Central High School in Grand Rapids, MI

At a glance

Reported students

999

NCES CCD 2024–25

Teachers (FTE)

NCES CCD 2024–25

Student–teacher ratio

18.2:1

Calculated; not a class-size measure

Grades served

09–12

NCES preliminary directory 2025–26

Michigan high enrollment

87th percentile

Compared with 978 same-level schools reporting enrollment.

District median enrollment

467

Central High School: 999 reported students.

State peer staffing position

52nd percentile

18.2:1 reported; state peer median 18.1:1. 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: 1,139
Teachers (FTE): 50.61
Student–teacher ratio: 22.5:1

What the reported data says about Central High School

Central High School is a public high school serving grades 09–12 in Grand Rapids. It is one of 18 current school records connected to Forest Hills Public Schools. NCES reports 999 students for 2024–25.

Among 978 high schools in Michigan with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 280 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 87th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.

The reported student–teacher ratio is 18.2:1, close to the Michigan median of 18.1:1 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 White (81.1%) and Asian (6.8%). English learners represent 1.4% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 5.8%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.

The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports AP student enrollment, computer science. The school reported 21 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 18.2:1 student–teacher ratio and 55 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 3.6 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
4What meal assistance, transportation, after-school, and family-support services are currently available?

Bring the full school visit checklist →

Enrollment needs

English learners: 1.4%
Students with disabilities: 5.8%
Free/reduced-price lunch: 13.7%
Lunch program: Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO

Reported support staff

Counselors (FTE): 3.6
Nurses (FTE): 0.05
Psychologists (FTE): 0.7
Social workers (FTE): 1

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

Student demographics

Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment

White81.1%
Hispanic4.7%
Black2.7%
Asian6.8%
American Indian / Alaska Native0.1%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0.1%
Multiracial4.5%

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

21 distinct courses reported

Gifted and talented

Not reported as offered

Computer science

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.

Northern High School

High · Grades 09–12

1,088 reported students

Eastern High School

High · Grades 09–12

768 reported students

Forest Hills Transition Center

High · Grades 12–12

8 reported students

Eastern Middle School

Middle · Grades 06–08

528 reported students

Northern Trails 56 School

Middle · Grades 05–06

520 reported students

Knapp Forest Elementary School

Elementary · Grades PK–05

520 reported students

View all 18 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
Northern High School High · Forest Hills Public Schools	09–12	1,088	4 mi
West Michigan Aviation Academy High · Charter · West Michigan Aviation Academy	09–12	600	4.1 mi
Forest Hills Transition Center High · Forest Hills Public Schools	12–12	8	4.1 mi
Eastern High School High · Forest Hills Public Schools	09–12	768	4.2 mi
East Grand Rapids High School High · East Grand Rapids Public Schools	09–12	908	4.6 mi
Kent Career Tech Center High · Kent ISD	09–12	0	5.1 mi

Compare all 130 public schools in Grand Rapids, MI →

Frequently asked questions about Central High School

What grades does Central High School serve?

Central High School reports grades 09–12 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as a high school in Forest Hills Public Schools.

How many students attend Central High School?

Central High School reported 999 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 87th percentile among 978 Michigan high schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 1,139 students.

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

The calculated ratio is 18.2:1, based on 999 students and 55 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Michigan median for the same school level is 18.1:1. 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 Forest Hills Public Schools attendance boundaries and transfer rules.

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

13.7% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. 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 Forest Hills Public Schools, based in Grand Rapids, MI, which operates 18 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 Northern High School (4 mi), West Michigan Aviation Academy (4.1 mi), Forest Hills Transition Center (4.1 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.