CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
At a Glance
Principal
Katharine S. Davis, President
E-mail
Phone: 215-400-3590
Fax: 215-400-3591
Student Enrollment: 2,380
Address:
1700 W. Olney Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19141
SEPTA Routes:
6, 8, 16, 18, 22, 26, 55, L, Broad Street subway
Mission & Approach to Learning
To prepare each student for the rigors of higher education. Building upon the school’s diversity, we aim to prepare students to contribute and thrive in a heterogeneous world. We will enable students to develop problem-solving skills, a lifelong passion for learning, and aspirations to be thoughtful leaders of their generation.
Points of Pride
- Central’s most recent graduating class (the 282nd) earned over $25.9 million in scholarships, prizes, and awards.
- 95% of our 100 professional staff hold a Master’s degree or higher.
- World renowned Music Department.
- Our Science Research Team participated in 6 different national and local Science Fairs and brought home 81 awards.
- Our Art Department had over 28 students recognized for their talents, accomplishments, and outstanding leadership in the visual and performing arts.
Courses & Program Highlights
- Dual Enrollment Programs:
- LaSalleUniversity
- Temple University.
- Measures for positive, safe learning: The school is committed to sustaining an environment free of harassment, bullying, and discrimination. It promotes a positive school culture that encourages interpersonal and intergroup respect among students and between students and staff.
- Accreditations/awards:
- 2018-19 Central High School was awarded by the SDP the “City Leader” award for our SPR.
- 2016 Recognized as the Most Diverse Public High School in America by NICHE.com.
- 2014-2018 Chairman Award Winner in Robotics – World Championship Qualifier.
- 2013-2014 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Academics (Pennsylvania)
- 2011-2012 Blue Ribbon High School (only school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania).
- Title I School of Excellence-Pennsylvania Dept. of Education School of Inspiration- College Board
- National School of Secondary Excellence-U.S. Dept. of Education Newsweek magazine and U.S. News magazine recognition for all years in the program.
- Arts activities and classes: Vocal music classes or ensemble; choir; instrumental music classes; jazz; orchestra; other instrumental classes; theater instruction; school plays; school musicals; visual arts instruction; film.
- Foreign languages: Chinese, French,Italian, Latin, Spanish
• International Baccalaureate Program
• AP courses:
- African American History
- Biology
- Calculus AB
- Calculus BC
- Chemistry
- Chinese Language & Culture
- English Language & Composition
- English Literature & Composition
- Environmental Science
- European History
- French Language & Culture
- Government & Politics
- Human Geography
- Italian Language & Culture
- Microeconomics
- Music Theory
- Physics 1
- Physics 2
- Physics C
- Precalculus
- Psychology
- Seminar
- Spanish Language & Culture
- Statistics
- Studio Art
- U.S. History
- World History
Extracurricular Activities
- Extensive club program includes at least 100 different interests, and students can pursue activities before and after school
- Extensive music and art program
- Science research program
- Creative writing opportunities, including yearbook, newspaper, Mirror and Mosaic literary magazines
- Video
- Drama
- Debate
- Mock trial
- Tutoring options
- Class & schoolwide governmental activities
- Parent involvement: Home & School Association, School Advisory Council
- Alumni Involvement: Associated Alumni of Central High School
Sports Teams
- Boys sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Indoor Track & Field
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
- Girls sports:
- Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Indoor Track & Field
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Partnerships
- Albert Einstein Medical Center
- American Poetry Review
- Associated Alumni
- Fox Chase Cancer Center
- Home and School Association
- Lantern Theater
- Student Voices
Admission Criteria
- Grades: As and Bs
- Attendance: 95%
- Standardized Test: 80th Percentile in ELA and
80th Percentile in Math
Last modified: August 30, 2023