Research Central Commencement Academy public Schools in Flint, Michigan

“I had 4 children graduate from Central. They are now adults who attend college in Michigan. Central is a good school for laying down a foundation for college. Teaching is not a easy job . I am appalled when I hear negative reporting on Central both sides of all issues should be address but there is no way I would be in a place where there is fear. I wonder what can you teach if you are scared ?The teachers need to ask themselves who are they there for? Who will it benefit if you don't want to teach the students.If you are not diverse in the culture you teach it is a problem no adult should be afraid to do his or her job. Seek assistance form all that is available to you. Send letters to home, make phone calls to parents job, yes the job.”

“In the past years Flint as a whole has been falling into a downward spiral, however Flint Central high School is a diamond in the rough. At Central I have found the actual classes, as well as extra curricular activities to be outstanding. They have an award winning Model United Nations program, one of the oldest Thespian troupes in the United States, as well as an elite ROTC program. There are also alternative education opportunities to be taken advantage of, such as the Skill Center, and dual enrollment. The student body is diverse racially, and economicaly. I have learned so much about the world, people, and myself through out the three years i have been there, things i know i would not have gained at any other school.”

“I am a Flint Central graduate of 2004. I feel that Central has given me the tools to become the successful college student that I am today. Looking back, the diversity that Central students were exposed to was amazing, both in curriculum and people. The courses offered were outstanding, from the humanities classes to skilled trades classes at the Skill's Center, Central made it all available. As for the people, Central offered people from all phases of the socio-economial world. Blacks, whites, and hispanics... rich kids, poor kids, and middle class kids... Central had them all. I believe this diversity at Central made us better rounded individuals, and that this will help us throughout our various careers.”

“I attended Flint Central from 2001-2005. The opportunities available at this school are incredible. Students have at their fingertips incredible resources and options. The humanities program is truly outstanding. This curriculum expands the world of its students, opens their eyes and minds, and challenges them to find ways to integrate literature, the arts, history, and other social studies into their everyday lives. The fine arts magnet, particularly the theare program, is outstanding as well. Model United Nations is another program that encourages leadership and awareness of the world outside Flint, MI. Flint Central High School is not just a school. It is a place full of exceptional programs and opportunities for its community.”

“Flint Central High is a great institution. I attended CHS from 1999 to 2003. I was given several great opportunities, like going to Boston, MA for Medical Camp and being involved in Student Council. The Falculty was awesome and the atmosspere was very family oriented. My teachers cared about me and was interested in my progress. If I were to walk into Central today, I am still welcomed. Central has an excellent Magnet (Humanities) Program and a spectacular theatre department, which I was involved in. It is the best school in the Flint School district to attend if one seeks diversity and a well rounded education.”

“I have been in central for some time. I am a member of there Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Its a great program. The most problems I have seen at the school is how students treat students if your a nobody you don't get messed with that much if your a somebody and you do something thats noticeable the well get you for that. Most people respect peoples wishes. I don't see racist behavior there that much. As a 'white kid' I get along with white's and africa-american's alike. Its a great school as long as you don't act like a fool. You take pride of being there. It has the best NJROTC unit in the State 3rd best in the Area 3 region. If you choose to put your child in this school I would see if the JROTC unit would fit him. Leadership is great there.”

“I attended Central between the years of 1997 and 2001. As a student I took advanced classes--and let me say that the accelerated program was not closed like Flint's gifted elementary programs, but rather was open to ANY student who wanted an extra challenge. During my student years, Central was renowned for its core body of outstanding teachers and for its variety of extracurricular activities. Through my own involvement in theatre, Model UN and other clubs, I learned valuable leadership skills and was able to take advantage of many trips and conferences--even a student exchange trip to Mexico City. I would never have traded my Central education for private or home schooling, and I would never recommend another high school for a Flint student. I firmly believe that Central provides a strong, holistic education for ANYBODY who is willing to take their education seriously. Take the hard classes, and get involved.”

“I am a former student of central and i found it hard to make it to classes and soon hard to make it to school at all! going to class was horrifying everyday you have something to worry about the students were ruthless and did not care the teachers had no perspective as to what was happening because they simply did not care the afican american students were very racist and they did not like you if you were caucasion and would pick on you if you were notin their eyes cool enough i would never recomend this school to another person!”

“There is no school like Flint Central. There is a huge diversity, and if you want a good education it is there for the taking. The Theatre and Model United Nations programs are great. Recent administration is weak, through.”

“Central is a fantastic school when you know what to look for. The Humanities program and Fine Arts Magnet (art, music, choir, theatre) are great. Students have a chance to take classes outside of Central, at Northern and Southwestern high schools, Skills Center, and at University of Michigan-Flint, Mott Community College, and Kettering University. There are many sports and extracurricular activities to get involved in, with a wide variety of people. Those who say Central is a bad school just haven't looked into all the options the school provides. As a student, it is our job to keep up the legacy of this school, so let's do it!”

“I am a former student and Flint Central was like a prison. The 'A' students were always keep seperate from the other students. If you didn't fit in the above catagory you were forgotten about. My Senior Math class was 95% African American. I was scared to attend most days. The teacher didn't care. He would let them play cards all day in the back of the class. The top students in the school always had classes on the 3rd floor. You never seen them taking classes with the rest of the population, it was always the same kids from class room to class room. I know your reaction, you will say it's up to the student to obtain goods grades. But how do you do that when the same kids have the same teachers on the same floor of the school.”

“My son started at Central last year in the ninth grade and he did great. People sometimes want to blame the school for their kids downfall, but we as parents have to be involve and push our children to make them succeed. Flint schools seems to have a bad rep, I sent my daughter to another school out of the Flint district and it's the same, they have the same problem everywhere. We need to give Flint schools a chance and stop running we still have some great teacher who care, but we have to show we care too.”

“Having graduated from Flint Central in 2004, I believe I can provide an accurate account of the school. Central provided me with a unique education. The teachers the fine arts and humanities magnets are wonderful, combining expertise in their subjects with genuine interest in their students. No other school can provide the diversity that Central has with large populations of Caucasian, African-American, and Latino students. Central's model United Nations, theater, and vocal music programs are some of the best in the area. The quiz bowl team is also pretty good. Recent Central graduates (class of 2004) have been accepted to quality colleges such as Yale, Chicago, Michigan, Michigan State, and other fine schools. There are great opportunities to play sports at Central, with most sports (except the ever-popular basketball and football) giving any student who tries out a chance to play. It does take a strong family background and parent involvement.”

“Flint Central was once a great high school. Unfortunately, much like the city, it has fallen a great deal. I attended Central and felt it was not academically challenging. The environment was downright unpleasant and at times frightening. It's a shame that such a formerly lovely institution has been so neglected. If the student is not self motivated, there are very few teachers or staff able to push. I was one of the fortunate few who was interested enough in my education and had parental oversight. Many others simply didn't care and didn't achieve much. I would not suggest this school.”

“Central High School is a great school! The Since 1923, Flint Central has produced every kind of student from Hollywood Producers, to actors on Broadway to Rhodes Scholars. Do people know what a great school they have in their own backyard?”

“My daughter has spent three positive years at Central via the Gifted Magnet program. It takes parent involvement to secure a quality at Central, but then that is true at any high school. The student body is diverse, interaction between races is actually pretty good.”

“things were stolen from my kid every other day. he could not make friends he said that the african-american kids were prejudiced. the teachers filled out random absences, etc. on the report cards. my child did not go to school for 3 months and i didn't get one phone call!”