CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Central HS is a Title I public high school that is part of the Philadelphia City SD school district, located in Philadelphia, PA with about 2,371 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 90 teachers, Central HS has a student/teacher ratio of about 26:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Central High School of Philadelphia, located at 1700 W. Olney Ave, is one of the most prestigious and historically significant public secondary schools in the United States. Founded in 1836, it holds the distinction of being the second-oldest public high school in the country. Known for its rigorous academic standards and highly competitive admissions process, the school serves a diverse student body drawn from across the city, consistently ranking among the top institutions in Pennsylvania for its academic performance and college readiness.

The school is well-regarded for its strong emphasis on advanced placement (AP) coursework, humanities, and sciences, as well as a rich tradition of student extracurriculars. Central maintains a unique culture fostered by its "Centralian" pride and an influential alumni network. Operating under the Philadelphia School District, the institution occupies a historic campus that reflects its long-standing commitment to providing a challenging and comprehensive education for high-achieving students in Philadelphia.

For more information, contact Central HS at (215) 276-5262 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.