School History and Profile

The Williamson County School System is a K-12 school district with over 17,000 students.  The district has over 30 schools, and all of them, including the central office, are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.  Approximately 50% of the professional employees have attained Masters' Degrees or higher.  Approximately 50% of the professional employees are on Career Ladder Levels II or III.  The WCSS earned the Governor's A+ Award for Education in 1992, 1993, and 1994; the program was discontinued by the state in 1995.  

Williamson County's central location allows its residents to commute to the abundance of higher and continuing education facilities located throughout Middle Tennessee.  Located only thirty miles to the east is Murfreesboro, giving Williamson County residents easy access to Middle Tennessee State University.  Also just a few miles to the east is Cumberland University in Lebanon.  David Lipscomb, Nashville State Technical Institute, Aquinas, Vanderbilt, Belmont, Trevecca, and Tennessee State University are closely located in nearby Nashville.  Columbia State Community College provides an opportunity for students to articulate in various programs.

Citizens of the community may participate in a diverse array of activities.  The Williamson County Recreation Complex in Franklin is a $3.5 million facility that features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an indoor walking track, two racquetball courts, a weight room, two gymnasiums, a teen center, a crafts room, aerobics, and a new wellness center fitness facility.  Both Franklin and Brentwood have family YMCAs.  Franklin's parks include the Jim Warren City Park, John D. Pinkerton Park, and the City Park at Fieldstone.  Other parks in the county include the 800-acre Fairview Nature Park, the 160-acre Crockett Park, Granny White Park, Grassland Park, and the Deerwood Arboretum.  Demonstrated by the number of annual rodeos, horse shows, and the Steeplechase, equestrian sports are popular in Williamson County.  The county is also hope to a variety of top-quality golf courses, such as The Legends, The Governor's Club, Forrest Crossing, Country Club of Franklin, Spencer Creek, and Natchez Trace Golf Club (see Demographics).

Centennial High School opened its doors in August of 1996.  The faculty and administration reflect the diversity and richness of Williamson County.  Representing all corners of the community, these individuals possess a unique blend of background and expertise.  They strive to offer an unparalleled commitment, providing students with a quality education that promises to make Centennial High School synonymous with excellence.  Offering optimal education experiences in a modern facility, the physical structure of Centennial High School reflects Williamson County's commitment to innovation, technology, and education.  Structurally striking and aesthetically pleasing, this two-story plan integrates technology with a positive learning environment that will prepare students for life-long learning in the 21st century (see virtual tour).

The design and construction of Centennial High School foster expectations for excellence.  A user-friendly college and career counseling center is networked online to colleges and universities.  Twelve science laboratories allow for extensive hands-on experimentation.  Three fully-networked computer laboratories focus on business applications, computer literacy, and programming.  In addition, a fully-networked communications lab services the technology broadcasting program, yearbook production, and journalism.  Each classroom houses a minimum of one computer; in addition, students have access to a computerized library media center and two technology classrooms that include computer and dark-room capability.  All instructional environments focus on assisting and expanding the learning potential of the student, creating safe situations through which students may develop into educated, responsible citizens of a global society.