Central High School is a public high school founded in 1870, and located in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It was the first African-American high school in the state of Kentucky; and it was a segregated school for African American students from 1870 until 1956.
Serving 1,256 students in grades 9-12, Central High Magnet Career Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 18% (which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 43% (which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,256 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 97% (Top 5% in KY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High Magnet Career Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Central High Magnet Career Academy's student population of 1,256 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 81 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,256 students
Total Classroom Teachers
81 teachers
Year Founded
1870
Colors
Black, Gold
School Rankings
Central High Magnet Career Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,250 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High Magnet Career Academy is 0.43, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#937 out of 1250 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
14%
10%
Black
74%
11%
White
5%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
97%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High Magnet Career Academy's ranking?
Central High Magnet Career Academy is ranked #937 out of 1,250 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Kentucky.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 43% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High Magnet Career Academy?
The graduation rate of Central High Magnet Career Academy is 97%, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 90%.
How many students attend Central High Magnet Career Academy?
1,256 students attend Central High Magnet Career Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Central High Magnet Career Academy students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High Magnet Career Academy?
Central High Magnet Career Academy has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Central High Magnet Career Academy offer ?
Central High Magnet Career Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Central High Magnet Career Academy part of?
Central High Magnet Career Academy is part of Jefferson County School District.
In what neighborhood is Central High Magnet Career Academy located?
Central High Magnet Career Academy is located in the Russell neighborhood of Louisville, KY. There are 3 other public schools located in Russell.
School Reviews
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