Central Visual and Performing Arts High School is a magnet high school in St. Louis, Missouri, part of the St. Louis Public Schools. Founded in 1853, Central High School is the oldest public high school west of the Mississippi River, although it has moved several times and merged with a magnet school in 1984.
Serving 314 students in grades 9-12, Central Visual/perf. Arts High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤10% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 314 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Btm 50% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central Visual/perf. Arts High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Central Visual/perf. Arts High School's student population of 314 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
314 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Year Founded
1853
Colors
Black, Red, Gold
School Rankings
Central Visual/perf. Arts High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central Visual/perf. Arts High School is 0.49, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1895 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
14%
9%
Black
69%
15%
White
13%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Central Visual And Performing Arts Eagle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Visual/perf. Arts High School's ranking?
Central Visual/perf. Arts High School is ranked #1895 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central Visual/perf. Arts High School?
The graduation rate of Central Visual/perf. Arts High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Central Visual/perf. Arts High School?
314 students attend Central Visual/perf. Arts High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Central Visual/perf. Arts High School students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, 13% of students are White, 2% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central Visual/perf. Arts High School?
Central Visual/perf. Arts High School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Central Visual/perf. Arts High School offer ?
Central Visual/perf. Arts High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central Visual/perf. Arts High School part of?
Central Visual/perf. Arts High School is part of St. Louis City School District.
In what neighborhood is Central Visual/perf. Arts High School located?
Central Visual/perf. Arts High School is located in the Southwest Garden neighborhood of Saint Louis, MO.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Teachers are very dedicated and the cirriculum is great if you have a talented student.
5 10/10/2025
The music program is second to none. As a former student, the information that I obtained at Vap has taken me through my adult life. I was able to take that foundation into college where I majored in music and now I am still a vocalist and have done several productions professionally to boot. Vap groomed my talent and I am forever grateful. Thanks Ms. Ellis!!!!
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