About Centennial
Centennial High School is one of two flagship high schools in the Champaign Unit 4 School District. Centennial opened its doors in 1967 and is home to the Chargers. Centennial hosts the District's high school athletic complex and the legendary Tommy Stewart Field. Dedicated faculty and a dynamic student body make Centennial an excellent place for young people to explore new ideas and engage in their learning.
Our Mission
To teach students the knowledge and skills to be life-long learners, good citizens, and productive members of society.
Our Graduates
Our senior classes continue to amaze us with their efforts.
- More than $8.5 million in scholarships were awarded to the Class of 2016.
- More than 300 students have scored 30 or higher on the ACT® over the past four years.
- Students accepted at top universities, community colleges, trade programs, and the armed forces.
Unit 4 News
- Board of Education Approves Alison Hampton, Dr. Howard Assistant Principal
- Central and Centennial Graduates Recognized for Biliteracy
- Champaign Unit 4 is Seeking Applications for Membership on the Education Equity Excellence Committee (EEE).
- Back to School Event at Frances Nelson
- Unit 4 Welcomes New Director of Facilities
Centennial News
Our History
During the 1965-66 school year approximately 550 sophomores attended classes in the first phase of the Senior High Annex. They attended classes on the same schedule as those at Champaign High School. The 1966-67 school year found an equal distribution of sophomore and junior students at Champaign Senior High School and the Annex. In that year the names “Central” and “Centennial” were given to the two respective schools.
The school year 1967-68 marked the beginning of a full-fledged program for Centennial High School. For the first time, Centennial had an approximately equal distribution of sophomore, junior and senior students, and they attended school in a completed building. The members of the Class of 1968 struck a new trail for succeeding crops of Chargers to add to and improve upon.
Beginning with the 1977-78 school year, the school district adopted a plan whereby freshmen were added to the high school, making Centennial a four-year high school.