The Central High School credo that we are a “high-performing, high-achieving school with a soul” is reflected in each of the following areas of our community.
A Community-Centered School encourages and fosters partnerships between teachers, students, parents, and the community. The Municipal Alliance and Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth play a key role in our theme of “Culture of Respect.” Students are involved in service organizations with community outreach programs.
Excellence in Achievement:
Central High School provides a caring, supportive environment where the needs of students are paramount. The curriculum is broad, diversified and comprehensive, allowing students to structure their own challenges. CHS encourages high expectations and achievement. New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked CHS 44th in its biennial review of the top 75 high schools.
Central High School’s academic statistics reflect widespread excellence. The Class of 2004’s average SAT scores of Verbal 560 and Math 578 were significantly higher than state and national averages. The Class of 2004 SAT participation rate of 89% reflects our inclusive approach to testing.
In 2002, SAT II subject area tests were taken in 8 subjects. Students performed exceptionally well in Physics (694 mean score) and Math IIC (682 mean score). On the AP exams, 121 students took 218 exams, with 89% of the exams receiving 3 or better (out of 5).
The Class of 2004 had 3 National Merit Finalists, 12 commended scholars, and 1 National Achievement Scholarship Qualifier. Our high-performing, high-achieving students are well-rounded. The breadth and diversity of courses prepare CHS students for the future, providing a broad background in technology, visual, performing and practical arts, and a solid academic grounding.
Athletic Excellence:
CHS students participate in one of the most enriched extra-curricular programs available in this area. More than 60% of our students are involved in extra-curricular activities. Our athletic program is extremely competitive, offering more than 22 sports. We pride ourselves in the development of student-athletes. CHS is proud of the accomplishments of these student-athletes both on and off the field.
In 2003-2004 Central High School teams won six Patriot Division Championships, two Mercer County Championships, and the Group II Winter Track Relay State Championship. Championship teams included Boys Cross Country, Girls Soccer, Girls Tennis, Girls Basketball and Girls Track and Field. In addition, the CHS 4X4 relay team won the championship at the 2003 Penn Relays.
Artistic Excellence:
Central High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Programs are not only among the area’s finest, but the nation’s as well. The high school music program was honored by the GRAMMY Foundation as being one of the top 100 high school music programs in the nation with its GRAMMY Signature School Finalist recognition. Coupled with the American Music Conference’s award for being named to the Best 100 Communities for Music Education, our high school instrumental music groups took home silver and gold ratings, including “Best in Class” from the Boston Heritage Music Festival. Our high school orchestra has since been invited to perform with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the National Invitational Festival of Gold. Our high school choral music and jazz ensembles received outstanding, superior, and excellent ratings at numerous regional music festivals and competitions.
The Visual Arts Department’s diverse and challenging curriculum includes AP courses. Our artists continue to receive accolades for works in various local, state, and national art shows as they successfully placed first, second, and third in these juried art show competitions. Our students also enroll in area college art courses at schools such as the Moore College of Art and Design, Mercer County Community College, and The College of New Jersey.
Academic Excellence
CHS students have done exceptionally well in numerous academic competitions.
• Science:
The CHS Envirothon Team placed first in the 11th Annual NJ Envirothon Competition at the School of Conservation in Stokes State Forest. The team then represented the state of New Jersey and placed third in the National Envirothon held at West Virginia Wesleyan College. In addition, two ChemImagination teams placed first in two different categories in the regional competition and are competing in the national competition.
• Language Arts:
Several CHS students have won prestigious awards this year such as the Brown Book Award, the Bryn Mawr Book Award, the Williams Book Award, and one of two awards at the McCarter YouthInk! playwriting competition.
A Talented Teaching Community
Central High School’s teachers are committed to excellent instruction for all students. Their experience and talent allows high-powered programs and high-performing results. Our staff is committed to a variety of professional development projects as part of the district’s commitment to professional development.
Hopewell Valley Central High School is not affiliated with AmericanTowns Media
