Centennial High School

Being a student there, I can prove that the elitist attitude is there. That isn't the biggest problem, though; the worst, by far, are the number of people with mental disorders of various kinds that stem from the academic pressure. A lot of the times, the students put much more pressure on themselves than anyone else, and this ranges into a variety of mental disorders. The numbers of children with eating disorders is frightening, and people who self-harm or have attempted even suicide are even more alarming. The teachers, though, are pretty good generally, and present challenging yet balanced coursework. All in all, it's the atmosphere that is causing the most issues.
--Submitted by a student

NOT impressed. As a parent of two Centennial graduates, the school is VERY overrated. The students are snobs with an 'entitlement attitude'. Test scores aren't everything.
--Submitted by a parent

Centennial is one of the best schools in the state. We also have more extra-curriculars than most other schools!
--Submitted by a parent

Centennial High School in Ellicott City, Maryland has an educational foundation that challenges and brings out the best in students.
--Submitted by a parent

In terms of academics and character, Centennial students are among the most competitive and conscientious in our county. The teachers are all very skilled, devoted, and personable. Our sports teams consistently go to states(Boys lax under Mr. Siegert went to States as well as the girls team). The school's tennis team has been the county champion for two years. With this said, I think there are areas for improvement in terms of 'school life.' I've looked on numerous college forums, and the students from other academically rigorous areas ( in NY or Cali) seem to have much more vigor and personality. I hope that the students and the staff can be more aware of what is going on in the world. Overall, if you asked me if I'd rather go to school somewhere besides Centennial, I'd probably laugh and say 'never.'
--Submitted by a student

What I like about this school is that there's a place for everybody. Those who are into math and science feel as much at home as the star athletes. You're not made to feel uncool if you are seriously into band or orchestra. The math team and It's Academic team are tops.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to thigs school and it was great. She was constantly being challenged and it was a great experience for her. For my job it was necessary that we moved around a lot and of the three high schools my daughter went to she enjoyed and felt chalenged the most at Centennial.
--Submitted by a parent

Being a former student I can tell you that the school does not prepare you for the real world, has an unrealistic expectation of status in the student body. If your kid has any learning issues, you're better off going to wilde lake or howard than centennial.
--Submitted by a student

Centennial is by far the best, most diverse and competetive high school in Howard County. This does present a double edged sword. Kids get onto sports teams because they are good, not because they need a warm body like many of the the other HS in Howard county. The same goes for GT, Honors and AP classes. All are much easier to get into at other schools. This is hard on kids when they have friends at other schools who can get onto varsity sports in their freshman year, etc. However, in the end, kids learn how to compete and bring up their game. A diploma from Centennial means something. Parents whose children go to other Howard county schools like to downplay how good Centennial is. They don't want to think Cenntenial is that much more competetive than their HS. There's a reason it's rated one of the best in US.
--Submitted by a parent

Centennial is the most diverse school in Howard County. My children love it there and the academics are unbeatable. I feel that every other Howard County public school lacks what it can offer. The school has a very low drop out rate and offers the best programs. It's also a very safe school so you never have to worry about your child's safety.
--Submitted by a parent