[3] Central students' proficiency in math is 12% (Lower than the Indiana state average of 54%).

The Cardinals compete in the Great Lakes Conference (GLC) as well as in the state championship series sponsored by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) which governs athletic activities in Indiana.

East Chicago Central athletic teams placed in the top four of their respective class in their respective sports in IHSAA sponsored state championship series: *Titles won by East Chicago Washington High School and East Chicago Roosevelt High School are claimed by Central as a result of merging in 1986 to become East Chicago Central High School.

The John A. Baratto Athletic Center is the third-largest high school basketball gym by seating capacity in the United States with 8,054 seats,[7] behind Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium at Seymour High School (capacity: 8,228)[8] and New Castle Fieldhouse at New Castle High School (capacity: 8,424), both of which are also in Indiana.

[7] The racial makeup of students attending Central is 51% Hispanic, 47% African-American, 2% White, and 1% Two or More Races.