Central Dauphin Senior High School

I am currently a student at Central Dauphin High School. I went to a very small catholic school for 9 years and finally decided that it was the for a change. Going to Central Dauphin was the best decision that I have ever made. It has every good aspect that one should look for if they are considering CD. First off, because of its size, there is a wide array of student interests that you will find. There truly is a group of people for every student. The sports, arts, and extra curriculars are state of the art. On a personal level I am highly involved with the music and drama departments and you will not find a better school for that in the area. Another extremely important aspect is the phenomenal teachers. CLass sizes are small and every teacher I have had, I have been able to create a connection with past the classroom. They want the best for their students and show a great respect, of course as long as the student is willing to return it. Students will always say that they hate high school and everyone will have unpleasant experiences, but aside from all of that, CD is the best place in the Harrisburg area that one could send their children.
--Submitted by a student

The misconduct that goes on in this school is unbelievable. The teachers dont care. Classrooms are so unorganized the students do what they please. No wonder the grade averages are so low at Central Dauphin High.
--Submitted by a parent

Well rounded school that excells in sports and the arts. Too focused by Administration on state test results, but teachers and staff try to provide a complete learning environment. Currently doing an outstanding job, given budget constraints, but the future cloudy. Declining revenues may result in arts and eventually sports cuts without state or federal funding.
--Submitted by a parent

My children and grandchildren had/are attending this school and had received/are receiving a great education.
--Submitted by a parent

What can I say, if you are looking to move I strongly suggest you look else where. You will get nothing but a huge headach!! The teachers are more concerned about who they like, and not about what there job should be. The administrative building will never help SO DON'T ASK!! This school is the worse school my children have ever attended!! So, whatever you do, do not go to this school!!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of 2 students at this school, I am never surprised by the lack of support. It seems that the administration is so busy trying to enforce ridiculous rules that they have no time or motivation to be involved with students or parents who want to help their child succeed. One child is an athlete, and upper average student. His evaluation of the school is that it is a hard place to be. The second child, although intelligent struggles with everything. I was told by the principal that he is not a bad kid, just a free spirit, 'and we here at CDHS do not encourage free spirits.' When I requested assistance to try to help get him back on track, I was told there is nothing they can do to help. I have nothing good that I can say concerning this school.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a graduated learning support student, I found the school staff unwilling to assist with providing options for post secondary education.It seems as though the guidance counselors were more willing to assist the upper classmen than those students in the middle or lower section of the class.I would think that the counselors would be more involved with these students, since many were told by the teachers there is nothing out there. It also seems as though the staff only completed paperwork as mandated by the state in order to receive their funding and had no real interest in encouraging the student to pursue a higher level of education.What a shame for the students who lacked the encouragement from parents and teachers to pursue a higher education.Many of these students would possibly 'blossom' in an environment that is encouraging and rewarding for them.
--Submitted by a parent

Parents seem to be very involved (as we are) but repeated requests to the administration fall on deaf ears. School facility is modern and beautiful, wonderful extracurricular, but not much learning there. Too much emphasis on socialization among the students. Ethnic diversity is small (mostly a white school,) but this has more to do with the demographics of the feeder schools than anything else. More does need to be done about discipline and traffic issues.
--Submitted by a parent

The academics are okay. There are 4 State Policeman walking the halls at all times due to the discipline problem and drugs. A lot of incidents go unpublished. This school has NO diversity, so if you want your child to live in a white world send them to CD.
--Submitted by a parent

More emphasis should be given to teacher qualifications because I have heard many complaints from my children who attend both CD and CD East. Sure there are some good teachers, but the ones that are on the borderline should be let go and their jobs given to hard working newly graduated teachers who would make the effort to get the subject matter taught to the students. Extracurricular activities are fine...more emphasis should be given to the basics first.
--Submitted by a parent