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Very Good

#701 of 2,842 schools in PA

Top 25% in state

Central HS

High School · Philadelphia City SD

1700 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19141

Enrollment

2,287

Student-Teacher

20.6:1

Score

7.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Philadelphia

#42 of 300

public schools

Pennsylvania high schools

#76 of 641

In district

#40 of 218

Philadelphia City SD

Academic performance

10.0 / 10

Exceptional

About Central HS

Central HS serves 2,287 students in grades 9-12 as a standout public high school in Philadelphia. With 111 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a 20.6:1 student-teacher ratio while delivering exceptional academic results that place it among Pennsylvania's top performers. The school's impressive academic achievements speak for themselves, with 98% of students demonstrating proficiency or above in English Language Arts and Reading, and 90% reaching proficiency in Mathematics.

These outstanding outcomes have earned Central HS a MySchoolScout rating of 8.3 out of 10 and a state ranking of #239 out of 2,852 Pennsylvania schools, placing it in the 92nd percentile statewide. Located on West Olney Avenue, Central HS serves a diverse community where families are working hard to build better futures for their children. The surrounding neighborhood in ZIP code 19141 has a median household income of $37,053 and a poverty rate of 29.5%, with 14% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher.

Despite economic challenges in the area, the school has created an environment where students consistently achieve at high levels. Central HS demonstrates that dedicated educators and engaged students can achieve remarkable academic success in Philadelphia's large city setting, making it a beacon of educational excellence in North Philadelphia.

What Parents Should Know

Central HS is a large school with 2,287 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.

The student-teacher ratio at Central HS is 20.6:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.6Above Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.13 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics10.0Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency98%
Reading/ELA Proficiency99.5%
Math vs. State Avg+56 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+35.5 pts
Overall Proficiency99%
Expected (poverty-adj.)33%
vs. Expected+65.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile100th
College Readiness9.9Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation35.5%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment1.7Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,638

Central HS — Students at Central HS score 99% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 95.7%
School
State
42.0%
ELA Proficiency 99.0%
School
State
64.0%

Based on 5 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
99.5%
ELA
99.5%
2021*
Math
98%
2024
Math
89.5%
ELA
98.4%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.6/10.

How Central HS Compares

See how Central HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.5/10
75th percentile in PA
Academic
10.0/10
10.0/10
Growth
6.6/10
Above average
Environment
1.7/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
111 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
35.5% participation·305 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1700 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19141

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central HS may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Girls HS (rated 6.5/10, 0.2 miles away), with a comparable rating. Another option is Building 21 (rated 5.8/10, 1.1 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Imhotep Institute CHS (rated 3.8/10, 0.9 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Philadelphia, see our Philadelphia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Widener Memorial Sch Philadelphia 0.2 mi 7.7
Girls HS Philadelphia 0.2 mi 6.5
Pennell Joseph Sch Philadelphia 0.4 mi 7.0
Logan James Sch Philadelphia 0.5 mi 7.5
Howe Julia Ward Sch Philadelphia 0.5 mi 7.4
LOGAN HOPE SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.7 mi 7.8
Prince Hall Sch Philadelphia 0.7 mi 6.4
ADELAIDE EDUCATIONAL CENTER Philadelphia 0.8 mi
Cooke Jay MS Philadelphia 0.8 mi 6.2
Imhotep Institute CHS Philadelphia 0.9 mi 3.8
Lindley Academy CS at Birney Philadelphia 0.8 mi 5.6
Wagner Gen Louis MS Philadelphia 1.0 mi 5.6
MT AIRY CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL Philadelphia 1.0 mi
Mastery CS-Francis D. Pastorius Elementary Philadelphia 1.0 mi 5.3
Building 21 Philadelphia 1.1 mi 5.8
THE DEPAUL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Philadelphia 1.0 mi 6.4
Marshall Thurgood Philadelphia 1.0 mi 6.9
Mastery CS John Wister Elementary Philadelphia 0.9 mi 6.9
EXCELSIOR SCHOOL PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia 1.3 mi 5.2
Fitler Academics Plus Philadelphia 1.2 mi 5.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 19141 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$42,461

Median Home Value

$143,400

Median Rent

$1,009/mo

Population

33,832

College Educated

16.4%

Homeownership

51.8%

Avg Commute

33.1 min

Poverty Rate

28.6%

Median Age

37.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding Central HS has a median household income of $42,461. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $143,400, with a median rent of $1,009/month. The area has a poverty rate of 28.6%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 33 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Council Rock HS South Holland, PA 7.5
Downingtown HS East Campus Exton, PA 7.4
Methacton HS Eagleville, PA 7.4
Conestoga SHS Berwyn, PA 7.3
North Allegheny HS Wexford, PA 7.7
Perkiomen Valley HS Collegeville, PA 7.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central HS

What grades does Central HS serve?

Central HS serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Central HS?

Central HS has an enrollment of approximately 2,287 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Central HS?

The student-teacher ratio at Central HS is 20.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Central HS rank in PA?

Central HS is ranked #701 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is Central HS's MySchoolScout rating?

Central HS has a composite rating of 7.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Central HS?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central HS has 95.7% math proficiency and 99.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Central HS a charter school?

No, Central HS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Central HS a Title I school?

No, Central HS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central HS?

100.0% of students at Central HS qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
82 Very Walkable
Transit Score
79 Excellent Transit
Bike Score
56 Bikeable
City Safety
High (5,504/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Philadelphia). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,287
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
111
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Philadelphia County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Philadelphia City SD
District Enrollment
117,907
Schools in District
220
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,897
District Rank
#40 of 218

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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