
CHS Welcome to New Students (286 + 285 and 284 Transfer Students)
Dear Incoming Families,
It is my honor and distinct pleasure to welcome your child as a member of Central High School’s two hundred eighty sixth graduating class. The first day of school for the 2023-2024 school year is Tuesday, September 5, 2023. This letter contains information about the most important things to know as your child prepares for their upcoming high school transition.
All Central ninth grade students take six required courses: English 1, Algebra 1, Biology, World Language 1, World History and a combination of two of the following half-year courses: Art, Music, Theater, and Physical Education. The 9th grade roster is firmly established with limited opportunities for customization. All ninth grade students will have the opportunity to take a math placement test for Algebra 1 Honors, Algebra 2, or Algebra 2 Honors. All ninth grade students will also rank world language preferences. The World Language course offerings are Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Latin. All Central High School students are required to take a language for two consecutive years. Students must select a language that is new to them; we do not permit students to take a language that is spoken at home. In the upcoming weeks, you will receive follow up communication regarding placements tests.
Summer reading is a requirement for all incoming 9th graders. Information about our summer reading texts will be available on our school website. We do not expect students to begin their summer reading before the end of their 8th grade year. Stay tuned for more information.
All incoming 9th grade families are strongly encouraged to attend the New Student Orientation in August. This is the official welcome event for incoming students and it is designed for students and parents/guardians to attend together. Sessions will include a welcome assembly and guided tours of the building as well as the opportunity for students to take their ID photo, receive a locker assignment and walk their student schedule. CHS spirit wear and other school store items will be on sale at this time. Orientation Leaders (students in grades 10-12) will guide and answer any questions students might have about high school. New Student Orientation is organized by student last name and will be held on the following dates and times:
- Student last names A – F: Thursday, August 24, 9:00 – 11:30 am
- Student last names G – L: Thursday, August 24, 12:30 – 3:00 pm
- Student last names K – Q: Friday, August 25, 9:00 – 11:30 am
- Student last names R – Z: Friday, August 25, 12:30 – 3:00 pm
If you or your child cannot attend your assigned Orientation session, please select another orientation session to attend. If you or your child cannot attend any of our orientation sessions, please direct your child to report to school on the first day of school. All information covered during the August 24th and 25th sessions will be made publicly available on our school website.
Thank you,
President Davis
Printable English Version: https://centralhs.philasd.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2023/04/286-Welcome-Letter.pdf
Printable Arabic Version: https://centralhs.philasd.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2023/04/Arabic-of-286-Central-HS-Welcome-Letter.pdf
Printable Spanish Version: https://centralhs.philasd.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2023/04/286-Welcome-Letter-Espanol.pdf
Printable Albanian Version: https://centralhs.philasd.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2023/04/286-Welcome-Letter-Albanian.docx.pdf
Printable Chinese Version: https://centralhs.philasd.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2023/04/286-Welcome-Letter-Chinese.pdf