Catholic Central High School is located in Steubenville, Ohio, which serves as the county seat for Jefferson County and is part of Ohio's Appalachian Region. Steubenville was the site of one of the first Catholic parishes organized in Ohio, with the first parochial school established in 1853. The parent school of the present Catholic Central High School, Holy Name High School, was founded in 1889.

During the early years, this high school was expanded to accomodate the growing Catholic population settling in the Steubenville area. In 1930, Holy Name High School was designated as an inter-parochial facility to serve all of the parishes in Steubenville, Mingo Junction, Toronto, and the surrounding area. The name of the school was changed to Catholic Central High School.

After World War II, Bishop Mussio of the newly created Diocese of Steubenville, developed a plan to build a larger high school facility and relocate it to the growing west end of the city. This new building, which is the current physical plant, was opened in 1950. Expansions and improvements in the facility, programs, and services, have been implemented as needed through the years to meet the educational needs of the student population.

Catholic Central High School is chartered by the State of Ohio and meets or exceeds all standards established by the State for awarding of a high school diploma. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools initially accredited Catholic Central High School in 1981. This accreditation has been maintained since that time and helps assure that Catholic Central High School is maintaining educational excellence.