorous academic program has been fantastic, and playing for the soccer team has given me a new appreciation for the term 'diversity'.The faculty and community urge the students toward excellence. Central will not only prepare students for college(recent graduates going to schools such as MIT and Yale), but for a life time of success as well. Above all else Central teaches students to appreciate different cultures and ideas. I recommend it to anyone coming to the Memphis area.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 22, 2006

There's no wonder why this is called 'The High School'. This school is so diverse and the children and teachers are so well-rounded, that it's amazing. I love this school, this administration, and these teachers. The adults take a vested interest in our children and that's refreshing.
—Submitted by Tequila Dickerson, a parent


Posted May 15, 2006

Central is a great school in an excellent location. Personally, the well rounded education you can receive there is untouchable. Central's counselors also prepare students for life beyond high school. My only issue is the 'school within a school' optional vs. non-optional treatment of the students. I would like to see more of the same guidance opportunities extended to every student instead of select optional students. There are students in traditional that attend college as well. Overall, Central is among the best in Memphis City Schools.
—Submitted by K Hill, a former student


Posted June 2, 2005

I am upcoming sophmore at Central High School and I recommend it to any teen who wants to suceed in life. My freshman year was great! The teachers really do care about the students and not all about a pay check. One thing I do have to say is that Central is really more focus on academics then sports. Class of 2008!
—Submitted by Andrea, a student


Posted June 1, 2005

I am a rising Junior at Central High and I have truly enjoyed my 2 years there. The students are sincere and most teachers truly care. The acedemics are rigorous and Central is definately 'college preparatory'. I would encourage any parent looking for a high school in Memphis to send their child to Central for a quality education. Class of 2007!
—Submitted by T T, a student


Posted December 9, 2004

I am a student at central high. Every since Mr. Avis left and even Ms. Hess Central has had a decline in school spirit. Mr. MacCullough the new principal is doing a exceptional job I might say and I commend that. Central is a good school They are one way to students and another to the parents.
—Submitted by C Boogie, a student


Posted May 16, 2004

Well, first of all I'm not a parent but I am a student at Central High School. I'm a freshman this year (c/o 2007). When I first arrived at Central Mr. Avis was our principal and I loved to be at Central. Unfortunately, Mr. Avis left Central for a higher position on the Memphis City Schools Board. Of course, without him Central will never be the same, but our new principal, Mrs. Hess, is also trying to do things for our school to make it a more safe, clean, and healthy learning environment. I highly recommend you send your child to Central because it is really
—Submitted by C F, a student


Posted February 24, 2004

I am a former Central High student and currently in law school in Washington, D.C. I can personally attest to the quality of education I received while at Central High. While in undergraduate school, I used my notes from Mr. Yates' calculus class and received a B+ in Engineering Calculus! I still have them to this day. The teachers gave me the most valuable gift a child could receive - education that prepared me for the future.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted February 23, 2004

Central is a great high school. It has a diverse student population, high academic standards, involved parents and faculty.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 22, 2003

Central is a great high school. The friendliness of the students is almost encouraging and the diversity is overwhelming. I am proud to state that I was a part of Central Hign School and will always be.
—Submitted by a former student


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 62% in 2012.

340 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
39%

2010

 
 
29%
Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 69% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 66% in 2012.

120 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
62%
English 2

The state average for English 2 was 23% in 2012.

21 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
10%

2011

 
 
n/a
English 3

The state average for English 3 was 2% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
English I

The state average for English I was 67% in 2012.

427 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
53%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 19% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
29%

2011

 
 
13%
Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 55% in 2012.

124 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 49% in 2012.

282 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
35%

2011

 
 
22%

2010

 
 
31%
English 2

The state average for English 2 was 63% in 2012.

394 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
49%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
59%
English 3

The state average for English 3 was 10% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
English I

The state average for English I was 27% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 20% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
5%
Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 27% in 2012.

218 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
20%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 49% in 2012.

16 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
31%

2011

 
 
18%
English 2

The state average for English 2 was 46% in 2012.

14 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
7%

2011

 
 
15%
English 3

The state average for English 3 was 40% in 2012.

351 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
30%
English I

The state average for English I was 21% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
U.S. History

The state average for U.S. History was 97% in 2010.

2010

 
 
97%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 90% in 2010.

2010

 
 
90%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 24% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 14% in 2012.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
3%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 34% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
English 2

The state average for English 2 was 32% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
English 3

The state average for English 3 was 17% in 2012.

12 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
8%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students55%
African American53%
Hispanicn/a
White76%
Economically disadvantaged51%
Students with disabilities14%

Algebra II

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a

Biology I

All Students70%
African American66%
Hispanicn/a
White88%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

English 2

All Students10%
African American5%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged6%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

English 3

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a

English I

All Students64%
African American63%
Hispanic50%
White85%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities4%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students29%
African American27%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged32%
Students with disabilities19%

Algebra II

All Students56%
African American55%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged40%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Biology I

All Students35%
African American34%
Hispanicn/a
White53%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities20%

English 2

All Students49%
African American48%
Hispanicn/a
White61%
Economically disadvantaged40%
Students with disabilities4%

English 3

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

English I

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Algebra II

All Students20%
African American17%
Hispanicn/a
White33%
Economically disadvantaged16%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Biology I

All Students31%
African American36%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

English 2

All Students7%
African Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

English 3

All Students30%
African American30%
Hispanicn/a
White20%
Economically disadvantaged22%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

English I

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Algebra II

All Students3%
African American3%
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged4%
Students with disabilitiesn/a

Biology I

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a

English 2

All Studentsn/a
African Americann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a

English 3

All Students8%
African Americann/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Tennessee used the Gateway/End-of-Course (EOC) exams to test high school students in language arts, math, science, and social studies upon completion of relevant courses. Students must pass the algebra I, English II, and biology I tests, called the Gateway exams, in order to graduate. This year, Tennessee introduced two new exams in algebra II and English III, and those results are included on the GreatSchools profile as well. The Gateway/EOC exams are standards-based tests that measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Tennessee. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

The different student groups are identified by the Tennessee Department of Education. If there are a small number of students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Tennessee's state standards

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 86% 25%
White 7% 68%
Asian/Pacific Islander 4% 2%
Hispanic 3% 5%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 53%N/A50%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 21N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

306 South Bellevue
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: (901) 416-4500

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