Center School has the proud distinction of being an AVID National Demonstration Site with a strong, school-wide, college-going culture.  We provide learning experiences designed to promote a successful transition between elementary and high school.  Our staff is committed to the unique intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development of middle school-aged children.

All students receive daily instruction in Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education.  Advanced classes are offered in all 7/8th grade core content areas.  We also offer GATE instruction, English Language Development with a Newcomers Program, and before and after school tutoring.  The 7/8th grade elective program offers AVID, Student Leadership, Band, Chorus, Handbells, and Art.  Sixth-grade students have a second period of Language Arts or Math, although Proficient/Advanced sixth graders may choose Band or Choir in place of the second period.  Seventh and eighth graders who are performing below grade level may be offered a second period of Language Arts or Math.  We also provide extra-curricular activities such as Yearbook, dances, cheerleading, dance team, and after-school sports.

Center students participate in a school-wide Study Skills program which requires a 3-ring binder, school supplies, and a student agenda to assist in student organization and regular parent communication.  Center’s school-wide discipline program is student-centered, progressive, fair, and consistent, leading students to assume responsibility for their behavior and promoting academic success.  Progress reports are sent home every six weeks and parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s academic progress.

We are proud to be a learning community that embraces continuous learning for all students, staff, and parents.  We also focus on engaging parents in “family nights” that spotlight, for example, Visual Arts, Literacy, Math, and Science as well as Back-to-School Night and Open House.  Along with student and parent learning, teachers are regularly involved in learning through staff development, focused on collaboration with one another to seek, learn, and share best practices in instructional strategies.  We believe for success we must be a team – staff, students, and parents working and learning together.