Is Central Junior High a good school?

Central Junior High ranks 309 th of 451 Missouri middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Central Junior High?

In the 2023-24 school year, 598 students attended Central Junior High.

What is the racial makeup of Central Junior High?

Students at Central Junior High are 45% White, 34% African American, 13% Two or more races, 7% Hispanic, 1% Asian.

What high school do graduates of Central Junior High attend?

Students who attend Central Junior High usually go on to attend Central High

Central Junior High

Summary:

Central Junior High is a public middle school located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, serving grades 7-8 with a total enrollment of 618 students. The school is part of the Cape Girardeau 63 school district, which is ranked 183 out of 386 districts in Missouri and is rated 3 stars out of 5 by SchoolDigger.

Central Junior High has seen fluctuating statewide rankings, ranging from 184 out of 454 Missouri middle schools in 2020-2021 (rated 3 stars) to 518 out of 633 in 2013-2014 (rated 1 star). The school's current ranking for the 2023-2024 school year is 309 out of 451 Missouri middle schools, with a 2-star rating. Student group performance varies, with African American and Hispanic students generally performing lower than their White and multi-racial peers. However, the school's Algebra I proficiency rate is exceptionally high at 91.4%, significantly outperforming the state and district averages. Chronic absenteeism rates at Central Junior High are also a concern, ranging from 17.7% to 25.2% over the past few years, which is significantly higher than the state and district averages.

Compared to nearby schools, such as Central Middle School and Russell Hawkins Junior High, Central Junior High lags significantly in academic performance, with much lower proficiency rates across core subjects. However, the school's strong Algebra I performance suggests it may have effective instructional practices in certain areas that could be leveraged to improve overall student outcomes. The school's high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 99.52% to 99.55%, indicates that the school serves a predominantly low-income population, which may contribute to the challenges it faces in academic performance and high chronic absenteeism rates.

Detail:

Public 7-8

1910 Whitener St.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701-5135

(573) 334-2923

District: Cape Girardeau 63

SchoolDigger Rank:
309^th of 451 Missouri Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $11,193

Students who attend Central Junior High usually attend:

High:

Central High

Feeder schools for Central Junior High:

Elementary:	Alma Schrader Elementary
	Blanchard Elementary
	Clippard Elementary
	Franklin Elementary
	More...
	Jefferson Elementary

Student/teacher ratio: 12.3

Number of students: 598

Racial breakdown:

White:

45.5%

African American:

33.6%

Two or more races:

12.9%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 100%

See top rated Missouri middle schools

Compare Central Junior High to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Central Junior High ranks worse than 68.5% of middle schools in Missouri. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 32.59. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at Central Junior High is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (45.5%), African American (33.6%), two or more races (12.9%). (See more...)

Compare Details 100% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Central Junior High is 12.3. (See more...)

Compare Central Junior High employs 48.3 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Central Junior High is $11,193.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Central Junior High:

SchoolDigger ranks Central Junior High 309^th of 451 Missouri public middle schools. (See Central Junior High in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Multi-racial students:

English Language Learner students:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Gifted and Talented students:

African American students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

Cape Girardeau 63:

SchoolDigger ranks Cape Girardeau 63 183^rd of 386 Missouri school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Central Junior High.

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Your rating for Central Junior High?

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Rank History for Central Junior High

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Rank History for all students at Central Junior High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MO State Percentile
2006	35.96	489^th	619	21.0%
2007	36.28	471^st	624	24.5%
2008	27.00	549^th	624	12.0%
2009	28.48	510^th	601	15.1%
2010	31.52	518^th	614	15.6%
2011	29.49	525^th	625	16.0%
2012	32.97	508^th	623	18.5%
2013	38.29	482^nd	649	25.7%
2014	29.85	518^th	633	18.2%
2015	30.90	449^th	585	23.2%
2016	27.89	348^th	435	20.0%
2017	25.69	464^th	568	18.3%
2018	39.68	344^th	552	37.7%
2019	41.94	346^th	587	41.1%
2021	58.33	184^th	454	59.5%
2022	53.56	208^th	459	54.7%
2023	36.13	301^st	459	34.4%
2024	32.59	309^th	451	31.5%

See the entire list of Missouri Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Central Junior High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	25.08	65^th	79	17.7%
2019	23.67	83^rd	98	15.3%
2022	49.29	12^th	45	73.3%
2023	55.21	13^th	44	70.5%
2024	49.57	19^th	51	62.7%

See the entire list of Best Missouri Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Central Junior High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MO State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	41.32	36^th	68	47.1%
2024	67.60	14^th	72	80.6%

See the entire list of Best Missouri Middle Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Central Junior High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MO State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	31.93	141^st	192	26.6%
2024	21.32	175^th	194	9.8%

See the entire list of Best Missouri Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Central Junior High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	32.46	322^nd	422	23.7%
2019	67.90	97^th	482	79.9%
2021	88.94	13^th	371	96.5%
2022	85.02	18^th	365	95.1%
2023	64.71	85^th	382	77.7%
2024	59.08	119^th	378	68.5%

See the entire list of Best Missouri Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Central Junior High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	47.60	82^nd	162	49.4%
2019	51.85	94^th	204	53.9%
2021	51.16	72^nd	195	63.1%
2022	32.61	129^th	187	31.0%

See the entire list of Best Missouri Middle Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Central Junior High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MO State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	65.21	16^th	48	66.7%
2024	58.39	20^th	45	55.6%

See the entire list of Best Missouri Middle Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for African American students at Central Junior High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	24.23	111^th	129	14.0%
2019	28.87	113^th	149	24.2%
2021	43.77	74^th	135	45.2%
2022	38.03	93^rd	148	37.2%
2023	29.61	117^th	153	23.5%
2024	24.90	119^th	144	17.4%

See the entire list of Best Missouri Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Central Junior High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	32.96	66^th	96	31.3%
2019	38.99	84^th	130	35.4%
2021	63.36	16^th	67	76.1%
2023	34.03	54^th	74	27.0%
2024	43.09	41^st	74	44.6%

See the entire list of Best Missouri Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Central Junior High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	61.94	138^th	479	71.2%
2019	65.15	126^th	527	76.1%
2021	81.92	43^rd	376	88.6%
2022	75.69	69^th	381	81.9%
2023	57.66	137^th	385	64.4%
2024	53.05	160^th	379	57.8%

See the entire list of Best Missouri Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Monday, May 22, 2017

The Principal doesnot make an effort to say students name right even in 2 yrs !!!!!
Students who's parents are influential get recognized and awarded throughout the year. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Central Junior High

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1991	0	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	663	663
1992	608	93	6	2	0	n/a	n/a	0	709
1993	656	113	6	5	0	n/a	n/a	0	780
1994	632	119	9	1	1	n/a	n/a	0	762
1995	583	123	15	1	2	n/a	n/a	0	724
1996	583	123	15	1	2	n/a	n/a	0	724
1997	558	117	8	3	2	n/a	n/a	0	688
1998	592	133	2	4	3	n/a	n/a	0	734
1999	546	143	3	3	3	n/a	n/a	0	698
2000	523	145	6	6	3	n/a	n/a	0	683
2001	515	129	6	4	2	n/a	n/a	0	656
2002	483	167	8	6	0	n/a	n/a	0	664
2003	483	167	8	6	0	n/a	n/a	0	664
2004	497	172	12	11	1	n/a	n/a	0	693
2005	488	178	12	14	0	n/a	n/a	0	692
2006	430	196	12	17	0	n/a	n/a	0	655
2007	416	193	6	16	0	n/a	n/a	0	631
2008	378	154	1	16	0	n/a	n/a	0	549
2009	347	172	4	17	0	n/a	n/a	0	540
2010	333	191	3	23	0	n/a	n/a	0	550
2011	339	186	6	29	1	0	11	0	572
2012	364	190	3	24	0	0	7	0	588
2013	329	201	4	20	1	0	14	0	569
2014	326	204	5	21	1	0	29	0	586
2015	337	198	7	16	1	0	37	0	596
2016	354	181	11	21	0	0	57	0	624
2017	350	191	9	23	1	0	57	0	631
2018	357	178	6	32	1	0	50	0	624
2019	336	189	14	36	0	1	65	0	641
2020	326	228	13	32	0	0	70	0	669
2021	328	212	11	42	0	0	70	0	663
2022	301	199	8	45	0	0	69	0	622
2023	285	206	13	44	1	0	69	0	618
2024	272	201	7	41	0	0	77	0	598

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Central Junior High

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1991	663	45.8	14.4	n/a
1992	709	46.7	15.1	14.4
1993	780	48.0	16.3	15.9
1994	762	47.7	16.0	22
1995	724	49.7	14.6	24
1996	724	49.7	14.6	24
1997	688	49.1	14.0	24.7
1998	734	49.5	14.8	21.9
1999	698	50.0	14.0	28.8
2000	683	48.3	14.1	30.9
2001	656	48.8	13.4	29.7
2002	664	53.5	12.4	38.6
2003	664	53.5	12.4	38.6
2004	693	53.4	13.0	39.5
2005	692	54.1	12.8	44.1
2006	655	54.3	12.1	49.3
2007	631	53.2	11.9	49.6
2008	549	51.8	10.6	46.4
2009	540	54.0	10.0	53.3
2010	550	54.5	10.0	58.4
2011	572	48.2	11.8	61.4
2012	588	49.4	11.8	60.5
2013	569	49.8	11.4	62.2
2014	586	47.5	12.3	63.3
2015	596	50.0	11.9	63.6
2016	624	50.0	12.4	61.7
2017	631	47.7	13.2	61.8
2018	624	48.1	12.9	61.2
2019	641	49.1	13.0	99.5
2020	669	49.2	13.5	99.6
2021	663	50.3	13.1	99.5
2022	622	51.8	11.9	99.5
2023	618	50.8	12.1	0.5
2024	598	48.3	12.3	100

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Central Junior High

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1991	663	45.8	14.4	n/a
1992	709	46.7	15.1	14.4
1993	780	48.0	16.3	15.9
1994	762	47.7	16.0	22
1995	724	49.7	14.6	24
1996	724	49.7	14.6	24
1997	688	49.1	14.0	24.7
1998	734	49.5	14.8	21.9
1999	698	50.0	14.0	28.8
2000	683	48.3	14.1	30.9
2001	656	48.8	13.4	29.7
2002	664	53.5	12.4	38.6
2003	664	53.5	12.4	38.6
2004	693	53.4	13.0	39.5
2005	692	54.1	12.8	44.1
2006	655	54.3	12.1	49.3
2007	631	53.2	11.9	49.6
2008	549	51.8	10.6	46.4
2009	540	54.0	10.0	53.3
2010	550	54.5	10.0	58.4
2011	572	48.2	11.8	61.4
2012	588	49.4	11.8	60.5
2013	569	49.8	11.4	62.2
2014	586	47.5	12.3	63.3
2015	596	50.0	11.9	63.6
2016	624	50.0	12.4	61.7
2017	631	47.7	13.2	61.8
2018	624	48.1	12.9	61.2
2019	641	49.1	13.0	99.5
2020	669	49.2	13.5	99.6
2021	663	50.3	13.1	99.5
2022	622	51.8	11.9	99.5
2023	618	50.8	12.1	0.5
2024	598	48.3	12.3	100

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Central Junior High

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$1,075 (11.1%)	$8,628 (88.9%)	$9,703
2020	$1,414 (14.6%)	$8,243 (85.4%)	$9,657
2021	$1,032 (10.2%)	$9,058 (89.8%)	$10,089
2022	$3,482 (31.1%)	$7,711 (68.9%)	$11,193

Data source: Missouri Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Central Junior High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 346^th of 587 Middle schools	Ranks 301^st of 459 Middle schools	6.6%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
7th Grade Mathematics (Central Junior High)	34.2	29	5.2%
7th Grade Mathematics (Cape Girardeau 63)	34.2	29	5.2%
7th Grade Mathematics (Missouri)	38	39.5	1.5%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Central Junior High)	39.5	28.9	10.6%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Cape Girardeau 63)	39.5	28.9	10.6%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Missouri)	43.6	37.3	6.3%
8th Grade Mathematics (Central Junior High)	20.2	21.5	1.3%
8th Grade Mathematics (Cape Girardeau 63)	20.2	21.5	1.3%
8th Grade Mathematics (Missouri)	29	30	1%
8th Grade Science (Central Junior High)	41.9	27.3	14.6%
8th Grade Science (Cape Girardeau 63)	41.9	27.3	14.6%
8th Grade Science (Missouri)	43.7	37.8	5.9%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Central Junior High)	45.5	35.9	9.6%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Cape Girardeau 63)	45.5	35.9	9.6%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Missouri)	47.3	42.7	4.6%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	641	618	3.6%
African American	189	206	9%
American Indian	0	1
Asian	14	13	7.1%
Hispanic	36	44	22.2%
Pacific Islander	1	0	100%
White	336	285	15.2%
Two or More Races	65	69	6.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	99.5%	0.5%	99%

Schools Near Central Junior High

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MAP Mathematics (2024)				MAP Science (2024)		MAP English Language Arts (2024)				MAP Algebra I (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
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	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MAP Mathematics 5th Grade	MAP Mathematics 6th Grade	MAP Mathematics 7th Grade	MAP Mathematics 8th Grade	MAP Science 5th Grade	MAP Science 8th Grade	MAP English Language Arts 5th Grade	MAP English Language Arts 6th Grade	MAP English Language Arts 7th Grade	MAP English Language Arts 8th Grade	MAP Algebra I End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Central Junior High	Public	7-8	1910 Whitener St.	Cape Girardeau	63701	Cape Girardeau County	Cape Girardeau 63	No	No	No	No	(573) 334-2923	598	48	12.3	100.0%	272 (45.5%)	201 (33.6%)	41 (6.9%)	7 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	77 (12.9%)	32.6	309^th of 451 public middle schools	31.5%		36.1	301^st of 459 public middle schools	34.4%	8			30.4	21.7		25.0			21.9	35.1	91.4	$11,193	$3,482	$7,711
Central Middle	Public	5-6	1900 Thilenius	Cape Girardeau	63701	Cape Girardeau County	Cape Girardeau 63	No	No	No	Yes	(573) 334-6281	610	47	12.8	100.0%	248 (40.7%)	213 (34.9%)	47 (7.7%)	7 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	95 (15.6%)								(n/a)	23.1	41.4			19.9		27.0	27.9				$10,299	$2,718	$7,582
Scott City Middle	Public	5-8	3000 Main St	Scott City	63780	Scott County	Scott City R-I	No	No	No	Yes	(573) 264-2131	235	21	10.9	56.2%	214 (91.1%)	4 (1.7%)	4 (1.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (5.5%)	73.9	92^nd of 451 public middle schools	79.6%		73.3	89^th of 459 public middle schools	80.6%	3	22.7	48.8	49.9	48.4		37.8	19.0	42.8	43.8	46.9		$10,923	$2,070	$8,852
Russell Hawkins Junior High	Public	7-8	210 N West Ln	Jackson	63755	Cape Girardeau County	Jackson R-II	No	No	No	No	(573) 243-9533	841	56	14.9	39.2%	744 (88.5%)	16 (1.9%)	36 (4.3%)	9 (1.1%)	3 (0.4%)	2 (0.2%)	31 (3.7%)	80.8	60^th of 451 public middle schools	86.7%		78.6	67^th of 459 public middle schools	85.4%	7			49.0	49.6		50.1			46.5	48.3	96.8	$9,664	$618	$9,047
Jackson Middle	Public	5-6	1651 W Independence St	Jackson	63755	Cape Girardeau County	Jackson R-II	No	No	No	No	(573) 243-9543	852	41	20.9	40.4%	761 (89.3%)	20 (2.3%)	25 (2.9%)	11 (1.3%)	3 (0.4%)	5 (0.6%)	27 (3.2%)								(n/a)	47.1	59.1			47.5		51.4	43.0				$10,371	$589	$9,783
Scott County Middle	Public	6-8	4035 State Hwy 77	Benton	63736	Scott County	Scott County R-IV	No	No	No	Yes	(573) 545-3541	196	16	11.8	53.6%	179 (91.3%)	1 (0.5%)	5 (2.6%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (5.1%)	26.7	339^th of 451 public middle schools	24.8%		36	302^nd of 459 public middle schools	34.2%	37		21.8	29.4	6.5		24.2			29.4			$8,925	$835	$8,090

Central Junior High

Central Junior High:

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Cape Girardeau 63:

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Central Junior High

Rank History for all students at Central Junior High

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Central Junior High

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Central Junior High

Rank History for Special Education students at Central Junior High

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Central Junior High

Rank History for Disabled students at Central Junior High

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Central Junior High

Rank History for African American students at Central Junior High

Rank History for Hispanic students at Central Junior High

Rank History for White students at Central Junior High

Review counts

Enrollment information for Central Junior High

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Central Junior High

Student/Teacher Ratio Central Junior High

Per Pupil Expenditures for Central Junior High

Impact of COVID-19 on Central Junior High

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Central Junior High

Frequently Asked Questions about Central Junior High

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