Central High School Earns Middle States Accreditation
Newark, NJ — Central High School has earned accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), a worldwide leader in accreditation and continuous school improvement.
“Middle States accreditation serves as an independent validation of the good work we do, and the accreditation process focuses our attention on continuous growth and improvement,” said Principal Mitchell. “We are proud to have earned accreditation and to join the Middle States network. We look forward to continuing to work with our administrators, teachers, parents and our entire school community to provide high quality education for all students.”
The accreditation process begins with a self-study that is conducted by the school or school system and requires input from school leaders, teachers, parents and students. Following the self-study, a team of volunteer educators from Middle States member schools conducts a peer review.
The visiting team makes its recommendation to the Middle States Association Commissions, which votes on the accreditation.
“The Middle States accreditation process advances school evolution,” said Christian Talbot, president of MSA-CESS. “Middle States accredited schools are part of a powerful network of innovative and skilled educators from around the globe committed to preparing students to contribute to the common good, to be purposeful citizens, and to live fulfilling lives.”
Central High School’s Vision
Central High School is a destination in the city of Newark for students seeking a challenging and enriching academic experience. With a diverse array of Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment courses, students have the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. Our specialized academy programs provide hands-on learning in high-demand fields, including our distinguished Dental Academy, where students gain practical experience in oral health care, and our Environmental Studies Academy, which prepares future leaders in sustainability and conservation. Beyond the classroom, our 12 extracurricular clubs and activities ensure that every student can explore their passions, from STEM and the arts to leadership and community service. Additionally, our Autism program focuses on real-life transitional education, equipping students with the skills they need for success beyond high school.
At Central High School, student life is vibrant and dynamic, both academically and athletically. We offer all major sporting teams, providing students with numerous opportunities to excel in athletics, teamwork, and school spirit. Our nationally ranked Speech and Debate team consistently earns top honors, fostering critical thinking, public speaking, and competitive excellence. As a community hub, Central is more than just a school—our facilities are frequently used for district, city, and state events, making us a vital part of the city. The lights are always on at Central, reflecting the energy, ambition, and dedication of our students, staff, and community. Central High School inspires greatness and opens doors to a brighter future!
Superintendent León and President Council congratulates and commends the administration, staff, parents and students at Central High School for this incredible milestone.
About Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
Based in Philadelphia, the Middle States Association is the worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. Since 1887, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development, and advance student achievement. With more than 2,700 accredited schools and school systems in nearly 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in over 110 countries, Middle States is proud of its continuing legacy and its ongoing innovations to meet the challenges of improving education in the 21st century. For more information visit www.msa-cess.org.