Education
Centennial School District 12 connects the communities of Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Lexington, and Lino Lakes through nine exceptional schools that serve 6,500 students and prepares all learners for excellence in their future.
Flexibility and choice are important elements of Centennial schools and students enjoy a wide array of academic, athletic, and arts opportunities. As a result, 92% of resident students choose Centennial.
The District values the involvement of parents and the wider community and provides many opportunities for individuals to share their time, talents, and input. This culture of collaboration helps create safe and high-achieving schools where all people are valued.
Centennial Schools includes five elementary schools (Pre-K-grade 5), one middle school (grades 6-8), one high school (grades 9-12), and an Alternative Learning Center. Centennial also has an Early Childhood Center and offers early childhood family education and programs for its youngest learners, beginning at birth; adult education (ABE/ESL); and a variety of learning opportunities through community education for all ages.
High School
Centennial High School serves 2,000 students in an environment that provides high quality opportunities, emotional support, and social development that prepares learners for excellence in their future. Centennial High is the hub for the five communities that feed into this large metropolitan high school with a small-town attitude. Centennial’s track record of success includes a high school graduation rate of 95.9%, significantly higher than the state average.
Talented students and first-rate staff exhibit Cougar pride in all they do, which promotes a culture of tolerance and respect. Attention is paid to the whole student, with an understanding that students will work hard when they have positive relationships with each other and with staff.
Students and staff strive for excellence in academics, activities, the arts, and service to the community. Centennial students compete in athletics and activities in the Northwest Suburban Conference of the Minnesota State High School League. Centennial High students are strong competitors receiving honors in academics, the arts, and athletics.
Elementary Education
Elementary Education
The District’s vibrant learning environments reflect a commitment to preparation and achievement. Staff know and care deeply about students and pay attention to their unique strengths and needs. Respect, trust, and consistency create welcoming and inclusive places where children and youth can excel. Centennial families and the community plan an essential role in the district’s success. Dedicated partnerships, parent and community volunteers, and an active PTA help provide unique learning experiences, additional classroom support, and create a comfortable small-town feel.
More Information on our schools
Middle School
Centennial Middle School provides a first-rate education to the over 1,500 students in grades 6-8 who come from all five Centennial elementary schools or open enroll from numerous schools in neighboring districts. We have earned our reputation as a safe and successful school through the hard work and commitment of staff, students, parents, and the wider community.
Students have a number of elective options such as STEM programming, world language and Math options for high school credit, expanded art and health programs, and instrumental and vocal music programs. Students’ days are scheduled by a team of counselors and administrators to ensure they have the opportunities and support they need to reach their full potential.
From numerous sports to clubs and special events, Centennial Middle School has a significant number of students in fun and educational opportunities tailored to their interests. Buses are provided for all students participating in after-school activities.
Centennial Alternative Learning Center (CALC) & Pines School
The Alternative Learning Center is a community based program for students who prefer a different approach to learning.
- The high school off-campus program includes computer assisted learning, vocational/technical courses, community-based work experiences, post-secondary options and performance based curriculum instruction.
- The middle school on-site program focuses on strengthening self-esteem through individualized, cooperative instruction; computer-assisted learning; reading instruction and tutoring; and study skills.
Program expansion into several elementary schools is underway.
Technology
The Technology Department helps provide learners, staff and administration the knowledge, skills and technology systems (tools) that enable them to solve problems, think creatively, continue learning and develop their maximum potential in today's global society. All district buildings are wireless, providing the opportunity for free-flowing collaboration among peers and teachers, digital resources, and the internet.
Computer literacy is taught in grades K-8 with electives in grades 9-12. Other technology resources include:
- 1:1 Chromebooks for students in Grades 3-12
- iPads for students in Grades k-2 Classrooms
- Innovative Core Ser4vices and Student Applications
- Interactive Smart Panels in Elementary Classrooms
- Wireless Screen Casting in 6-12 Classrooms
Centennial School Board
A six-member school board governs the district and its responsibilities include budget adoption, revenue management, and expenditure authorization; superintendent selection, contract, and evaluation; establishes district policy. Board members are elected at-large on Election Day in November. The superintendent is an ex-officio member of the board. Information, including the calendar, agendas and minutes, and how to stream the meeting can be found on the district website. Minutes are also published in the local newspaper, the Quad Community Press.