Is Centennial High a good school?

Yes. Centennial High ranks in the top 6.8% of Maryland high schools.

How many students attend Centennial High?

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,364 students attended Centennial High.

What is the racial makeup of Centennial High?

Students at Centennial High are 42% Asian, 34% White, 12% African American, 7% Hispanic, 4% Two or more races.

What schools feed into Centennial High?

Centennial High is fed by the following schools: Elementary : Centennial Lane Elementary Elementary : Northfield Elementary Middle : Burleigh Manor Middle

Centennial High

Summary:

Centennial High is a public high school serving grades 9-12 in Ellicott City, Maryland, part of the highly-ranked Howard County Public Schools district. Centennial High is consistently one of the top-performing high schools in the state, ranking within the top 10-20 Maryland high schools over the past decade.

Centennial High's academic performance is exceptional, with students consistently outperforming state and district averages on MCAP tests across all subject areas and grade levels. In 2023-2024, 86% of 10th graders were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 71.9% for the Howard County district and 55.3% for the state. The school also excels in mathematics, with 43.3% of all students proficient or better, compared to 41.1% for the district and 24.1% for the state. Centennial High's diverse student population includes a higher percentage of Asian students (around 40%) compared to the district and state, and a lower percentage of African American and Hispanic students than some nearby schools like Hammond High and Long Reach High.

Centennial High's strong academic performance is not solely driven by its demographic makeup, as the school's overall excellence extends across all racial groups. Additionally, the school serves a relatively more affluent community, with only 17% of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, compared to 41.72% at Hammond High and 41.42% at Long Reach High. Despite this, Centennial High's academic outcomes remain exceptional, highlighting its ability to provide a high-quality education to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Detail:

Public 9-12

4300 Centennial Ln
Ellicott City, MD 21042-6214

(410) 313-2856

District: Howard County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
10^th of 146 Maryland High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $16,805

Feeder schools for Centennial High:

Elementary:	Centennial Lane Elementary
	Northfield Elementary
Middle:	Burleigh Manor Middle

Student/teacher ratio: 15.8

Number of students: 1,364

Racial breakdown:

Asian:

41.7%

White:

33.8%

African American:

12.4%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 17.8%

See top rated Maryland high schools

Compare Centennial High to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Centennial High ranks better than 93.2% of high schools in Maryland. It also ranks 2^nd among 13 ranked high schools in the Howard County Public Schools District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 77.43. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at Centennial High is diverse. Racial makeup is: Asian (41.7%), White (33.8%), African American (12.4%). (See more...)

Compare Details 17.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Centennial High is 15.8. 9 high schools in the Howard County Public Schools District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare Centennial High employs 85.9 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Centennial High is $16,805. 9 high schools in the Howard County Public Schools District spend more per student.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Centennial High was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Centennial High 10^th of 146 Maryland public high schools. (See Centennial High in the ranking list.)

Howard County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Howard County Public Schools 2^nd of 25 Maryland school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Centennial High.

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Your rating for Centennial High?

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Rank History for Centennial High

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Rank History for all students at Centennial High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MD State Percentile
2004	61.10	16^th	201	92.0%
2005	86.52	4^th	204	98.0%
2006	83.29	8^th	204	96.1%
2007	85.05	3^rd	209	98.6%
2008	85.37	4^th	214	98.1%
2009	85.10	4^th	213	98.1%
2010	84.15	16^th	220	92.7%
2011	85.70	13^th	183	92.9%
2012	84.54	7^th	187	96.3%
2013	83.29	15^th	185	91.9%
2014	83.22	6^th	231	97.4%
2015	74.02	26^th	233	88.8%
2016	79.36	18^th	233	92.3%
2017	87.95	6^th	180	96.7%
2018	82.29	13^th	197	93.4%
2019	82.96	10^th	138	92.8%
2022	74.16	16^th	225	92.9%
2023	76.06	8^th	127	93.7%
2024	77.43	10^th	146	93.2%

See the entire list of Maryland High School Rankings!

Rank History for White students at Centennial High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MD State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2021	82.13	10^th	40	75.0%

See the entire list of Best Maryland High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Maryland State Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Maryland State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.8)

60%

20%

Reviews:

by a parent
Wednesday, May 11, 2011

My son came home one day, and said that he hated centennial. It was the first day so I let it slide. At the end of the year he said again he hated centennial, and I asked why? He said the teachers were terrible, and the students were all snobby. He mentioned the only reason centennials a good school is because everyone that goes there can afford tutors. Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, January 10, 2011

My daughter could have easily gotten into the humanities program but we chose to not enroll. I think the program is way oversold. I don't know how you can teach a "Humanities" program and omit European history (students have to take that as an elective!) She is in GT and AP courses and I do not feel she has been shortchanged at all. My only issue with Centennial are the parents who demand their children be put into classes they are not prepared for (AP >, probably Humanities as well) so the teachers have to teach down to them, until they finally drop out or are asked to leave. Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, November 28, 2010

Regarding the Humanities program.... My kids were part of this program and all of them felt they had an advantage in college over other students. They did not panic when assigned long or last-minute papers freshman year. They were used to it. I have no idea how placement is handled there now. I only know it was a fantastic program, and I commend the teachers who were a part of it. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, July 15, 2010

Centennial High School is a truly renowned school and is very much soutght after by many parents. I have one child who is currently in school, and another entering next fall. There is one very bad thing about Centennial though.

Centennial High school has a program called the Humanities program. As with other schools, students were recommended, and those who were not were allowed to waiver with the approval of the teachers. Somehow, too many people were entered into the Humanities program, so many had to be taken out. Instead of trying to get everyone in, the school randomly picked stuydents. Is this fair? Some students are going to experience a richer educational experience, and have a better college resume because of sheer luck. This is the reason i have left out two stars.......... :( Close Quote

Enrollment information for Centennial High

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1989	953	109	117	11	2	n/a	n/a	2	1194
1990	956	112	139	9	0	n/a	n/a	0	1216
1991	934	92	151	12	1	n/a	n/a	0	1190
1992	947	96	162	18	2	n/a	n/a	0	1225
1993	974	92	180	15	1	n/a	n/a	0	1262
1994	996	104	182	12	2	n/a	n/a	0	1296
1995	891	80	215	9	1	n/a	n/a	0	1196
1996	891	80	215	9	1	n/a	n/a	0	1196
1997	827	60	219	6	1	n/a	n/a	0	1113
1998	829	54	229	8	0	n/a	n/a	0	1120
1999	841	50	247	8	0	n/a	n/a	0	1146
2000	855	51	242	9	0	n/a	n/a	0	1157
2001	890	50	262	10	1	n/a	n/a	0	1213
2002	992	88	304	16	3	n/a	n/a	0	1403
2003	992	88	304	16	3	n/a	n/a	0	1403
2004	1045	93	362	25	2	n/a	n/a	0	1527
2005	1073	108	405	26	2	n/a	n/a	0	1614
2006	993	96	379	29	1	n/a	n/a	0	1498
2007	953	91	382	33	1	n/a	n/a	0	1460
2008	930	110	390	37	1	n/a	n/a	0	1468
2009	883	119	406	39	0	n/a	n/a	0	1447
2010	889	119	437	38	3	n/a	n/a	0	1486
2011	793	108	444	61	3	0	63	0	1472
2012	754	102	443	61	3	0	71	0	1434
2013	747	102	467	52	4	0	68	0	1440
2014	669	107	467	61	1	0	59	0	1364
2015	677	112	489	52	1	2	69	0	1402
2016	670	121	531	68	1	2	72	0	1465
2017	648	130	561	75	2	3	86	0	1505
2018	635	153	625	83	4	3	111	0	1614
2019	628	142	631	82	4	3	100	0	1590
2020	630	146	651	73	4	3	90	0	1597
2021	566	131	611	82	0	2	75	0	1467
2022	535	139	555	84	1	1	61	1	1377
2023	513	158	556	97	1	2	61	4	1392
2024	461	169	569	98	2	2	58	5	1364

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Centennial High

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1989	1194	61.9	19.2	n/a
1990	1216	61.2	19.8	1.1
1991	1190	62.2	19.1	0.4
1992	1225	65.1	18.8	0.8
1993	1262	65.2	19.4	0.8
1994	1296	65.9	19.7	1.5
1995	1196	60.8	19.7	1
1996	1196	60.8	19.7	1
1997	1113	62.1	17.9	1.5
1998	1120	61.6	18.2	1.3
1999	1146	61.6	18.6	2
2000	1157	65.2	17.7	1.5
2001	1213	69.1	17.6	1.5
2002	1403	71.2	19.7	2.7
2003	1403	71.2	19.7	2.7
2004	1527	82.0	18.6	3.2
2005	1614	86.0	18.8	4.6
2006	1498	86.0	17.4	3.3
2007	1460	87.4	16.7	3.6
2008	1468	90.0	16.3	4.8
2009	1447	93.0	15.6	4.7
2010	1486	90.0	16.5	5.4
2011	1472	91.0	16.1	6.9
2012	1434	92.0	15.5	6.6
2013	1440	90.0	16.0	7.2
2014	1364	84.0	16.2	8.1
2015	1402	88.0	15.9	8.9
2016	1465	91.0	16.0	10
2017	1505	92.0	16.3	9.5
2018	1614	96.4	16.7	7.9
2019	1590	98.0	16.2	7.5
2020	1597	99.0	16.1	8.6
2021	1467	88.1	16.6	6.8
2022	1377	86.1	15.9	8.3
2023	1392	83.9	16.5	17
2024	1364	85.9	15.8	17.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Centennial High

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1989	1194	61.9	19.2	n/a
1990	1216	61.2	19.8	1.1
1991	1190	62.2	19.1	0.4
1992	1225	65.1	18.8	0.8
1993	1262	65.2	19.4	0.8
1994	1296	65.9	19.7	1.5
1995	1196	60.8	19.7	1
1996	1196	60.8	19.7	1
1997	1113	62.1	17.9	1.5
1998	1120	61.6	18.2	1.3
1999	1146	61.6	18.6	2
2000	1157	65.2	17.7	1.5
2001	1213	69.1	17.6	1.5
2002	1403	71.2	19.7	2.7
2003	1403	71.2	19.7	2.7
2004	1527	82.0	18.6	3.2
2005	1614	86.0	18.8	4.6
2006	1498	86.0	17.4	3.3
2007	1460	87.4	16.7	3.6
2008	1468	90.0	16.3	4.8
2009	1447	93.0	15.6	4.7
2010	1486	90.0	16.5	5.4
2011	1472	91.0	16.1	6.9
2012	1434	92.0	15.5	6.6
2013	1440	90.0	16.0	7.2
2014	1364	84.0	16.2	8.1
2015	1402	88.0	15.9	8.9
2016	1465	91.0	16.0	10
2017	1505	92.0	16.3	9.5
2018	1614	96.4	16.7	7.9
2019	1590	98.0	16.2	7.5
2020	1597	99.0	16.1	8.6
2021	1467	88.1	16.6	6.8
2022	1377	86.1	15.9	8.3
2023	1392	83.9	16.5	17
2024	1364	85.9	15.8	17.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Centennial High

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$407 (3.1%)	$12,715 (96.9%)	$13,121
2020	$431 (3.1%)	$13,383 (96.9%)	$13,814
2021	$725 (5.3%)	$13,051 (94.7%)	$13,776
2022	$891 (5.4%)	$15,558 (94.6%)	$16,448
2023	$794 (4.7%)	$16,011 (95.3%)	$16,805

Data source: Maryland Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Centennial High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 10^th of 138 High schools	Ranks 8^th of 127 High schools	0.9%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	1590	1392	12.5%
African American	142	158	11.3%
American Indian	4	1	75%
Asian	631	556	11.9%
Hispanic	82	97	18.3%
Pacific Islander	3	2	33.3%
White	628	513	18.3%
Two or More Races	100	61	39%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	7.5%	17%	9.5%

Schools Near Centennial High

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MCAP Mathematics (2024)	MCAP English Language Arts (2024)		MCAP Algebra I (2024)	MCAP Algebra II (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MCAP Mathematics All Grades	MCAP English Language Arts 10th Grade	MCAP English Language Arts All Grades	MCAP Algebra I End of Course	MCAP Algebra II End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Centennial High	Public	9-12	4300 Centennial Ln	Ellicott City	21042	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-2856	1,364	86	15.8	17.8%	461 (33.8%)	169 (12.4%)	98 (7.2%)	569 (41.7%)	2 (0.1%)	2 (0.1%)	58 (4.3%)	77.4	10^th of 146 public high schools	93.2%		76.1	8^th of 127 public high schools	93.7%	2	43.3	86.0	86.0	20.5	52.6	$16,805	$794	$16,011
Homewood School	Public	6-12	10914 Clarksville Pike	Ellicott City	21042	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-7081	131	38	3.4	15.3%	41 (31.3%)	56 (42.7%)	17 (13.0%)	5 (3.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (6.9%)	14.1	139^th of 146 public high schools	4.8%					(n/a)		30.8	25.6		5.3
Applications and Research Laboratory	Public	9-12	10920 Clarksville Pike	Ellicott City	21042	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-6698	0	42	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Wilde Lake High	Public	9-12	5460 Trumpeter Rd	Columbia	21044	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-6965	1,270	98	12.9	42.3%	287 (22.6%)	561 (44.2%)	217 (17.1%)	82 (6.5%)	3 (0.2%)	2 (0.2%)	109 (8.6%)	36.7	98^th of 146 public high schools	32.9%		35.1	100^th of 127 public high schools	21.3%	2	5.8	54.1	54.1		8.8	$19,604	$808	$18,797
Oakland Mills High	Public	9-12	9410 Kilimanjaro Rd	Columbia	21045	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-6945	1,422	108	13.1	44.7%	216 (15.2%)	629 (44.2%)	339 (23.8%)	118 (8.3%)	3 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	108 (7.6%)	32.9	114^th of 146 public high schools	21.9%		39.6	84^th of 127 public high schools	33.9%	30	6.7	52.0	52.0		8.0	$19,229	$876	$18,354
Howard High	Public	9-12	8700 Old Annapolis Rd	Ellicott City	21043	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-2867	1,529	101	15.2	19.6%	555 (36.3%)	365 (23.9%)	101 (6.6%)	394 (25.8%)	3 (0.2%)	3 (0.2%)	105 (6.9%)	58.7	35^th of 146 public high schools	76.0%		47	62^nd of 127 public high schools	51.2%	27	26.4	75.8	75.8	15.8	30.5	$17,408	$746	$16,662
Mount Hebron High	Public	9-12	9440 Old Frederick Road	Ellicott City	21042	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-2880	1,518	102	14.8	19.1%	580 (38.2%)	188 (12.4%)	147 (9.7%)	536 (35.3%)	2 (0.1%)	3 (0.2%)	57 (3.8%)	61.9	27^th of 146 public high schools	81.5%		61.9	29^th of 127 public high schools	77.2%	2	25.6	80.5	80.5	23.5	26.8	$17,379	$773	$16,606
River Hill High	Public	9-12	12101 Clarksville Pike	Clarksville	21029	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-7120	1,462	86	16.9	6.9%	527 (36.0%)	167 (11.4%)	74 (5.1%)	601 (41.1%)	6 (0.4%)	2 (0.1%)	82 (5.6%)	81.2	6^th of 146 public high schools	95.9%		83.4	2^nd of 127 public high schools	98.4%	4	46.3	85.9	85.9	28.3	51.6	$16,511	$786	$15,725
Long Reach High	Public	9-12	6101 Old Dobbin Ln	Columbia	21045	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-7117	1,448	114	12.6	37.2%	347 (24.0%)	416 (28.7%)	420 (29.0%)	174 (12.0%)	4 (0.3%)	2 (0.1%)	77 (5.3%)	36	100^th of 146 public high schools	31.5%		41.7	75^th of 127 public high schools	40.9%	25	9.7	63.3	63.3	5.9	11.9	$18,207	$771	$17,436
Atholton High	Public	9-12	6520 Freetown Rd	Columbia	21044	Howard County	Howard County Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(410) 313-7065	1,498	94	15.9	24.0%	421 (28.1%)	470 (31.4%)	202 (13.5%)	276 (18.4%)	1 (0.1%)	3 (0.2%)	121 (8.1%)	44.9	73^rd of 146 public high schools	50.0%		49.6	58^th of 127 public high schools	54.3%	15	14.9	66.2	66.2	7.4	18.4	$17,727	$746	$16,982

Centennial High

Howard County Public Schools:

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Rank History for Centennial High

Rank History for all students at Centennial High

Rank History for White students at Centennial High

Review counts

Enrollment information for Centennial High

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Centennial High

Student/Teacher Ratio Centennial High

Per Pupil Expenditures for Centennial High

Impact of COVID-19 on Centennial High

Rankings

Student Body

Schools Near Centennial High

Centennial High

Homewood School

Applications and Research Laboratory

Wilde Lake High

Oakland Mills High

Howard High

Mount Hebron High

River Hill High

Long Reach High

Atholton High

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