Lincoln-Way Central High School, LWC, or Central is a public four-year high school about 3.5 miles south of Interstate 80 near the intersection of Schoolhouse Road and Lincoln Highway in New Lenox, Illinois, a southwest suburb of Chicago, Illinois, in the United States.
Serving 1,991 students in grades 9-12, Lincoln-way Central High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 49% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 47% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,991 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 20%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 5% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 49% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 47% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 61% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lincoln-way Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Lincoln-way Central High School's student population of 1,991 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 131 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,991 students
Total Classroom Teachers
131 teachers
Year Founded
1954
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
School Rankings
Lincoln-way Central High School ranks within the top 20% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lincoln-way Central High School is 0.35, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#455 out of 3542 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
Asian
2%
6%
Hispanic
12%
29%
Black
3%
16%
White
80%
45%
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
96%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
12%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
2%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lincoln-way Central High School's ranking?
Lincoln-way Central High School is ranked #455 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Lincoln-way Central High School often compared to?
Lincoln-way Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lincoln-way East High School, Lincoln Way West by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 47% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lincoln-way Central High School?
The graduation rate of Lincoln-way Central High School is 96%, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Lincoln-way Central High School?
1,991 students attend Lincoln-way Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Lincoln-way Central High School students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lincoln-way Central High School?
Lincoln-way Central High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Lincoln-way Central High School offer ?
Lincoln-way Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Lincoln-way Central High School part of?
Lincoln-way Central High School is part of Lincoln Way CHSD 210 School District.
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