Serving 2,329 students in grades 9-12, Central High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 88% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥99% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 26:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,329 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 26:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 97% (Top 5% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 88% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥99% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥80% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Central HS's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district of Philadelphia, PA, covering approximately 142.7 square miles. Parents can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the zone being about 8.2 miles, and the furthest edge located 12.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 2,329 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 88 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,329 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
88 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
June 13, 1836
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central High School ranks within the top 1% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central High School is 0.75, 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
#4 out of 2733 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
88%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥99%
55%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥80%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
26:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
35%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
11%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
23%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
26%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
97%
87.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)7.3%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
59%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
5%
5%
Showing 2005–2015. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Crimson, Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central High School's ranking?
Central High School is ranked #4 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Central High School often compared to?
Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Masterman Julia R Sec School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
88% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while ≥99% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central High School?
The graduation rate of Central High School is 97%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend Central High School?
2,329 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of Central High School students are Asian, 26% of students are White, 23% of students are Black, 11% of students are Hispanic, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central High School?
Central High School has a student ration of 26:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Central High School offer ?
Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central High School part of?
Central High School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Central High School located?
Central High School is located in the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 106 other public schools located in North Philadelphia.
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