Editing Central High School (section)

== History ==

Central High School opened in 1836 as part of Philadelphia's development of public education, becoming the city's first public secondary school. The school's founding reflected Jacksonian-era commitment to democratic education, providing classical and practical education previously available only through private academies. Central quickly established reputation for academic excellence, attracting faculty of distinction and students seeking rigorous preparation for college and careers.<ref name="central"/>

The Pennsylvania legislature granted Central the power to confer academic degrees in 1849, recognizing the school's college-level instruction in some subjects. Graduates receive either a bachelor's degree or diploma depending on their course of study, with most choosing the traditional diploma. This unique power—never granted to another public high school—reflects Central's historical position between secondary and higher education. The school has occupied several buildings throughout its history, with the current building opening in 1939 in the Logan neighborhood.<ref name="central"/>