Centennial Academy in Atlanta | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	4/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement, and using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade (EOG) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.
Student Growth	7/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.

Posted: August 25, 2026

We had two children attend Centennial. Both succeeded, yet we ultimately left disappointed. Academically, we found the school too focused on testing rather than critical thinking, retention and enrichment. Our daughter transferred and found material taught in 7th grade at Centennial that shed already learned in 6th elsewhere. More homework doesnt equal greater rigor.

Our son rarely had behavioral issues, played multiple sports and won MVPs, but eventually became a big fish in a small pond academically and athletically. Parents of serious athletes should look closely at the actual competition, coaching and resources rather than wins alone.

We also had concerns with how some staff spoke to students. Discipline is necessary, but educators should have the emotional intelligence to correct developing children without intimidating or discouraging them. Adults are expected to manage personalities professionally in other workplaces; I expect at least that standard from adults entrusted with children.

With our daughter, we repeatedly addressed comments about her clothing and developing body that we considered inappropriate. We support reasonable dress codes. We dont support making teenage girls feel their bodies are the problem, especially when we observed adults who didnt appear to follow the same standards.

The school also felt very insular. Many staff members have children attending Centennial, which at times made us question favoritism and objectivity. I cant verify the relationship of every person leaving a positive review, but prospective parents should consider whether some glowing reviews come from people employed by or personally connected to the school. Our experience with the broader parent community often felt much closer to the concerns expressed in negative reviews. The limited participation we observed at parent-teacher events and in the PTA only reinforced that impression.

Our kids succeeded there. Thats what made our conclusion clearer: success within Centennial wasnt preparing them for the level of academic, athletic and personal growth we believe theyre capable of outside of it. If youre considering Centennial, speak with parents who arent employed by or closely connected to the school, including families who left.

Posted: August 25, 2026

Posted: June 14, 2026

Worst school I have ever went to.

Posted: June 14, 2026

Posted: February 13, 2025

Centennial is an amazing school they have been amazing since my son attended and he is now in high school and I definitely love the teachers and now my daughter attends Centennial and she loves it as well! Great school

Posted: February 13, 2025

Posted: January 29, 2025

As a parent, I have thoroughly enjoyed the time my family has spent at Centennial Academy. The teachers are committed to the school's mission and work diligently to educate the scholars through a rigorous and compassionate approach. The school also offers an accelerated pathways program for high-achieving students who are not in the gifted program, K-8. I like the accelerated pathways program because the students are exposed to additional learning opportunities to support their continued growth that they would ordinarily miss out on. The school also has amazing partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, etc.

Posted: January 29, 2025

Excellent school. Engaged and caring staff. My scholar loves Centennial

Posted: January 29, 2025

Posted: November 15, 2024

Centennial Academy Charter in Atlanta stands out as an exceptional educational institution. The school is dedicated to fostering both academic excellence and strong character development in its K-8 scholars. Its focus on EL Education and the "habits of character and scholarship" framework creates a well-rounded learning environment where students thrive not only academically but also personally.

One of Centennials greatest strengths is its outstanding leadership. The principal and school leaders are deeply invested in the success of every scholar, providing a clear vision and strong support for both staff and students. Their dedication to cultivating a positive school culture is evident in every aspect of the school, from the innovative curriculum to the supportive relationships among teachers, scholars, and families. The staff and teachers are genuinely invested in the success of their scholars, going above and beyond to ensure each child feels supported and challenged. Centennials integration of habits like communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking into its curriculum equips students with lifelong skills. Additionally, the emphasis on being helpful, engaged, responsible, and open-minded helps build a community rooted in respect and kindness.

The after-school clubs and programs are another highlight, offering students opportunities to explore interests, develop talents, and connect with peers. The school's commitment to providing an enriching, safe, and engaging environment makes it a standout choice for families in Atlanta.

Parents seeking a school that prioritizes both academic growth and character building will find Centennial Academy Charter an outstanding choice! We have been here for 4 years and the Elementary program is PHENOMENAL. WE LOVE CENTENNIAL!

Posted: November 15, 2024

Posted: July 28, 2023

The level of absence in leadership and accountability is absolutely unacceptable. Both students and teachers are allowed to engage in bullying behavior towards other students. I had to take the matter to the Superintendent and Director of Operation of APS Charter School. Unfortunately, they lack inclusivity entirely, and the traditional chain of command for addressing issues proves ineffective. Furthermore, when you reach out to the school leader, you can expect a defensive and combative response. If possible, I strongly advise seeking an alternative charter school. It is my hope that the staff, especially the leadership team, receives training in diversity to rectify these problems.

Posted: January 19, 2019

Great School, teachers & staff, communication and resources

Posted: August 21, 2018

The environment at Centennial Academy is very positive and its climate fosters every child's ability to succeed socially, emotionally and academically.

Posted: August 21, 2018

Posted: September 28, 2016

They have really phenomenal resources and could be doing so much more, but the students are not learning much (they are failing, really), and the teacher morale is low. They change ideas and expectations often so there isn't any consistency. They spend a great deal of time making things look good, but not doing the hard work to actually make things genuinely great.

Posted: September 28, 2016

Leadership all disagrees on what is important for the school. They do not try and support their struggling teachers and they celebrate and rely heavily on their favorites (Mr. Bussey).

Posted: September 28, 2016

The teachers are amazing but the expectations change so much that they cannot be creative and they are not trusted as professionals.

Posted: September 28, 2016

Every room is different. Expectations are fluid at the beginning of the year and then admin changes things up when parents complain.

Posted: October 7, 2015

For the most part ineffective. The leadership doesn't seem to understand what is important and therefore, does not provide the leadership that the few skilled teachers need and lack ability to identify and hire.

Posted: October 7, 2015

The school lacked a curriculum last year. The little homework that comes home is internet worksheets with poor instructions on how to perform.

Posted: October 7, 2015

Centennial does not fairly provide the same services to all students. Staff members, PTA members, and other select groups receives better development.

Posted: October 7, 2015

Great schools must not be aware that Centennial currently is considered a failed school. Centennial is not transparent with its delivery or should I say non-delivery of quality instructions to all students. The school is considered a FOCUS SCHOOL, which means that for an average 3 years the school failed to meet standards above the district and state average.

Posted: August 15, 2015

Excellent school. The teachers there are really professionals and experts in dealing with kids . The school atmosphere is very warm .

Posted: August 15, 2015

My three kids really love and learn a lot from the personality of their teachers .

Posted: August 15, 2015

It's really prepare the students to be in the top . The homework some times really challenging but it reflect our ambitious

Posted: August 15, 2015

The teachers always set good examples for kids to follow . Also,, the movies and the stories are carefully selected then it's followed by discussions about the values that had been shown in the stories.

Posted: July 18, 2015

This school COULD be a great school. Once upon a time it was family oriented and the leadership as well as the teachers cared very much for the full child. Unfortunately this past year after leadership hired some fantastic and some not so fantastic teachers they decided they didn't care what the parents thought and basically pushed us out of the door. This caused the teachers to work even harder to show the parents that we were welcome. If you could get to the classroom - you felt warmly welcomed by the teachers but you had to walk through the front door (BRRRR) and get to the classroom first. Hate the parents opinion doesn't matter anymore.

Posted: July 18, 2015

The teachers are excellent! The leadership can stand to take notes from the teachers. If the leadership was as committed as the teachers the school would almost be perfect.

Posted: July 18, 2015

The homework can't be vaguely answered as requested here. It depends on the grade. One of my kids could finish homework in one night for the week while the other in 2 to 3 days. Yet their friends parents felt differently about the amount of time required to complete the homework. The greatest down fall was CA was suppose to level classes and didn't so the homework was appropriate for some and below level for others since this didn't take place.

Posted: July 18, 2015

Posted: June 25, 2015

Centennial Teachers are effective, proactive and very innovative. I appreciate their passion and dedication to developing the "total" student.

Posted: June 25, 2015

Centennial gives alot of homework, BUT we live in a global economy now and our children need math, social studies, reading, science, enrichment daily. Parent participation is required. Parents don't disengage on your responsibility - ENGAGE and tag team with the Teachers !!!

Posted: June 25, 2015

The Centennial Academy Student Mission - HERO, encourages and rewards students that display behavior of honesty, integrity and fairness.

Posted: June 25, 2015

I am a single mom without any family here in Atlanta. Centennial Academy has been a phenomenal experience for me. My son has attended Centennial since Kindergarten. He is now going into the 2nd grade. The Principal, Asst Principals, and Teachers are ALL AMAZING. I love the family-feel of everyone there. The faculty is always willing to help and bend backwards to guide and assist me. I have carefully observed the Teachers interacting with my son and other students and they treat the children as if these precious beings are their own. The curriculum and STEM programs are AMAZING. At times the homework can be alot for a 1st grader lol, but it is all worth it. One more thing - the morning yoga for the kids is so innovative and really helps get the wiggles out of them before class. The YMCA After-school next door has also been a life-saver for me. If you are a single mom without any family here in Atlanta . . .I STRONGLY RECOMMEND you enroll your "bundle of joy" into this school asap and make sure you attend the Parent Teacher Meetings - these meetings are so insightful.

Posted: June 1, 2015

Teachers are very enthusiasm and nice, my family like the school, thank you so much.

Posted: March 24, 2015

CPE has been great my daughter has been a student since Kindergarden she now in the 4th grade. Sure there have been some problems, but overall the school and staff has been fantastic .

Posted: March 21, 2015

Even as a parent I can't recall a good time I have had throughout the whole charter school experience. My oldest daughter who is currently in the 6th grade is constantly harassed about her uniform and her social friends. I feel they are too worried about simple things of that sort. I am sick of the phone calls I continually receive on daily basis about those silly subjects. Not only that I don't feel my youngest or oldest child is receiving the right education. Instead of them calling me about uniforms they should be calling me every time my child receives a low grade or having trouble understanding something. My oldest usually never has problems with her work, but she is this year. They provided tutorial sessions for her which I feel has helped tremendously, but there should be no such reason why she or any other student should have to attend if the teachers do their jobs to the fullest. Maybe if they were not constantly sending children to the office through the day about non-black shoes or a non-gray jacket. It should be completely irrelevant to their education. If you plan on sending your child here for middle school you might NEED to look at another school.

Posted: May 21, 2014

My daughter is nearing the end of her first year at CPE. Overall, we have been pleased. Our child's reading and math skills have soared since she started. We are headed into first grade and will be joining the gifted program in the fall. I am looking forward to another wonderful year at Centennial Place Academy.

Posted: April 26, 2014

I am a parent that has been there for many years. I am excited that Centennial will be the first Conversion Charter School in APS. Gaining the autonomy is producing more support from the community and lessens limitations that have brought more harm than good. Getting the resources for teachers and students has always been an issue negatively impacting many areas within our school. Now, we will be able to design a plan with no limitations from the heart of our school community that will benefit. We love all CPE teachers: past and present. The teachers that have chosen to teach elsewhere will be missed; however, the teachers that have chosen to stay along with the outstanding teachers choosing to come aboard will provide the best academic/ learning environment for every student that is blessed with the opportunity to attend Centennial. This change is allowing this school to broaden the ability to produce creative, intellectual, well balanced thinkers that will be prepared competitive global citizens achieving their dreams! I fully support and are very excited for the future of tho already GREAT school!

Posted: April 26, 2014

Converting to Charter school status will ruin this school. The best teachers are leaving - Our wonderful Assistant Principal, Ms. Reilly is leaving. So is the counselor, our awesome orchestra teacher, and most of the best! Over half of my child's teachers are leaving this school! I am worried about the quality of instruction when most of the remaining teachers have less than 5 years teaching experience! My ratings are for the current teachers.

Posted: January 5, 2014

Our son has been enrolled at Centennial Place Elementary since 1st grade and we love this school. The parents and teachers are very involved, our son excels in the enrichment programs, the curriculum is challenging, and a major plus is that the YMCA is basically connected to the school and has a decent afterschool program.

Posted: November 3, 2013

Centennial Place Elementary is a wonderful school! The faculty and staff are great and very involved not only in the classroom, but with the total well-being of their students. I've had two children to graduate from Centennial already, and I have a current third grader there now. She absolutely loves it, and so do I. I can't say enough great things about Centennial Place Elementary. Keep up the good work!

Posted: October 31, 2013

As a parent I am very please with the staff and the school. They have made this made it easy to want and to look for to the conversion to a charter school. I feel as though they have put several programs into place to help our children to meet the common core standards that has been set by the state. I love that they has tutorial for children when they are stuggling with certain subjects within the classroom. I love that they also remediate with the students during intersession when they are struggling in certain areas. Centennial Place is the perfect school for my child. If anyone is looking for a school of excellance then Centennial Place Elementary is the perfect school for you.

Posted: October 29, 2013

It is amazing that I am having the SAME issues that past parents have had. My child has been bullied. Ms. Scott literally through the sign in book at me when I came to pick my daughter up early on 10/29/2013. I have been on the receiving end of her biases behavior toward certain parents. When I first came there 2 years ago she referred to certain kids as bad and low income. Yes, these were children whom she had never met; but yet judged them and said they were being bused over. She did not know I lived in that neighborhood. Some of the teachers there have that same biases attitude. Ms. Crump who is a kindergarten teacher is one. They have alot of nerve to discriminate against parents and children because of socioeconomic factors like they have gold bars lying around. Ms.Riley is a sweet lady who works there and helped me with the bullying my child was experiencing. They need to get it together.com. Judge and you will be judged.

Posted: September 16, 2013

This is truth. My son attended this school briefly. Upon visiting the school I realized this was not the place a child is nurtured. At least in the classroom I visited. Behavior problems are rampant. It seemed like the teacher was apathetic. Certain classes are dimly lit and the school is poorly managed. The staff was unaware or showed not interest. My child was bullied and a chosen few children are pushed by staff to succeed. I believe witches are running this school. Pray for the children who attend centennial.

Posted: July 25, 2013

Centennial has an abundance of programs to offer each child. Everything from after-school clubs to intersession programs like Architecture, Urban Gardening, Boys & Girl Scouts, Technology Club, Girls on the Run & League of Extraordinary Gentleman. They also have partnerships with GA Tech, Coca Cola and the GA Aquarium that add exposure, enrichment, and programs to our children's lives both socially and academically. Lets not forget to mention Art, Orchestra/Band & Spanish. Some of which my son has participated in. Not only do they have these awesome programs but the teachers are dedicated and knowledgeable in their respective subjects. In my 5 years of parental involvement the teachers my son have had and those that I observe are a great asset to the children's academic and social development. They challenge him in areas where he is strong and develop & provide us with tools to strengthen areas that need improvement.

Posted: June 17, 2013

Both my daughter and I had a great experience at Centennial. She is now a rising 10th grader and has mentioned more than once that her CPE experience and education prepared her to be tremendously successful in her academic endeavors. No school is perfect but I can say that the principal, teachers and parents worked very hard to ensure that students at every level had the opportunity to receive an excellent education. One school is not the answer for every child/family that is clear from some of the comments. However, I encourage you to consider Centennial Place Elementary and see for yourself. Lastly, no matter where you are: stay connected, get involved and do whatever you can to make the experience great for you and your family.

Posted: June 6, 2013

I have children at CPE and am a very involved parent. We have had wonderful experiences with all of our teachers and enjoy being a part of the CPE community. Our students have cutting edge educational opportunities like GA Tech engineering clubs, honors orchestra, enrichment clubs and fun camps during our Fall and Spring breaks, International Nights, Justice Project, art club, gifted programming, urban gardening (we have a cool new orchard!), frequent GA Aquarium field trips, class field trips to the US Space Center in Huntsville, Chattanooga, Washington DC, and the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham. Principal Shelton, Assistant Principal Reilly and the entire CPE team are truly dedicated to educating our children. Our year round calendar had really worked well with my working parent schedule. CPE is downtown Atlanta's public K-5 S.T.E.A.M. school of excellence and I would strongly recommend it as an excellent public school choice.

Posted: June 1, 2013

CPE is an excellent school! In fact, I moved into the community just to be able to get my kids into Centennial. Yes, there are some low-income families in the community, but there are hard-working, educated parents like my self who reside here as well. The teachers at Centennial are very passionate about their jobs and the students. I have two kids who graduated from CPE, and one who in 3rd grade. They are both Honor Roll students, and exceeded in several areas of the CRCT. Also, my kids have attended school there over the last six years, and I've yet to see more than 23 students per classroom. I think the person who thought she saw 30 kids in a room was maybe angry due to her child's rare situation. I can't say enough great things about CPE and their wonderful faculty and staff! I'm a very satisfied parent.

Posted: July 1, 2012

Not a very good school at all! 30+ kids per class room. My children where bullied in both class rooms and different grade levels due to the color of their skin (white). YMCA program is even worse. My oldest son was hospitalized due to injuries. The school is near low income housing so you will see children that are not cared for properly at home and run a muck at school. Principal and staff pretend that they care but don't do anything. The incidents occurred over and over until i took my kids out of that school. Academic wise the teachers stick to their books. In comparison to other states and cities we have lived in this is the worst. I would say do not move to Atlantic Station if you have children. The area is amazing but the school available is HORRIBLE!!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Garden Hills	Condominium/Townhouse	Atlanta	GA		4.4 mi
2	Heritage Farms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Marietta	GA		19.9 mi

Base	Distance
Fort Gillem	10.9 mi.
Dobbins ARB	12.2 mi.

Centennial Academy

Atlanta, GA 30313

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Centennial Academy

Atlanta, GA 30313

School Ratings

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