Central Dauphin SHS: Top Academics &amp; STEM in Harrisburg, PA (2026 List)

About Central Dauphin SHS

Central Dauphin SHS is a public high school located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania serving grades 9-12 in the Central Dauphin School District. The school has a total of 1,998 students and a student-teacher ratio of about 16:1, providing a comprehensive academic environment with individualized instruction and student support services. Central Dauphin SHS provides students with a variety of academic options, such as college preparatory classes, honors classes, Advanced Placement (AP) classes, STEM-based programs, arts programs, and career-based electives to assist students in preparing for college and the world of work. Central Dauphin SHS has a proficiency rate of about 27% in Math and 73% in Reading. Students at Central Dauphin SHS take standardized assessments like the SAT, AP exams and Keystone Exams as part of graduation and college readiness preparation. Central Dauphin SHS is known for its wide range of academic opportunities, and a caring educational environment that engages students and prepares them for life after high school. This school is known for student success, advanced learning opportunities, and a supportive environment, which makes it the best high school in Pennsylvania.

Academic Performance

Subject Proficiency

Mathematics 27%

Reading 73%

State average proficiency is 27% in Math and 73% in Reading.

125

Full-time Teachers

16 : 1

Student-Teacher Ratio

21

Teachers In First Or Second Year (yrs)

1998

Total Students

$76537

Avg. Teacher Salary

Student Demographics

White 62.26%

Asian 9.41%

Hispanic 8.76%

Black 12.21%

Two+ Races 7.06%

Native Am. 0.25%

White

62.26%

Asian

9.41%

Hispanic

8.76%

Black

12.21%

Two+ Races

7.06%

Native Am.

0.25%

Gender Distribution

Total Students: 1998

48.55%

970 Female

51.45%

1028 Male

Student Population

1998 Students

With a student-teacher ratio of 16 : 1

Minority Enrollment

25%

Percentage of minority students

Students per Counselor

499 : 1

Student to counselor ratio

Central Dauphin SHS Contact Information

Address

437 Piketown Road, Harrisburg, PA, 17112

View on Map

Phone

(717) 703-5360

Call Now

Website

cdschools.org

Recent News & Updates

New Playground Name

We are so excited to announce the name of our new playground! Following a school-wide and Robinson community vote we narrowed a large list of names down to four. Since our students will be using the playground on a daily basis, we gave them the final vote! 476.....

School Timings

Regular School Hours

All Grades: 7:45 AM to 2:30 PM

Early Dismissal Days

Dismissal Time: 12:15 PM

Note: Doors open at 7:30 AM for student arrival. Please refer to the school calendar for specific early dismissal dates.

After School Activities

Information coming soon

School Session Dates

September to June

School session starts in September 1st week and ends in June 3rd week. For exact dates, please contact the school.

Remarkable Alumni

Being Updated

Map

Latest News

The Central Dauphin Senior High School continues to build on student engagement with advanced coursework, extracurricular programs and leadership development efforts. Recent school efforts have included providing more academic support opportunities and improved technology resources to better prepare students for college. Students have competed in arts showcases, athletic and regional competitions.

FAQ

Q1. What clubs does Central Dauphin SHS have?

Ans. Students are encouraged to participate in athletics, academic clubs, music groups, theater productions and leadership organizations.

Q2. Do you offer Advanced Placement (AP) classes at Central Dauphin SHS?

Ans. Yes, we offer AP and honors classes in many academic subjects.

Q3. Does Central Dauphin SHS have a guidance counselor?

Ans. Yes, students are provided academic counseling, college planning and career guidance services.

Q4. What arts programs does Central Dauphin SHS have?

Ans. The school offers band, choir, theatre and visual arts programs to keep kids creative and involved.

Q5. In what ways does Central Dauphin SHS prepare students for college and careers?

Ans. The school fosters readiness via AP classes, SAT opportunities, academic advising, and extracurricular involvement.

Games & Extracurricular Activities

Sports

Soccer Club Grades 1-3 | Mon/Wed 3:30-4:30pm
Basketball Grades 2-4 | Tue/Thu 3:30-4:45pm
Track & Field Grades 3-5 | Fri 3:30-5:00pm

Arts

Art Club Grades K-2 | Mon 3:00-4:00pm
Drama Club Grades 3-5 | Wed 3:30-5:00pm
Choir Grades 2-5 | Thu 3:15-4:15pm

Clubs

Chess Club Grades 2-5 | Fri 3:15-4:15pm
Garden Club All Grades | Tue 3:15-4:00pm
Robotics Club Grades 3-5 | Thu 3:30-5:00pm

Note: Schedules may change during school holidays. Please contact School for exact Schedule.

Summer Suggested Reading

Horn Book Selections

Vocabulary.com +3 Horn Book +3 What to Read to Your Kids +3

ML

Maggie Lou, Firefox

by Arnolda Dufour Bowes

PS

The Puppets of Spelhorst

by Kate DiCamillo

MLV

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

by Nicholas Day

Vocabulary.com Top Picks

Penguin Random House +10 Vocabulary.com +10 Wikipedia +10

F

Frindle

by Andrew Clements

WR

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

JGP

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

Penguin Random House Features

Horn Book +2 Penguin Random House +2 The Guardian +2

SLB

The Secret Language of Birds

by Lynne Kelly

S

The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

by Beth Lincoln

Free Robotics and Stem In-person Workshop in Your Neighbourhood for 7-14 Years Tech Enthusiasts.

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What Parents Say