Welcome to Upper Academy
Convocation 2025
Sixth through Eighth Grade
We believe our Upper Academy Middle School scholars are legendary. Their independence, clarity of thought, and willingness to explore new ideas inspire us to infuse learning with meaning. Upper Academy scholars are energetic, The energy is electric and wires this division for exploration and impact.
By the time they reach eighth grade, scholars are challenged to stretch their creative and critical thinking skills through passion-driven projects, leadership training, and service learning experiences. These classes and activities encourage students in their path of self-discovery in preparation for their Upper School experience
Our 8th grade scholars are our Emerging Legends! They are the leaders of the school, and they begin their 8th grade year with our annual convocation and end their 8th grade year with commencement.
And although we are saying goodbye to our Legends we know that we will see them again, and will continue to support them through our Annual Legends Book Scholarship which is available to our Centennial Scholars upon their graduation from high school and acceptance to college.
Character
At Centennial Academy we believe character and academics go hand in hand, Our mission and vision of cultivating scholars who are high achievers, critical thinkers, lifelong learners and ethical leaders is supported through all Academy levels. As an EL Education partner school, we believe in the motto "We are Crew". Our commitment to this belief permeates throughout our campus.
In the EL Education model crew is both a culture and a structure. The culture of Crew means all members of the Centennial Academy Village; staff, scholars, caregivers, and community members, work together as a team to ensure our school community is supported, strong and thriving. We are committed to working together and helping each other achieve audacious goals!
The structure of crew consists of daily meetings that are designed to be inclusive, fun, reflective and educational. During Crew Meetings scholars build meaningful relationships with peers, reflect on academic progress, and focus on scholarly habits and character development.
Academics
In Upper Academy our scholars have an assigned homeroom in which they start each day with Crew. During the day scholars switch classes for core academic content of math, science, language arts, and social studies. Also, students who met the requirements are able to take advanced placement classes.
Steam & Project Based Learning
Using the design thinking model, CA scholars engage in authentic and challenging standard-aligned micro and macro project-based learning experiences throughout each quarter. These learning experiences culminate in an immersive museum experience called, iCurate, which is open to the community twice a year. During iCurate scholars proudly showcase and share their PBLs with each other, our school, and the community.
Electives
In addition to rigorous academic content, our Upper Academy heroes are immersed in robust enrichment content that we call Connections. Scholars in Upper Academy gain more opportunities to shape their academic and extracurricular experiences by selecting a course of study that aligns with their interests.
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Spanish
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Computer Science
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Music
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Band
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Physical Education/Health
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Art
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Dance
Athletics
Upper Academy Scholars are also able to participate in athletics. Centennial Academy offers the following athletic opportunities:
Fall Sports
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Volleyball
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Cheerleading
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Co-ed Flag Football
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Cross Country
Winter Sports
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Cheerleading
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Basketball, Boys' and Girls'
Spring Sports
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Track & Field
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Baseball
Leadership
At Centennial Academy, we nurture and cultivate the innate leadership potential in every scholar. As a part of our school culture strategic initiative, we commit to 100% of scholars engaging in a leadership opportunity every year.
In Upper Academy, scholars are learning about our Hero Habits of being; helpful, engaged, responsible, and open-minded. Leadership experiences are designed to enhance students understanding of how character traits connect to their classroom, school, and the world around them.
Every scholar has the opportunity to lead in the following ways:
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Student Ambassadors
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Classroom Jobs
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Student News Crew (recite the pledge, Hero Creed, or Hero Affirmation)
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Leadership Day
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Synergy Squads
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iCurate Docents
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And more
Contribute to Our Emerging Legends
Invest in the Future: Support Our Emerging Legends!
Wow! Can you believe it? The end of the school year is rapidly approaching, and with it, the momentous occasion when our 8th Grade Emerging Legends take their final step to become official Legends of Centennial Academy!
This transition marks not only the end of their time with us but the beginning of their journey as high school leaders and community change-makers. It’s a moment of immense pride, and we go all out to celebrate their accomplishments.
We Need Your Support for the Emerging Legends Fund
As we finalize preparations for the numerous, cherished events that honor our 8th graders, we need your help to ensure these celebrations are unforgettable.
Your donation to the Emerging Legends Fund directly fuels the traditions that inspire our scholars, including:
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Our Annual Commencement Ceremony: Providing a distinguished send-off that recognizes their hard work and dedication.
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8th Grade Week Activities: Funding meaningful celebratory events and experiences throughout their final week, designed to wish them "Good Luck" in all their future endeavors.
Make an Impact Today
By contributing to this fund, you are doing more than just funding an event; you are investing in the potential, pride, and future success of these young leaders.
Please consider donating today. Join us in celebrating these Heroes Today as they step confidently into their roles as Legends Tomorrow!