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.

What We Offer

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
Learn more about our Admission Criteria
Select Our School - Learn more about School Selection