History of Excellence

Little Rock Central High School is a landmark institution, steeped in history and built to educate generations of scholars. The American Institute of Architects has honored the school as the "Most Beautiful High School in America." The school received its accreditation in its first year of study and holds the oldest Cum Laude Honor Society charter west of the Mississippi.

36 AP Courses

Central High School’s curriculum is varied and extensive. In addition to regular courses, Central offers both Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement level courses in multiple areas. Advanced Placement courses are offered in many areas of study including English III and IV, Calculus AB and BC, Statistics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental science, Physics B and C, Psychology, Government/Politics, Comparative Government, Economics, European History, World History and Art History.

Freshman Academy

Central opened its first Freshman Academy program in the fall of 2004. Students attend classes on common floors and study with a smaller group of students, allowing for a greater sense of community within the larger school family.

Five Foreign Languages

Central houses the Little Rock School District’s International Studies Magnet Program, offering opportunities in foreign language and international studies. Central provides four or more levels of foreign language study, including Advanced Placement, for French, Latin, German, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.

Arkansas' Top Scholars

Central High consistently turns out an impressive number of National Merit Finalists, Commended Scholars, and National Hispanic Scholars. Sixty percent of graduates enter four-year colleges and universities across the country, with Central High students represented at the most selective institutions. Another eight percent enter a two-year college or technical school. Central students compete in all areas from science to math to foreign language, achieving statewide and national honors. In addition, students participate in an array of extracurricular activities from drama and debate to choir and band, as well as other competitive educational activities. Students are very proud of Central’s strong athletic programs and active spirit groups.

2,271 Students, 252 Faculty and Staff

2022 Class had an 98 percent Graduation Rate

15 National Merit Semifinalists and 4 Commended Scholars

64 percent of the class of 2023 are attending a 4-year or 2-year college or university.

2023 Senior Class were accepted to over 90 different colleges or universities

2023 Senior Class accepted over 11 million dollars in scholarships​

66 percent of the 1,845 AP Exams administered received a 3, 4, or 5​

316 AP Scholar Awards

​Composite Test Scores