Central Dauphin East High School is a large, suburban, public high school located in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. It is one of two high schools operated by the Central Dauphin School District. In the 2022–2023 school year, enrollment was reported as 1,590 pupils in 9th through 12th grades.
Serving 1,573 students in grades 9-12, Central Dauphin East Sr. High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 16% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 54% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,573 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 54% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central Dauphin East High School serves the southern part of Harrisburg, PA, covering an area of approximately 20.1 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 4.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central Dauphin East Sr. High School's student population of 1,573 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 116 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,573 students
Total Classroom Teachers
116 teachers
Year Founded
1961
Colors
White, Black
School Rankings
Central Dauphin East Sr. High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central Dauphin East Sr. High School is 0.78, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2021 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
15%
5%
Hispanic
22%
16%
Black
33%
14%
White
19%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
81%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)42.2%
23.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (17-18)
6%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panther
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Dauphin East Sr. High School's ranking?
Central Dauphin East Sr. High School is ranked #2021 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Central Dauphin East Sr. High School often compared to?
Central Dauphin East Sr. High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Central Dauphin Sr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
16% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central Dauphin East Sr. High School?
The graduation rate of Central Dauphin East Sr. High School is 81%, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend Central Dauphin East Sr. High School?
1,573 students attend Central Dauphin East Sr. High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Central Dauphin East Sr. High School students are Black, 22% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are White, 15% of students are Asian, and 11% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central Dauphin East Sr. High School?
Central Dauphin East Sr. High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Central Dauphin East Sr. High School offer ?
Central Dauphin East Sr. High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Central Dauphin East Sr. High School part of?
Central Dauphin East Sr. High School is part of Central Dauphin School District.
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