Original Research by School Decision on Centennial High School
Centennial High School is a public regular school in south Columbus that serves grades 9 through 12 with an enrollment near that typical for a high school of its type and grade span. The student body is split roughly evenly between Black and white students, with a substantial Asian enrollment and a meaningful Hispanic population, reflecting Columbus's diversity. Demographic detail on free-or-reduced-price lunch eligibility and special populations was not available in the data, so readers seeking a fuller picture of economic need or support services should contact the school directly.
On the 2024-25 state assessments, Centennial's proficiency rates show mixed performance across subjects. Students scored at a higher proficiency level in social studies and at a meaningful level in ELA, placing those results within reach for families targeting mid-range performance. Science proficiency was somewhat below mid-range. Math proficiency was notably lower than the other subjects, suggesting this is an area where many students are not yet meeting the standard. Readers should ask the school whether there are targeted math interventions, support structures, or prerequisite coursework in place. No multi-year trend data was available, so this single year does not show whether these results represent a typical pattern or a shift. Graduation rates and chronic absenteeism data were not provided for this school, limiting the ability to assess overall completion and engagement.
Columbus is in the midst of rapid growth and economic diversification, anchored by major employers including JPMorgan Chase, OhioHealth, Nationwide Insurance, and Ohio State University, alongside emerging investments like Intel's semiconductor campus in nearby New Albany. The city spans dense, walkable downtown neighborhoods like German Village and the Short North alongside more typical car-oriented suburban development toward the edges. Housing in the 43220 zip code falls near the national median value, with rents that have declined slightly in recent months; the estimated mortgage on a typical home, with standard down payment and current rates, runs modestly lower than rent on a comparable unit. For a family considering the area, housing costs are in a reasonable middle range for a major city, though the district itself is in the midst of budget pressure and ongoing school realignments.
Columbus City Schools approved major budget cuts in December 2025, including the closure of four additional schools beyond previously announced closures, elimination of transportation for elementary and middle students attending schools outside their neighborhood, and substantial staffing cuts. Families should verify whether Centennial is affected by boundary changes or whether these cuts impact programs or staffing at the school. The district also shifted to science-of-reading instruction in elementary grades starting in 2021, aligning with the state's 2024 mandate. A property tax levy approved by voters in 2023 provides ongoing funding for operations and building maintenance.
One parent reference point: only one year of testing data is available here, limiting a complete picture of how the school performs over time and whether proficiency in math, for instance, has been rising or falling. Contacting the school about trend lines, available supports in mathematics, course progression, and any AP or dual-credit offerings would give a fuller sense of the academic pathway and how the school serves students across the performance spectrum.
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