Centennial High School

I have moved around a lot and all the schools in the other counties in MD are just different compared to Howard County. Centennial is the most diverse high school in Ho. Co., which I'm pretty sure is the most diverse county in MD. Anyways, CHS was the only school where i did NOT experience racism and bullying (I am a minority.) CHS also has the highest AP class enrollment and is very academically competitive. I have friends who are taking seven AP credits per year. I had to actually drop out of AP math because I could not keep up with the curriculum, since I had Cross Country, Track and NAHS. Compared to other schools in Ho Co. and other county schools, there WILL be more school work involved, but from all my college friends I've heard from, they're having a relaxed time because it's so much more "chill" in college than it was at CHS. (The one thing I can't get over is that a 2390 is considered an "average" score.) You can view it as a good or bad thing, but CHS really will prepare you for college and get more out of you than other MD schools, you just have to know your limits. :)
—Submitted by a student

There are a more percentage of white students than asian students attending 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

Academically, we have no complaints with CHS, although the curricula is not as diverse as the one offered at in our previous state. However, I am disappointed with the music and sports departments. It seems that what team you are assigned to is not based on skills, but rather on grade. In the music department, there are very few competitions entered, not many solo adjudications offered, and not much emphasis on All County or State band participation. The kids are not encouraged, and the parents are constantly being asked for money. Disappointing. I also have some issues with the principal and the handling of certain situations, but limited by words here to keep it short. CHS did not really live up to our expectations as parents who were looking for a school where we could take a proactive role, and our kid would be encouraged and equipped.
—Submitted by a parent

Well, my son goes to centennial, and although his expectations were high going in, after freshman year he loved the school more then ever. From what i understand, freshman is the toughest year in terms of student pressure. If my son can have a great time as a freshman, then surely other students can enjoy themselves. I agree, the principle is a failure, the friendly environment among the students and some of the staff is evident as soon as you walk in the door.
—Submitted by a parent

I am most delighted my child is in CHS. The guidance counsellor is really helpful and supportive of my child's needs. The school has made efforts to ensure he is settled into the school having come from overseas, this helps to build confidence in learning.
—Submitted by Nancy Soon, a parent

The quality of academic programs, and availability of sports, arts and extracurricular activities are top notch. However the discipline is weak mainly due to the principal.
—Submitted by a staff

As a student at Centennial, my perspective of the school is very good. The principal and administration is very active and involved. The teachers are great. There are so many different clubs and extracurricular activies. The school is more diverse now that is has been. There are a lot more african americans now. There are just as many asians at Centennial as Mt Hebron and River Hill. And I am glad our school is not like Wilde Lake. We dominate Wilde Lake in sports and academics. Its a wonderful school and I am very lucky to go there.
—Submitted by a student

If you want to find out what is really going on at Centennial go to the following links: http://chs-ptsa.org http://chs-ptsa.org/CHSQuicknotes http://centennialonline.org
—Submitted by Millie Ribeiro, a parent

That previous comment is the most racist/prejudice remark I've read so far here. So what if the school has a large percentage of Asians? How can you say Wilde Lake is diverse when there are exceedingly more African-Americans than other minorities. How can you also say that Wilde Lake is a better school when academically, it is doing far worse than Centennial? As a student, I have also never heard this term, 'Chentennial' amongst my peers. I believe Centennial is an excellent school for EVERYONE and deserves far more praise than the previous comment.
—Submitted by a staff

That last posting is appalling. I wish the person that posted that could have sent his/her daughter to another school too and make room for students who aren't raised by racist parents. Centennial continues to lead the county in test scores year after year. It is an excellent school regardless of the ethnicity of the students. I couldn't care less if my child was in a class full of polka dotted children as long as he is being challenged by his teachers and fellow classmates.
—Submitted by a parent