What if I told you that Centennial High School in Compton is more than just a school? It is a place of history and transformation. Established in 1954 Centennial High School has been a cornerstone of the Compton community.
Construction of Centennial High School began in 1953. It opened its doors in 1954. The first class graduated in the same year. Centennial High School is the smallest of three high schools in the Compton Unified School District. The other two are Compton High School and Manuel Dominguez High School.
Let’s dive into the student body. As of 2023 to 2024 the enrollment was 968 students. The student-to-teacher ratio is about 21.78 to 1. This allows for more individual attention. The ethnic makeup is diverse. Sixty-four percent of students are Latino. Thirty-three percent are African-American. A small percentage includes other groups. Students speak English and Spanish. Many are Second-Language Learners needing extra support.
Centennial High School is a Title I school. It aims to provide extra resources to students from low-income families. For over five years the school was under Program Improvement. This means it faced challenges in meeting state goals. In 2010 Centennial High School’s API was 573. This was below the state target. The graduation rate stood at 58.9%. This led to the adoption of the Transformation Intervention Model. The goal was to boost student achievement.
The Centennial Apaches compete in the CIF Southern Section Ocean League. The school’s newspaper is called Apache Signal. The yearbook goes by War Cry.
Centennial High School boasts some notable alumni. Arron Afflalo played basketball. Larry Allen played in the NFL. Brittany Barber is a singer and songwriter. Big Fase 100 is a rapper. Omar Bradley became the mayor of Compton. Dr Dre. and Kendrick Lamar are also alumni. Charles Dumas was a high jumper. Paul Lowe played in the NFL. Don Wilson played baseball. Roy White also played baseball.
Centennial High School offers eleven Advanced Placement courses. These courses provide opportunities for students to excel academically. The school has faced challenges. But it remains a vital institution. The dedicated staff works hard to support students. They strive to improve academic outcomes. They aim to prepare students for future success.
Centennial High School continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of its students and community. The school strives to provide a quality education. It offers opportunities for growth and achievement. As we stand here think about the countless lives shaped within these walls. Centennial High School remains a symbol of resilience. It also represents hope in Compton.