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Welcome to Upper Academy

photo of Assistant Principal Thorbes
photo of Academic Coach Lewis

Sixth through Eighth Grade

Teacher and scholars studying geography

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

two Upper Academy Scholars

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.

teacher standing in front of whiteboard teaching math

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. 

 

 

Design Thinking Model
Scholars showing project

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. 

  • Spanish

  • Computer Science

  • Music

  • Band

  • Physical Education/Health 

  • Art

  • Dance

Athletics

Upper Academy Scholars are also able to participate in athletics. Centennial Academy offers the following athletic opportunities:

middle school volleyball team in black uniform

Fall Sports

  • Volleyball 

  • Cheerleading

  • Co-ed Flag Football

  • Cross Country

basketball player dribbling

Winter Sports

  • Cheerleading

  • Basketball, Boys' and Girls'

 

 

baseball player at bat

Spring Sports

  • Track & Field

  • 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:

  •  Student Ambassadors

  • Classroom Jobs

  • Student News Crew (recite the pledge, Hero Creed, or Hero Affirmation)

  • Leadership Day 

  • Synergy Squads

  • iCurate Docents 

  • And more  

 

two male students holding an award