Celina High School

We have two kids here, and, as others have mentioned, there's a distinct resentment of newcomers. Sports are pushed above all, while funding for specialized learning assistance as been slashed, Additionally, Celina is extremely proud of its overwhelmingly Protestant and quasi-fundamentalist nature, to the point of many district administrators and employees publicly decrying the separation of Churrch & State, and teachers & principals administering discipline based on who they "know are good Christians" from their churches versus those who don't attend. It's pretty oppressive if you're not a "fundie" yourself. Academics focus on worksheets upon worksheets, "teaching to the test", etc.
—Submitted by a parent

Celina high school is a joke the it's split between athletics and people who aren't in athletics football players get special privileges that other students don't when you graduate your not prepared for college your not prepared for life outside of high school.. Its a horrible school district that waisted my time teaching me absolutely nothing
—Submitted by a student

We also have three children in Celina schools (ES, MS, and HS).. We definetely have noticed the lack of communication between the faculty and parents.. No parent teacher conferences, just usually a one line note every six weeks.. Once I was not even allowed to walk my 1st grader back to her classroom when she had more than a full load to carry!! Not parent friendly!! Overall I rate the system below average, especially considering the growth of the community, and the tax base, the school system is not keeping up, although I don't think it's a $$ issue.
—Submitted by a parent

I also have three children in the celina Schools, We moved here about a year and 1/2 ago. I was asking my children some basic history ?'s and noticed that they have not been teaching them here in this school. We have almost every friday off,or early relase for school 'SPORTS'. I can't believe that considering that my childrens accademic standings are going down. Overall if you have your prioraties out of wack this is the school for you. We are moving our children promptly!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here over two years ago from another area of Texas and have 3 children in Celina. While the small town atmosphere is wonderful and the community spirit is great, there are many things that need improvement... There is definitely an attitude of 'not born here, you're not from here' with many of the locals, longtime residents, and with some of the faculty members. Many resent newcomers and the significant growth of the school and town. As another reviewer mentioned, there is little communication between the faculty and parents, there are no Parent-Teacher conferences, even in elementary. The athletic program is very good, although the girls programs take a distant 'backseat' to the boys programs in both funding and quality/number of staff. Many of the faculty members are long-time residents, which has benefits but also presents challenges.. Overall I rate the school district below average to average.
—Submitted by a parent

The high school is definitely more focused on sports than academics; specifically football. The community is very proud (& should be) of the football championships however a balance needs to be created. Right now students receive a solid average education and the AP classes are not in line with state expectations. I was shocked to find out that the gym locker rooms did not have showers but the locker rooms at the football stadium did. The new high school is scheduled to open in a few weeks and parents are anxious and hopeful that the administration will take a proactive approach in making academia the priority.
—Submitted by a parent

Do not let the GreatSchools rating fool you. This school is ridiculous. Unfortunately, I currently attend. The classes are complete jokes. The English, math, history and science departments are all just terrible. The AP classes claim to well-prepare students for college, but they forget to tell you that they mean community college. My family and I will be moving soon simply to get out of the district. Do not send your child here if they have any ambition to go to a decent college in the future.
—Submitted by a student

I have 3 students in Celina ISD. We moved here from out of state and we have been disappointed with the entire system. My oldest is at CIS and the others are at CES. There is weak leadership at the top. Parents are not encouraged to help out at the schools. There seems to be a 'drop you kids off and let us handle it' attitude. We wanted small town/Christian environment. We got that. Now if we could just work on educating the kids, that would be great. My kids bring home stacks of worksheets. The love of learning is being sapped out of them. There is no creativity....only TAKS preparedness. We're looking into other options. It's sad--because Celina is such a sweet town.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic environment is put a poor second to emphasis on sports. The teaching of math at the junior high level is poor and cannot be made up for in one year at the high school level, hence the poor math performance on the TAKS. Leadership is changing as the population is increasing. Choir is now an elective as is art beginning at the junior high level. This district is not for the faint of heart. Parental involvment is very important although some take that to the extreme. The good things at the school are really good and the bad are really bad. However, this is a safe environment where I feel comfortable sending my child to school every day.
—Submitted by a parent

In Celina my children received a quality education in a nurturing atmosphere. They had the opportunity to participate in many different extracurricular activities which allowed them to explore their interests and talents. They are currently successful college students at a top-ranked university.
—Submitted by a parent

One of my four have graduated and I ha ve more still in this school. For the graduate, he was prepared for college writeing, but math has been a problem. I believe that the math was a problem that stemed from the Jr. High. I believe for the average to above average student the school is adaquite. But for a struggleing student , we need teachers that are better able to help them. I have both types of students.
—Submitted by a teacher

Celina Schools are very good. They have a high standard for their curriculum and give children a high quality education. The student/teacher ratio is very good. Since the classes are small, students receive more indivdual attention. I do have a couple of problems with the district however. Since the district is small, they are not able to provide as many elective courses as a larger district. Overall, I am satisfied with Celina ISD.