Central High School

Central High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
433 N Mount Rushmore Rd,  Rapid City, SD
Rapid City Area School District
3.6
2.5
2,020 Students
C+
Niche Grade

School Details

Student Teacher Ratio
17:1
Average SAT Score
1210
Average ACT Score
24
Math Proficiency
27%
Reading Proficiency
57%
Average GPA
3.45
Graduation Rate
66%

Niche Grade

C+
Academics
B-
Teachers
C+
College Prep
C-
Administration
C-
Resources/Facilities
C
Clubs and Activities
B
Sports
C+
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.45
Reading Proficiency
57%
Math Proficiency
27%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
17:1
Teachers
119
Full Time Teachers
119
Teachers in First or Second Year
17.8%
College Prep
Average SAT
1210
Math
590
Verbal
620
Average ACT
24
Math
23
English
23
Reading
25
Science
24
Number of AP Courses
4
AP Pass Rate
73.8%
AP Math Enrollment
Very Low
AP Science Enrollment
Very Low
Other AP Enrollment
Very Low
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Average

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
50.1%
State Average
29.3%
Science
37.9%
State Average
21.3%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
384:1

Student Diversity

Male
50.8%
Female
49.2%
White
54.2%
Native American
19%
Two or more races
14.3%
Hispanic
10.6%
Asian or Pacific Islander
1%
Black
<1%

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
IB Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
South Dakota State University 203 Students
University of South Dakota 196 Students
Black Hills State University 175 Students
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 106 Students
Colorado State University 87 Students
Augustana University 71 Students
University of Wyoming 66 Students
University of Minnesota Twin Cities 60 Students
Western Dakota Technical College 47 Students
North Dakota State University 43 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Nursing 71 Students
Psychology 48 Students
Business 44 Students
Biology 44 Students
Chemistry 29 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 28 Students
Education 25 Students
Elementary Education 22 Students
Kinesiology and Exercise Science 21 Students
Physical Therapy 19 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.6 316 Reviews
3.0 Alum
6/8/2025
There was not a lot of support in the high school. Many things, including dual enrollment that is free for students was not ever brought up and could have been very useful to many students. The faculty did not seem to care much about bringing up these opportunities to students and they did not go out of their way to support students.
3.0 Senior
3/4/2025
The best part about my experience was meeting all of the people I know today. I have made some good friends and had good teachers. The worst part is the food at the school and how disrespectful students can be and seem to not care about their education.
2.0 Alum
6/28/2023
Best experiences were the extra curricular classes. Not a fan of the events there. One thing I would like to see change is more involvement from the staff
GreatSchools Reviews
2.5 6 Reviews
3.0 student
12/5/2025
As a student at Central, I find it to be like any other school I've been to; most students here have their own groups of people, but of course, people are going to have their own friends, but that doesn't mean that they'll be mean if you try to sit with them or hang out. I have seen bullying here. S...
principal
12/12/2024
There is something for anyone and everyone at Central. One of the few high schools that aren’t clicky. You can just be you.
principal
1/30/2024
Central is the best high school in Rapid City due to its diversity, teachers, and opportunities of all kinds.
5.0 teacher
1/30/2024
I have loved every second of being a Cobbler. Central is filled with exceptional students and staff!

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Central High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Rapid City, SD and is served by the Rapid City Area School District in South Dakota. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 2,020 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. Academic records show that 27% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 57% are proficient in reading. Central High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of C+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 2 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.45, the graduation rate is 66%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1210 and an ACT score of 24. The average home value in this area is $307,219. Discover additional schools in the area, like Lincoln Building - 44, Rapid City High School - 45, Jefferson Academy, and more. Learn more about what Rapid City has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Central High School.

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