A beacon of Detroit education. That’s Central High School. It stands as the city’s oldest public high school. Central High School has a rich history and a legacy of shaping young minds.
In 1858 Detroit opened its first high school. It was located on Miami Avenue. By 1863 the school had outgrown its space. It moved to a building that once housed the State Capitol. This became Capitol High School. The University of Michigan accredited Capitol High School in 1871.
A fire devastated Capitol High School in 1893. The school temporarily relocated to the Biddle House. It was located on East Jefferson Avenue. In 1896 Central High School replaced Capitol High. It was located at Cass and Warren Avenue. Today that building is Wayne State University’s Old Main.
David Mackenzie became principal of Central High School in 1904. He was an innovative educator. By 1913 Mackenzie established a premedical curriculum. It was a one-year college-level program. This was the first junior college curriculum in Michigan. In 1916 the program expanded to two years. The state legislature approved Mackenzie’s plans in 1917. He wanted to establish Detroit Junior College. This was the forerunner of Wayne State University. David Mackenzie became the college’s first Dean in 1919.
Central High School moved to its current location in 1926. It is now located at 2425 Tuxedo Street. The move was due to a growing student population.
In 2015 Highland Park Renaissance High School closed. Several of its former students enrolled at Central. Principal David Oclander created a “dean of culture.” This helped the Highland Park students adjust.
Central High School returned to Detroit Public Schools in 2017. It had been part of the Educational Achievement Authority. That fall Durfee Elementary/Middle School moved into the Central High School building. Central High School occupied one of the building’s three floors. Student numbers had declined to 350. Durfee had 600 students. Central High School once had 4000 students.
Central High School has a tradition of athletic success. As Detroit’s oldest high school Central dominated city league men’s basketball. They won championship titles in 1906, 1907 and 1909. Central High won city tournament titles in 1934, 1942 and 1980. Coach Oronde Taliaferro led the Trailblazers to the state title in 1998. They beat Belleville High 63-47.
Coach Matt Dixon led the Girls Volleyball team. They won three city championships in a row. This was in 1990, 1991 and 1992. Nachele Ebo and Demetria Keys earned Division 1 scholarships. Both were setters.
Coach Woody Thomas and his track men dominated in the 1980s. They won four MHSAA team titles. This was in 1980, 81, 82 and 1984.
Central High School boasts many notable alumni. Melvin Calvin won the 1961 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Jerome Horwitz helped develop AZT. It is an antiviral drug for HIV. William Davidson owned the Detroit Pistons and Tampa Bay Lightning. James Lipton hosted Inside the Actors Studio. Philip Levine won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Sander Levin was a United States Representative. Carl Levin was a United States Senator. Anita Baker is a multiple Grammy Award-winning singer. Antonio Gates played tight end for the San Diego Chargers.
Central High School’s graduation rate increased by 15.2% in 2021-2022. This shows the school’s commitment to improvement.
Central High School stands as a testament to Detroit’s educational history. Its impact on students and the community is undeniable. The school continues to evolve. It prepares students for the challenges of the future. Central High School is a cornerstone of Detroit. Its legacy will endure for generations to come.