Central High School

i have two in the high school. one has an IEP the other WAS on the honor roll since moving to independence, so i am not happy with the school :0(
--Submitted by a parent

If you think that this school is great, you're wrong. On occasion, kids might learn something. If you think that teachers are great to EVERYONE, stop talking. You may speak for yourself, because you do not know everyone. Teachers are good to whom they want to be. The staff are very rude, kids either don't get away with anything, or get away with everything. Everything is very bias. Some teachers are decent, don't get me wrong, but some DO choose favorites. It does happen. Kids come to school high, or drunk, all. The. Time. Almost every year at the beginning 2-3 months of school, there is a drug bust or two EVERY WEEK. Don't believe me? Try attending the school. Just because you're adults and you think you know more, sometimes you need to learn what your kid isn't telling you.
--Submitted by a student

Our son will be starting at CHS in September. We both plan on being very active in his HS experience and look forward to working with administration and teachers to see that his educational goals are achieved.
--Submitted by a parent

i'm a student at this school. All i got to say is this, over their heads. A lot of teachers do not follow the so called 'school philosophy'. I am not saying this out of anger, this is my opinion, the teachers also quickly hold grudges and become bias very quickley. Most of the teachers are fair and reasonable, but a select few are not. The school also chooses to focus on un-important matters and go too far with them. Like gang activity, 'your shirt sais 4 life, you're conducting a criminalist gang symbol'. THey critisize students for everything
--Submitted by a student

The staff here has been wonderful for our children. We have been in the Salem/Keizer and Cascade Districts. Both Stank due to teacher apathy and class sizes. Central has quite a bit to offer and for parents of 6, we know that a solid educational opportunity is what you get when parents work harder than the teachers to motivate and inspire our kids. We all have to work. It is not just the school! My oldest is destined to be Valedictorian (at least 'co') for the class of '08 and my other two that are at CHS are 3.0 or better students. They get out of it what they put into it!
--Submitted by Ken Stepp, a teacher

I am the parent of 2 central students. It is true that central has little to offer the gifted/talented students. But they have produced some very gifted/talented and wonderful alumni. The teacher/administration/parents work hard for the students. By the time my gifted/talented son arrived at central as a junior he was beyond what they had to offer. At first he was board, soon he started to round out his personality with student government, drama, choir, band and the school newspaper. Because Monmouth/Independence are small towns it can be difficult for new students to be accepted. However if the student puts in the effort they will suceed, it just takes a little time. While the state on a whole has cut a lot of programs this school ditrict and parents go out of their way to get the kids what they need.
--Submitted by a parent

I just read other reviews from 'parents'? I think not.They were students,at best. I am a parent of 6 students going through the Central School District, and I highly respect the efforts they make to get ALL students the best education and experience they can have. Money is always a factor & we have hade problems with that for years, but we have had GREAT staff and parents to come in and raise funds to keep as many programs as possible. It is the community and parents that must participate and donate if schools are to succeed these days! Go Central! We Love You!
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Central High School in 1994. During my 4 years there I had great experiences ranging from watching our basketball teams win multiple state championships and being involved in pep rallies, to going to numerous after school activities like formal dances and football games. The school is small enough to get to know everyone by name, yet large enough to feel that you are getting many opportunities to further your education. I would feel comfortable reccomending Central High School to anyone.
--Submitted by a former student

I graduated from CHS in 2000 but have remained in the area and have done volunteer work as an assistant for Central's Japanese program for the past 4 years. The faculty is highly qualified and care very much about the students; however the school is horribly underfunded, resulting in a lack of textbooks and materials and a need for teachers to use their own money to buy items not provided by the school itself.
--Submitted by a former student

I found Central High to be a very good school compared to the other schools my special needs child has attended. They are on top of the latest medical diagnoises and are great with the students. This school is great!
--Submitted by a parent