Central At A Glance

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 280th) earned over $23.6 million in scholarships, prizes and awards.
  • 95% of our 100 professional staff hold a Master’s degree or higher.
  • World renowned Music Department
  • Science Research Team participated in 6 different national and local Science Fairs and brought home 81 awards.
  • Art Department had over 20 students recognized for their talents, accomplishments, and outstanding leadership in the visual and performing arts.
  • The only high school in the United States that can confer a Bachelor of Arts degree to graduates meeting requirements.

Courses & Program Highlights:

Dual Enrollment Programs:
LaSalle University and Temple University.

International Baccalaureate Program

Advanced Placement (AP) courses:
Studio Art, 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, Psychology, Seminar, Spanish Language & Culture, Statistics, U.S. History, World History

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

• 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:

2017-18 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 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 program.

Extracurricular Activities:

Extensive club program includes at least 80 different interests, and students can pursue activities before and after school
• Extensive music and art program (traveling to many different countries, winning multiple awards) • Science research program • Creative writing opportunities, including yearbook, newspaper, Mirror and Mosaic literary magazines • Video • Drama • Debate • Mock trial • Departmental and student-supervised tutoring options • Class and schoolwide governmental activities

Parent involvement: Home & School Association, School Advisory Council

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