Manchester High School Central is a public high school in Manchester, New Hampshire. Located in the city's downtown, it has an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students. Students attend from Manchester Hooksett. The name was changed from Manchester High School in 1922 when Manchester West High School opened.
Serving 1,130 students in grades 9-12, Manchester Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Hampshire for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the New Hampshire state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the New Hampshire state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the New Hampshire state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Hampshire state average of 18% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,130 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 71% (Btm 50% in NH)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NH Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Manchester Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Hampshire for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Manchester Central High School's student population of 1,130 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 79 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,130 students
Total Classroom Teachers
79 teachers
Year Founded
1846
Colors
Green, White
School Rankings
Manchester Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 455 schools in New Hampshire (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Manchester Central High School is 0.72, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.33. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#409 out of 455 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
34%
8%
Black
18%
2%
White
36%
82%
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
71%
88%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)71.2%
24.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
20%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NH Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Little Green
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Manchester Central High School's ranking?
Manchester Central High School is ranked #409 out of 455 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Hampshire.
What schools are Manchester Central High School often compared to?
Manchester Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Manchester Memorial High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% NH state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% NH state average).
What is the graduation rate of Manchester Central High School?
The graduation rate of Manchester Central High School is 71%, which is lower than the New Hampshire state average of 88%.
How many students attend Manchester Central High School?
1,130 students attend Manchester Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
36% of Manchester Central High School students are White, 34% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Manchester Central High School?
Manchester Central High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the New Hampshire state average of 11:1.
What grades does Manchester Central High School offer ?
Manchester Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Manchester Central High School part of?
Manchester Central High School is part of Manchester School District.
In what neighborhood is Manchester Central High School located?
Manchester Central High School is located in the Corey Square neighborhood of Manchester, NH.
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