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Public School0
Howard County Public Schools

Centennial High School

#3 in Best Public High Schools in Baltimore Area
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Public
  • 9-12
  • Ellicott City, MD
  • 298 reviews
    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A+
    2. Diversity
      A
    3. Teachers
      A
    4. College Prep
      A+
    5. Clubs & Activities
      B+
    6. Health & Safety
      A
    7. Administration
      A
    8. Sports
      A-
    9. Food
      B-
    10. Resources & Facilities
      B-
    View Full Report Card
    Centennial High School is a top rated, public school located in Ellicott City, MD. It has 1,505 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. According to state test scores, 97% of students are at least proficient in math and 60% in reading.
    Address
    4300 Centennial Ln
    Ellicott City, MD 21042
    Telephone
    (410) 313-2856
    Website
    hcpss.org
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    Centennial High School Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

    Academics

    Percent Proficient - Reading
    60%
    Percent Proficient - Math
    97%
    Average Graduation Rate
    97%
    Average SAT
    1330
    486 responses
    Average ACT
    30
    63 responses
    AP Enrollment
    46%
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    Living in the Area
    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Cost of Living
      C+
    2. Good for Families
      A+
    3. Housing
      B
    Median Household Income
    $124,059
    National
    $55,322
    Median Rent
    $1,611
    National
    $949
    Median Home Value
    $522,700
    National
    $184,700

    Culture & Safety

    Health & Safety
    A
    Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
    Poll
    94%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.32 responses
    Poll
    63%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.32 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 93 responses
    Report
    • Class color day
      24%
    • Prom
      16%
    • Pajama day
      14%
    • Crab feast
      11%
    • World Fest
      11%
    • Homecoming pep rally
      10%
    • Senior week
      9%

    Students

    Diversity
    A
    Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
    Students
    1,505
    Free or Reduced Lunch
    10%
    100%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.33 responses
    91%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.33 responses
    76%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.33 responses

    Teachers

    Student-Teacher Ratio
    16:1
    National
    17:1
    Average Teacher Salary
    $71,977
    Teachers in First/Second Year
    12.6%
    63%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.43 responses
    77%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.43 responses
    81%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.43 responses

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs & Activities
    B+
    Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
    Girls Athletic Participation
    Average
    Boys Athletic Participation
    High
    Expenses Per Student
    $17,715/ year
    National
    $12,239
    94%
    of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.53 responses
    55%
    of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.53 responses
    83%
    of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.53 responses
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    Centennial High School Reviews

    298 reviews
    All Categories
    Centennial High School is said to be one of the best in Maryland. I realized that it is the best academically but not the best overall. The facility is very poor. There is an issue with lead in the plumbing that hasn’t gotten fixed in a while. The facility is due for renovation but none has come. However, the school’s activities are quite notable. The band and orchestra are outstanding. There is diversity amongst students. Their prom or homecoming is wonderful. The population at centennial is what makes the place great. Strong minded students with able teachers guiding them down the right path. Everyone is friendly and welcoming
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    Centennial High School is supposed to be one of the best high schools in the state. While it is true, it has an extremely competitive academic culture, this doesn't push students towards excellence. Most students who are successful at centennial had a strong work ethic and no extracurriculars. Those students who participated in many of the hundred clubs CHS offers, often didn't do as well in academics. This isn't because those students weren't smart, it was because at CHS students can't afford to take their eye off the ball, and those who aren't completely focused on academics are often looked down upon for it.
    Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved being in a library. Just being surrounded by books has always made me feel at peace. Yet not all libraries have that affect on me. Especially at my school. At every library I have ever been at, if they have a book in a series, they will have the other books in the same series, or at least will be able to find you the other books at other libraries. They will even have rows and rows of books all from a same series. Some of my favorite series are in the graphic novel section. Yet at my school, they only have half of a shelf dedicated to graphic novels and barely any books that I have been trying to find for years. Yet no matter what, the library will always be my home away from home. In fact, whenever my friends ask me where I am, I have the same response every single time, I'm in the library.