The reported proficiency rate for Science is 42%.
Original Research by School Decision on Centennial High
Centennial High sits within Howard County Public Schools and serves students in grades nine through twelve. It is a regular public high school located in Ellicott City, a suburban unincorporated county seat. The school is not a charter or magnet school, and data on Title I status was not provided.
The student body is a diverse mix. Asian students make up the largest share, followed closely by white students, with Black and Hispanic students together accounting for a smaller portion, and a handful of students identifying as two or more races, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or American Indian or Alaska Native. A modest share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Data on special education identification and English learner status was not available.
Academically, Centennial High presents a mixed picture. The most recent state assessment data, from a middle school science test taken by a small group of students, shows that a minority of those tested met proficiency standards. That particular test is a one-time snapshot and reflects a different grade band than the high school itself. The more instructive picture comes from end-of-course assessments taken by high school students. In English language arts, a strong majority of students scored at the proficient level or above. In mathematics, the results are more variable: about a third of students were proficient across math overall, with Algebra 1 proficiency substantially lower and Algebra 2 proficiency notably higher. These figures come from a single year of data, so no trend direction can be determined.
The graduation rate for Centennial High was not part of the provided data, which is a gap a parent may want to fill by asking the school or the district directly. Also absent were data on chronic absenteeism and discipline rates, which can be useful context for understanding school climate.
The district, Howard County Public Schools, has recently opened a new high school, which can affect attendance boundaries and feeder patterns. The district has also adopted a strategic plan focused on attendance, early literacy, middle school math, college and career readiness, and discipline practices, aligning with state requirements. Teacher and staff salaries have risen over recent years, contributing to increases in the district’s operating budget and per-pupil spending. These district-level trends matter for Centennial families because they shape resource allocation and long-term planning across all county schools.
Ellicott City itself is a largely suburban area with a historic downtown core that draws visitors for dining and shopping. The historic district faces ongoing flood mitigation work, including a major tunnel project, after devastating floods in recent years. County government is a major employer, and the area offers access to major highways and some public transit. The housing market in the zip code serving Centennial High reflects relatively high home values compared to state and national medians, with rents also elevated.
Centennial High offers a context where strong English language arts outcomes stand out, while mathematics proficiency varies widely by course. The school’s size is substantial for a high school, and its student demographics reflect the broader diversity of the surrounding community. The district’s strategic direction and the local housing market are factors worth considering alongside the school’s academic profile.
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