Central High School in West Helena, AR

At a glance

Reported students

439

NCES CCD 2024–25

Teachers (FTE)

56.12

NCES CCD 2024–25

Student–teacher ratio

7.8:1

Calculated; not a class-size measure

Grades served

07–12

NCES preliminary directory 2025–26

Arkansas high enrollment

69th percentile

Compared with 323 same-level schools reporting enrollment.

District median enrollment

489

Central High School: 439 reported students.

State peer staffing position

50th percentile

7.8:1 reported; state peer median 7.8:1. Ratio is not class size.

Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22

These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.

Students: 531
Teachers (FTE): 42
Student–teacher ratio: 12.6:1

What the reported data says about Central High School

Central High School is a public high school serving grades 07–12 in West Helena. It is one of 2 current school records connected to Helena West Helena School District. NCES reports 439 students for 2024–25.

Among 323 high schools in Arkansas with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 308 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 69th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.

The reported student–teacher ratio is 7.8:1, close to the Arkansas median of 7.8:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.

The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are Black (95.9%) and White (1.1%). Students served under IDEA represent 4.5%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.

The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports AP student enrollment, gifted and talented programming. The school reported 7 AP courses. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.

Questions worth asking Central High School

1How do the reported 7.8:1 student–teacher ratio and 56.12 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
2Have the reported academic programs changed since the 2021–22 CRDC collection?
3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 1 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?

Bring the full school visit checklist →

Enrollment needs

Students with disabilities: 4.5%
Free/reduced-price lunch: 94.5%
Lunch program: Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)

Reported support staff

Counselors (FTE): 1
Nurses (FTE): 1
Psychologists (FTE): 0
Social workers (FTE): 0

CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.

Student demographics

Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment

White1.1%
Hispanic0.7%
Black95.9%
Asian0.9%
American Indian / Alaska Native0.5%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0%
Multiracial0.9%

Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.

Programs reported by the school

AP student enrollment

Students enrolled

7 distinct courses reported

Gifted and talented

Offered

Computer science

Not reported as offered

CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.

Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.

J.F. Wahl Elementary School

Elementary · Grades PK–06

539 reported students

View all 2 district schools →

Public schools near Central High School

Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.

School	Grades	Students	Distance
KIPP Delta Elementary Literacy Academy Elementary · Charter · KIPP Delta Public Schools	PK–06	463	0.4 mi
J.F. Wahl Elementary School Elementary · Helena West Helena School District	PK–06	539	0.8 mi
Kipp:delta Collegiate High School High · Charter · KIPP Delta Public Schools	07–12	181	2.6 mi
Barton Elementary School Elementary · Barton School District	PK–06	342	8 mi
Barton High School High · Barton School District	07–12	322	8.1 mi

Frequently asked questions about Central High School

What grades does Central High School serve?

Central High School reports grades 07–12 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as a high school in Helena West Helena School District.

How many students attend Central High School?

Central High School reported 439 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 69th percentile among 323 Arkansas high schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 531 students.

What is the student–teacher ratio at Central High School?

The calculated ratio is 7.8:1, based on 439 students and 56.12 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Arkansas median for the same school level is 7.8:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.

Is Central High School a public, charter, or magnet school?

Central High School is a public school and is not a charter school. Enrollment is generally based on Helena West Helena School District attendance boundaries and transfer rules.

What share of Central High School students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?

94.5% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. The school participates in community eligibility, which can provide meals to every student and changes how eligibility is reported. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.

Which school district is Central High School in?

Central High School is part of Helena West Helena School District, based in Helena, AR, which operates 2 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.

What public schools are near Central High School?

The closest public schools by straight-line distance include KIPP Delta Elementary Literacy Academy (0.4 mi), J.F. Wahl Elementary School (0.8 mi), Kipp:delta Collegiate High School (2.6 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.