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
Enrollment
2,287
Student-Teacher
20.6:1
Score
7.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
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Central HS — Students at Central HS score 99% 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 5 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 6.6/10.
How Central HS Compares
See how Central HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 99.5% (2019) to 98% (2021).
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
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
- Phone
- (215) 400-3590
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Philadelphia City SD- District Enrollment
- 117,907
- Schools in District
- 220
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,897
- District Rank
- #40 of 218
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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