Kalamazoo Central High School is a four-year public high school in Kalamazoo, Michigan serving students from ninth through twelfth grades. It was the first public high school in Michigan. It began operating in 1858 and graduated its first class of five men and three women in 1859.
Serving 1,613 students in grades 9-12, Kalamazoo Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 24% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 47% (which is higher than the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,613 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 77% (Btm 50% in MI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 47% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 38% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Kalamazoo Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Kalamazoo Central High School's student population of 1,613 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 70 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,613 students
Total Classroom Teachers
70 teachers
Year Founded
1858
School Calendar
School Motto
'Every child. Every opportunity. Every time.'
School Rankings
Kalamazoo Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Kalamazoo Central High School is 0.69, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1654 out of 3025 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
35%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
10%
9%
Black
43%
18%
White
33%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
12%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
77%
81%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
48%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kalamazoo Central High School's ranking?
Kalamazoo Central High School is ranked #1654 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What schools are Kalamazoo Central High School often compared to?
Kalamazoo Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Loy Norrix High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 47% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Kalamazoo Central High School?
The graduation rate of Kalamazoo Central High School is 77%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 81%.
How many students attend Kalamazoo Central High School?
1,613 students attend Kalamazoo Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Kalamazoo Central High School students are Black, 33% of students are White, 12% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Kalamazoo Central High School?
Kalamazoo Central High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Kalamazoo Central High School offer ?
Kalamazoo Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Kalamazoo Central High School part of?
Kalamazoo Central High School is part of Kalamazoo School District.
In what neighborhood is Kalamazoo Central High School located?
Kalamazoo Central High School is located in the Westwood neighborhood of Kalamazoo, MI. There are 4 other public schools located in Westwood.
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