Welcome to Central High School

Thank you for your interest in attending Central High School. Central High School follows the School District of Philadelphia’s School Selection timeline. Please check back in at a later date for more information about applying for 2025-2026 admission.

 

In the meantime, we encourage all families to familiarize themselves with the School District of Philadelphia’s School Selection process: https://www.philasd.org/studentplacement/school-selection/

 

Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions:

  • Q: Does Central High School offer tours to prospective families? 
  • A: Yes, we do. We offer multiple in-person group tours and at least one virtual information session. 2024 tours dates will be announced later this summer. Families are required to pre-register for tours.

 

  • Q: Does Central High School offer shadowing opportunities?
  • A: No, we no longer have a shadowing program. We encourage students to join us during a tour.

 

  • Q: Does Central High School offer transfer seats for prospective 10th, 11th, or 12th grade students?
  • A: Each year’s transfer offers are dependent on available space. The number of seats we are able to offer each year changes. We do not offer transfer 12th grade admission. Historically, we offer very few transfer 11th grade seats (<5).

 

  • Q: Can my child apply to Central High School if we currently live outside of Philadelphia?
  • A: Yes, you can. Families who are considering or planning to move to Philadelphia and currently live outside of the Philadelphia area are required to apply for admission during the School District of Philadelphia’s School Selection period. This is a firm window from September-November. Central High School is not able to accept any applications outside of the School Selection window.

 

  • Q: My child did not take the PSSA in 7th grade. Can we still apply to Central?
  • A: Students are required to score in the 80th percentile or higher in ELA and Math in order to be eligible to attend Central High School. The School District of Philadelphia accepts a number of other assessments in addition to the PSSA. Please check the School Selection website for more information.