Central Dauphin Senior High School

Posted: November 21, 2023

As a current college student, I have come to appreciate the education I got at CD. Nearly everyone in my classes now struggles with things like basic computer programming with excel, which is something I learned how to do in 6th grade. Sure, everyone thinks that they’re high school is bad or a nuisance when they’re there, but it’s clear to see the difference between the education I got compared to others. CD also has some very well known athletic programs, which some people may assume means we only focused on sports, but I can guarantee that nearly all of the athletes I was in classes with made classes a priority as well. I loved just about all of my teachers and I truly feel like they were passionate about teaching. I know I don’t speak for everyone, but I believe that CD has a great academic curriculum that prepares students to succeed in their future education and/or career.

Posted: November 21, 2023

Posted: November 21, 2023

Posted: November 21, 2023

Posted: November 21, 2023

Posted: November 21, 2023

Posted: November 21, 2023

Posted: November 21, 2023

Posted: May 28, 2023

As a student at this school, I cannot imagine myself at any other. My school provides the education I need to succeed, and extracurricular activities that further extend my knowledge. The teachers at this school offer guidance and support when I need it, and they encourage me to do my best. The subjects being taught aren’t always fun to learn, but in the end they are necessary, so I do not complain.

Posted: May 28, 2023

Posted: May 28, 2023

Posted: May 28, 2023

Posted: May 28, 2023

Posted: May 28, 2023

Posted: May 28, 2023

Posted: May 28, 2023

Posted: November 2, 2018

I had many highs and lows throughout my years here. All in all, it was a pretty average experience. The school has changed in size, staff, demographics, test scores, and policies over the years, but it’s still a middle of the road institution. The bad teachers don’t represent the good, and vice versa. It’s just important to find those you click with. If I raise kids in the area I’ll consider other schools, but this place is ideal for most kids and their families able to find their niche. There’s something for everyone here.

Posted: November 2, 2018

Doing math problems from the books got to be so repetitive and therefore meaningless year after year. I found myself just hopelessly making up solutions when I had trouble, just for the sake of the full 4 points. Not completing a problem wasn’t a choice if I wanted credit for the effort I put in.

Aside from those minor grievances, though, homework wasn’t all that bad across the board. Most classes had a regular schedule of assignments each chapter, so you’d know what to expect.

Posted: November 2, 2018

Like other schools, there were teachers that did what they had to in order to collect a paycheck. There were those that preferred athletes, musicians, or drama kids. As a shy student I sometimes felt overlooked in favor of more popular kids who made their presence more known. When it came to music classes, kids whose parents were heavily involved were, in my opinion, treated better. If the teacher was a coach, it felt like athletes had the room. This stuff wasn’t too bad, but impartiality could be improved.

There were definitely some teachers passionate about their subject too. Having an interest in them and their subject made a huge impact on my academic development. As an outsider, where friends in classes lacked, teachers who understood me as a student helped.

Posted: November 2, 2018

Personal development isn’t taught at the school, nor elsewhere for that matter. I don’t fault the school so much as some parents. Wealthy or popular students are often times the most vicious, and parents whose kids can “do no wrong” can be a problem. Those are just examples, but in general some kids develop negative traits which simply cannot be changed by the school.

There are surely some coaches and teachers involved in extracurriculars who make a positive impact on the kids. The head football coach seems to do a good job with the players both on and off the field, for example.

Posted: November 2, 2018

The network between the staff members is pretty good, considering there are phones and email accounts to relay information. There’s a relatively clear chain of command too. It’s not perfect, but it works. Principals get to know you eventually, and not just for discipline reasons.

Posted: November 2, 2018

Students with special needs of all kinds seem to make out better than those at some other high schools in the area. If a student has an IEP in place the school does what they can with what resources they have to follow it. Colleges definitely do a better job with this, but considering all the constraints the school has to deal with, it does a good job.

Posted: November 2, 2018

I’m probably a unique case, but I was bullied quite a bit due to an aspect of my identity. For the fear of offending some kid’s parents, staff were sometimes too easy on bullies. Of course, parents too embarrassed to address this simply didn’t. Kids from affluent or well-known families, or those who played sports could get away with more, from my perspective. Too many times did I hear “they won’t do anything” when students were told to report bullying to staff. Staff members never want to be accused of favoritism, so I get their hesitance. But it’s hardly an excuse. Having the right teacher, counselor, or principal to talk to about these issues helped me through them. While there are bullying issues, there is a process for how to handle them. Some staff are way better than others.

Posted: January 30, 2017

I am a former student and the teachers are caring, there is diversity in student backgrounds (limited at first, but growing), as well as in thought. I am now a Registered Nurse with my BSN and I am looking into my masters program. My family has been attending this district for two generations now and the schools have served us well. All of my friends have gone on to becoming successful and educated adults with compassion for others and social consciousness.

Posted: January 26, 2016

Awful administrative team - my child, who had never been in any type of trouble, made a minor mistake that was blown out of proportion. When I went to meet with the assistant principal, I was told he was following the school's policy in administering the penalty and his judgement was not involved (?). I then attempted to reason with the principal, who was not kind or compassionate at all, and continued to quote policy.

My final step was to seek out the assistant superintendent, who did not disagree with the fact that the discipline given to my child was over the top. He simply said they would be evaluating such situations over the summer. The ultimate putoff. What a group of caring and nurturing individuals!

By the way, my child couldn't even tell you what the principal looks like at this high school.

Bottom line - this school is scared of becoming an urban high school and therefore runs the institution like a prison.

If you are considering moving into this district - don't. I made this mistake a number of years ago and have regretted it ever since. Cumberland Valley, Hershey, Lower Dauphin, Boiling Springs, Mechanicsburg and Palmyra would be much better places.

Yes, we have moved out of the district and are much happier in our new location just down the road.

Extremely disappointed former parent

Posted: September 21, 2015

I have two children in the high school and they are thriving there. I am very impressed with the amount of honors and AP courses they offer, the sports teams are very competitive and it's a very ethnically diverse school. I'm not sure if the parents who said it wasn't have ever stepped foot in the school. The school is not going to coddle your child, but the opportunities to excel are there if your child wants to succeed.

Posted: September 21, 2015

Posted: September 21, 2015

Posted: September 21, 2015

Posted: December 4, 2014

This is the worse school as far as communication with the teachers and staff!! Still waiting on guidance counselor to contact me regarding a meeting about my child, and that was promised last week. If your son/daughter is not a sports legend or the future Einstein...forget it you aren't getting any support there.

Posted: September 16, 2012

Everyone fights about everthing at this school. Worst school ever! Im putting my kids in a private school because CD and CDEAST are horrible. Parents are not correcting their children at home and they hand them money to do what ever they want except act right in school why should they, their parents wil pay their way out of anything..

Posted: August 21, 2012

As a student, I do not believe that the previous parents' comments can accurately describe life inside Central Dauphin High School. In one, a lack of ethnic diversity is mentioned. To that, what can I say? It's a false statement. The faculty more than willing to help you before school, after school, and even through e-mail. Having been disciplined recently... I can say that the school has strong and (yet not overly strong) principals and leadership. These are things that parents just cannot see.

Posted: December 29, 2011

I am currently a student at Central Dauphin High School. I went to a very small catholic school for 9 years and finally decided that it was the for a change. Going to Central Dauphin was the best decision that I have ever made. It has every good aspect that one should look for if they are considering CD. First off, because of its size, there is a wide array of student interests that you will find. There truly is a group of people for every student. The sports, arts, and extra curriculars are state of the art. On a personal level I am highly involved with the music and drama departments and you will not find a better school for that in the area. Another extremely important aspect is the phenomenal teachers. CLass sizes are small and every teacher I have had, I have been able to create a connection with past the classroom. They want the best for their students and show a great respect, of course as long as the student is willing to return it. Students will always say that they hate high school and everyone will have unpleasant experiences, but aside from all of that, CD is the best place in the Harrisburg area that one could send their children.

Posted: August 15, 2011

The misconduct that goes on in this school is unbelievable. The teachers dont care. Classrooms are so unorganized the students do what they please. No wonder the grade averages are so low at Central Dauphin High.