Excellent
#355 of 2,846 schools in PA
Top 12% 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
8.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,287
Student-Teacher
20.6:1
Score
8.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#355 of 2,846
In Philadelphia
#10 of 300
public schools
In district
#10 of 218
Philadelphia City SD
Academic performance
10.0 / 10
Excellent
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Central HS
High School in Philadelphia · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Widener Memorial Sch
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Girls HS
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Central HS
Central HS is a public high school in Philadelphia, PA, part of Philadelphia City SD. Central HS serves approximately 2,287 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Central HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.3 out of 10 and ranks #355 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Central HS show 98% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 99% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 8.3 · Excellent
- District avg 5.8
- PA avg 6.6
What Parents Should Know
Central HS is a large school: 2,287 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
Central HS runs 20.6:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Central HS — Students at Central HS score 94% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 26 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 9.5/10.
How Central HS Compares
See how Central HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · 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 7.6/10, 0.2 miles away), with a comparable rating. Another option is Building 21 (rated 5.2/10, 1.1 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Imhotep Institute CHS (rated 2.8/10, 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 | 3.1 |
| Girls HS Philadelphia | 0.2 mi | 7.6 |
| Pennell Joseph Sch Philadelphia | 0.4 mi | 5.2 |
| Logan James Sch Philadelphia | 0.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Howe Julia Ward Sch Philadelphia | 0.5 mi | 5.3 |
| LOGAN HOPE SCHOOL Philadelphia | 0.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Prince Hall Sch Philadelphia | 0.7 mi | 4.0 |
| ADELAIDE EDUCATIONAL CENTER Philadelphia | 0.8 mi | — |
| Cooke Jay MS Philadelphia | 0.8 mi | 3.4 |
| Imhotep Institute CHS Philadelphia | 0.9 mi | 2.8 |
| Lindley Academy CS at Birney Philadelphia | 0.8 mi | 4.7 |
| Wagner Gen Louis MS Philadelphia | 1.0 mi | 2.2 |
| MT AIRY CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL Philadelphia | 1.0 mi | — |
| Mastery CS-Francis D. Pastorius Elementary Philadelphia | 1.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Building 21 Philadelphia | 1.1 mi | 5.2 |
| THE DEPAUL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Philadelphia | 1.0 mi | 6.4 |
| Marshall Thurgood Philadelphia | 1.0 mi | 4.2 |
| Mastery CS John Wister Elementary Philadelphia | 0.9 mi | 6.3 |
| EXCELSIOR SCHOOL PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia | 1.3 mi | 5.2 |
| Fitler Academics Plus Philadelphia | 1.2 mi | 3.2 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Downingtown HS West Campus Downingtown, PA | 8.4 |
| North Allegheny HS Wexford, PA | 8.4 |
| Spring-Ford SHS 9-12 Ctr Royersford, PA | 8.4 |
| Central Bucks HS-South Warrington, PA | 8.2 |
| Haverford SHS Havertown, PA | 8.2 |
| Council Rock HS South Holland, PA | 8.5 |
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 ranks #355 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Central HS's MySchoolScout rating?
Central HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.3 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Central HS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Central HS has 98% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 99% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
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.
Neighborhood Context
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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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 7.5%
- Phone
- (215) 400-3590
- 4-Year Graduation
- 99%+
Resources & Links
District
Philadelphia City SD- District Enrollment
- 117,907
- Schools in District
- 220
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,897
- District Rank
- #10 of 218
Other Schools in This District
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