Central High School is a public high school in the Logan section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1836, it is a four-year university preparatory magnet school. About 2,400 students attend grades 9 through 12.
Serving 2,287 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 20:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,287 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- 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%)
- 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
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Central High School's student population of 2,287 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 112 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,287 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
112 teachers
Year Founded
June 13, 1836
Colors
Crimson, Gold
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 0.74, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#4 out of 2733 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
88%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥99%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥80%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
36%
5%
Hispanic
10%
15%
Black
22%
14%
White
28%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
97%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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%.
How many students attend Central High School?
2,287 students attend Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
36% of Central High School students are Asian, 28% of students are White, 22% of students are Black, 10% of students are Hispanic, and 4% 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 20:1, 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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