The school, whose western side is located along U.S. Highway 61, draws students primarily from the southern, eastern, and central portions of the city.

High schools had operated in various buildings and Davenport since 1861, the longest-lived of those sites being in roughly the area where Seventh, Eighth, and Iowa streets are today.

"[5] In 1900, a site for a future high school was secured at the old Griswold College property, roughly where 12th and Main streets are today.

The groundbreaking was described as a "great outpouring of the inhabitants of this city," with students and Bishop Morrison of the Diocese of Iowa participating.

The building's facade was made of Marquette rain-drop sandstone and red tile roof, floors of terrazo mosaic and hardwood maple, and French plate-glass windows.

In 1910, there were seven courses of study, each 40 weeks long and "sufficient to meet the wants of all students of high school age."

For many years, Central − and Davenport High before that − enjoyed success in sports, including football, basketball, wrestling, track and baseball.

[6] Many former Blue Devil players won all-state honors, and several went on to illustrious careers in professional football, including Roger Craig of the San Francisco 49ers.

From 1941 through 1970, Central − and Davenport High before that − won seven state titles and two runner-up trophies in boys' basketball.

Along with West High School, Central hosts the Great River Show Choir Competition at the historic Adler Theater each February.

Additionally, there is an extracurricular "Chamber Orchestra" that features students wishing for more difficult music and meets twice a week before school.