Central Dauphin High School is a public high school located in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, it is one of two high schools in the Central Dauphin School District, and the first built in the school district. In the 2017–18 school year, there were 1,707 students at the school.
Serving 1,966 students in grades 9-12, Central Dauphin Sr. High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 26% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is equal to the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,966 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Btm 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Central Dauphin Sr. High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Central Dauphin Sr. High School's student population of 1,966 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 129 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,966 students
Total Classroom Teachers
129 teachers
Year Founded
1955
Colors
Red and Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Central Dauphin Sr. High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central Dauphin Sr. High School is 0.60, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1091 out of 2733 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
Asian
10%
5%
Hispanic
10%
16%
Black
13%
14%
White
60%
60%
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.6%
23.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Ram
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Dauphin Sr. High School's ranking?
Central Dauphin Sr. High School is ranked #1091 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Central Dauphin Sr. High School often compared to?
Central Dauphin Sr. High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Central Dauphin East Sr. High School, Lower Dauphin High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 80% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Central Dauphin Sr. High School?
The graduation rate of Central Dauphin Sr. High School is 91%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend Central Dauphin Sr. High School?
1,966 students attend Central Dauphin Sr. High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Central Dauphin Sr. High School students are White, 13% of students are Black, 10% of students are Asian, 10% of students are Hispanic, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central Dauphin Sr. High School?
Central Dauphin Sr. High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Central Dauphin Sr. High School offer ?
Central Dauphin Sr. High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Central Dauphin Sr. High School part of?
Central Dauphin Sr. High School is part of Central Dauphin School District.
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