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Central High School

Q: Is Central High School a good school?

Central High School ranks 96 th of 800 Michigan high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 8-12

96^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 800 Michigan High Schools

Better than 88% of Michigan high schools

Summary

Central High School in Traverse City, MI, is a large public high school serving 1,326 students in grades 8 through 12 as part of the Traverse City Area Public Schools district. The school has built a strong academic reputation, earning 4 or 5 stars for the past decade and ranking 96th out of 800 Michigan high schools in 2025-2026—a significant jump from 178th the previous year.

Central stands out most dramatically in mathematics, where 51.9% of students are proficient on the SAT—nearly double the state average of 26.5% and well above nearby schools like The Greenspire High School (13.9%) and Forest Area High School (21.6%). The school also excels in early college preparation, with 81.4% of 10th graders proficient in English Language Arts on the PSAT. Graduation rates are excellent at 95.4%, far exceeding the state average of 84%, and the dropout rate of 2.7% is less than half the state figure. Central has also shown remarkable improvement in serving special education students, jumping from the bottom 18th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 82nd percentile in 2025-2026. Notably, the school ranks 15th statewide for African American student performance, placing in the 94th percentile.

Compared to its sister school West Senior High, Central leads in 10th-grade ELA and has lower chronic absenteeism (20.2% vs. 26.8%), though West edges ahead in science proficiency. Central also delivers strong results efficiently, spending $13,463 per student—less than half of what Suttons Bay Senior High School spends ($28,060) while achieving far better outcomes. Chronic absenteeism, while improved from 33.1% to 20.2% in two years, remains slightly above the district average and is an area to watch. Overall, Central offers a rigorous, well-rounded education with particularly strong math and literacy programs.

1,326

Students ?

23.6

Student/teacher ratio ?

$13,463

Per pupil spending ?

20.3%

Free/discounted lunch ?

1150 Milliken Dr
Traverse City, MI 49686-2875

(231) 933-6500

District: Traverse City Area Public Schools

Feeder schools for Central High School:

Elementary:	Blair Elementary School
	Cherry Knoll Elementary School
	Courtade Elementary School
	Eastern Elementary School
	More...
	Traverse Heights Elementary School
Middle:	East Middle School

Racial breakdown:

White:

89.8%

Hispanic:

3.1%

African American:

2.9%

See top rated Michigan high schools

Compare Central High School to nearby high schools!

At a glance

▬ Ranking trend: Holding steady — 90th percentile in 2016 → 88th in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Michigan average (59% vs 43% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 12% of Michigan high schools

✓95% graduate in 4 years — above the Michigan average (84%)

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

!Large classes — about 24 students per teacher

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school59%

District avg59%

Michigan avg43%

96^th of 800

Michigan public high schools ?

Top 12%▼ down 2 pts since 2016

See the entire ranking list of Michigan High Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

2^nd of 3High Schools in the Traverse City Area Public Schools

146^th of 625Traverse City Area Public Schools among Michigan districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	83.0	96 of 800	88.0%	★★★★☆
2025	70.9	178 of 739	75.9%	★★★★☆
2024	77.1	136 of 743	81.7%	★★★★☆
2023	81.7	111 of 735	84.9%	★★★★☆
2022	91.4	48 of 531	91.0%	★★★★★
2021	90.7	42 of 561	92.5%	★★★★★
2019	86.0	80 of 666	88.0%	★★★★☆
2018	87.4	78 of 824	90.5%	★★★★★
2017	89.6	59 of 835	92.9%	★★★★★
2016	87.2	83 of 852	90.3%	★★★★★
2015	72.7	220 of 832	73.6%	★★★★☆
2014	83.4	102 of 799	87.2%	★★★★☆
2013	82.6	114 of 805	85.8%	★★★★☆
2012	82.4	111 of 773	85.6%	★★★★☆
2011	84.5	79 of 784	89.9%	★★★★★
2010	83.4	92 of 765	88.0%	★★★★☆
2009	86.2	85 of 754	88.7%	★★★★☆
2008	85.6	86 of 750	88.5%	★★★★☆
2007	79.1	133 of 767	82.7%	★★★★☆
2006	72.4	215 of 705	69.5%	★★★☆☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	91.7	15 of 252	94.0%	★★★★★

Asian

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2018	21.2	67 of 87	23.0%	★☆☆☆☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2018	46.0	35 of 102	65.7%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	78.3	107 of 686	84.4%	★★★★☆
2025	68.5	168 of 629	73.3%	★★★★☆
2024	71.6	133 of 619	78.5%	★★★★☆
2023	79.4	87 of 611	85.8%	★★★★☆
2022	89.1	44 of 416	89.4%	★★★★☆
2021	87.4	44 of 462	90.5%	★★★★★
2019	84.8	68 of 554	87.7%	★★★★☆
2018	86.7	70 of 710	90.1%	★★★★★

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	63.5	73 of 259	71.8%	★★★★☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	67.2	158 of 719	78.0%	★★★★☆
2025	58.9	233 of 635	63.3%	★★★☆☆
2024	69.4	150 of 654	77.1%	★★★★☆
2023	70.9	128 of 614	79.2%	★★★★☆
2022	87.9	36 of 369	90.2%	★★★★★
2021	68.5	96 of 417	77.0%	★★★★☆
2019	73.2	112 of 532	78.9%	★★★★☆
2018	90.7	35 of 755	95.4%	★★★★★

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	82.6	84 of 693	87.9%	★★★★☆
2025	66.4	179 of 628	71.5%	★★★★☆
2024	76.3	124 of 633	80.4%	★★★★☆
2023	77.9	110 of 611	82.0%	★★★★☆
2022	90.2	45 of 440	89.8%	★★★★☆
2021	88.2	45 of 472	90.5%	★★★★★
2019	82.3	77 of 543	85.8%	★★★★☆
2018	83.4	90 of 707	87.3%	★★★★☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	70.3	39 of 220	82.3%	★★★★☆
2025	34.7	82 of 125	34.4%	★★☆☆☆
2024	19.4	106 of 130	18.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	73.8	22 of 116	81.0%	★★★★☆
2018	77.3	26 of 315	91.7%	★★★★★

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Michigan percentile	Rating
2026	78.6	108 of 671	83.9%	★★★★☆
2025	63.2	201 of 639	68.5%	★★★☆☆
2024	71.0	149 of 638	76.6%	★★★★☆
2023	77.6	117 of 647	81.9%	★★★★☆
2022	91.7	45 of 492	90.9%	★★★★★
2021	89.3	47 of 516	90.9%	★★★★★
2019	87.3	68 of 582	88.3%	★★★★☆
2018	84.5	86 of 708	87.9%	★★★★☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

African American (2026)94th percentile+6 vs school

Male (2026)88th percentile~ school

Female (2026)84th percentile-4 vs school

White (2026)84th percentile-4 vs school

Special Education (2026)82nd percentile-6 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)78th percentile-10 vs school

Hispanic (2026)72nd percentile-16 vs school

English Language Learner (2018)66th percentile-25 vs school

Asian (2018)23rd percentile-68 vs school

By subject vs Michigan (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts80%+21 vs state

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing69%+17 vs state

Mathematics55%+23 vs state

Social Studies43%~ state avg

Science38%+3 vs state

1.0

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What people are saying

by a student
Saturday, November 21, 2020

I wish zero stars was an option. Here, the prison-like atmosphere is high.

Just by looking at the building alone, you know you gotta do it all again. At Central, the classes are bone dry, and it gives off a 1920s teaching vibe. In some classes, if you turn in an assignment late, despite getting all the questions right, you get an AUTOMATIC C- (70). In the remote situation, you're expected to have cameras on at ALL times, which is strange. I get that teachers have to see if people are actually there, but why is the necessary?

You also get triple the homework in Remote in my perspective, unless you get it done early. Even if you don't have your camera on for a few classes, you get yourself thrown to the wolves with a phone call or an email to your parents about you being absent, or not having your camera on. All in all, even if this (place?) is high ranked in the State of Michigan, don't send your children here if any parents are reading this, they will come home complaining of the homework later, plus remote situation... Remote: unless they're an up and coming streamer, then they won't have issues with the camera expectations. Close Quote

Schools Near Central High School

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				PSAT English Language Arts (2026)			PSAT Mathematics (2026)			SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (2026)	SAT Mathematics (2026)	M-Step English Language Arts (2026)		M-Step Math (2026)		M-Step Science (2026)		M-Step Social Studies (2026)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients (2025)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	PSAT English Language Arts 8th Grade	PSAT English Language Arts 9th Grade	PSAT English Language Arts 10th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 8th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 9th Grade	PSAT Mathematics 10th Grade	SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 11th Grade	SAT Mathematics 11th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 6th Grade	M-Step English Language Arts 7th Grade	M-Step Math 6th Grade	M-Step Math 7th Grade	M-Step Science 8th Grade	M-Step Science 11th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 8th Grade	M-Step Social Studies 11th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Central High School	Public	8-12	1150 Milliken Dr	Traverse City	49686	Grand Traverse County	Traverse City Area Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(231) 933-6500	1,326	56	23.6	20.3%	1,191 (89.8%)	38 (2.9%)	41 (3.1%)	33 (2.5%)	22 (1.7%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	83	96^th of 800 public high schools	88.0%		70.9	178^th of 739 public high schools	75.9%	82		78.3	81.4		51.9	59.1	68.9	51.9						37.8		42.7	$13,463	$701	$12,763
North EdCareer Technical	Public	11-12	880 Parsons Rd	Traverse City	49686	Grand Traverse County	Northwest Education Services	No	No	No	No	(231) 922-6260	0	38	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Traverse City High School	Public	9-12	3962 3 Mile Rd N	Traverse City	49686	Grand Traverse County	Traverse City Area Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(231) 933-5860	171	10	16.3	59.6%	139 (81.3%)	10 (5.8%)	11 (6.4%)	1 (0.6%)	9 (5.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.6%)	23.4	588^th of 800 public high schools	26.5%		30.6	503^rd of 739 public high schools	31.9%	85							36.4	406.1						22.9		22.9	$16,076	$701	$15,376
The Greenspire High School	Public, Charter	9-12	2200 Dendrinos Drive	Traverse City	49684	Grand Traverse County	The Greenspire School	Yes	No	No	Yes	(231) 421-5905	176	10	17.6	39.8%	151 (85.8%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (4.5%)	1 (0.6%)	3 (1.7%)	2 (1.1%)	11 (6.3%)	53	335^th of 800 public high schools	58.1%		87.2	64^th of 739 public high schools	91.3%	271		63.6	53.3		18.2	20.0	66.7	13.9						47.2		52.8	$10,141	$279	$9,862
The Greenspire School	Public, Charter	6-12	1026 Red Dr	Traverse City	49684	Grand Traverse County	The Greenspire School	Yes	No	No	Yes	(231) 421-5905	93	9	10.3	37.6%	77 (82.8%)	3 (3.2%)	1 (1.1%)	2 (2.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (10.8%)								(n/a)	66.7			20.0					24.2	23.3	21.2	16.7	43.3		50.0		$11,572	$280	$11,293
West Senior High	Public	9-12	5376 N Long Lake Rd	Traverse City	49685	Grand Traverse County	Traverse City Area Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(231) 933-7502	1,384	56	24.6	21.2%	1,245 (90.0%)	27 (2.0%)	50 (3.6%)	22 (1.6%)	35 (2.5%)	5 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	87.7	67^th of 800 public high schools	91.6%		84.5	77^th of 739 public high schools	89.6%	10		76.4	74.7		52.7	55.9	75.0	51.0						47.0		55.3	$13,483	$699	$12,784
Sunrise Academy	Public	9-12	308 Meguzee Pt	Elk Rapids	49629	Antrim County	Elk Rapids Schools	No	No	No	No	(231) 264-8108	21	1	15.5	47.6%	17 (81.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (14.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (4.8%)								(n/a)																	$10,005	$360	$9,645
Elk Rapids High School	Public	9-12	308 Meguzee Pt	Elk Rapids	49629	Antrim County	Elk Rapids Schools	No	No	No	No	(231) 264-8108	360	18	20.3	18.9%	329 (91.4%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (3.9%)	1 (0.3%)	8 (2.2%)	2 (0.6%)	6 (1.7%)	84	89^th of 800 public high schools	88.9%		93.5	40^th of 739 public high schools	94.6%	49		78.0	71.4		38.5	36.3	73.2	56.1						63.3		63.3	$14,960	$506	$14,454
Kingsley Area High School	Public	9-12	7475 Kingsley Rd	Kingsley	49649	Grand Traverse County	Kingsley Area Schools	No	No	No	No	(231) 263-5262	401	26	15.6	37.7%	379 (94.5%)	7 (1.7%)	9 (2.2%)	3 (0.7%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	83.2	95^th of 800 public high schools	88.1%		90.3	50^th of 739 public high schools	93.2%	45		75.0	70.4		46.3	50.0	62.8	37.2						54.4		60.3	$14,368	$814	$13,554
Suttons Bay Senior High School	Public	9-12	500 S Elm St	Suttons Bay	49682	Leelanau County	Suttons Bay Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(231) 271-8604	125	9	13.8	61.6%	56 (44.8%)	1 (0.8%)	29 (23.2%)	1 (0.8%)	24 (19.2%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (11.2%)	41	441^st of 800 public high schools	44.9%		53.1	340^th of 739 public high schools	54.0%	101		47.4	53.6		15.8	28.6	31.0	431.0						26.7		50.0	$28,060	$990	$27,071

Frequently Asked Questions about Central High School

Is Central High School a good school?

Central High School ranks 96^th of 800 Michigan high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Central High School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 1,326 students attended Central High School.

What schools feed into Central High School?

Central High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Blair Elementary School
Elementary : Cherry Knoll Elementary School
Elementary : Courtade Elementary School
Elementary : Eastern Elementary School
Elementary : Traverse Heights Elementary School
Middle : East Middle School

What is the racial makeup of Central High School?

Students at Central High School are 90% White, 3% Hispanic, 3% African American, 2% Asian, 2% American Indian.

What district is Central High School in?

Traverse City Area Public Schools

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Latest Michigan data All new data »

2025–26 M-Step, PSAT & SAT test scoresSep 4, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataJun 13, 2026

2024–25 dropout rates & graduation ratesJun 13, 2026

2024–25 attendance dataJan 6, 2026

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Michigan Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.