Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Central High School?
How do I enroll?
How many credits do I need to graduate?
What time is school?
Do you serve lunch & breakfast?
What is a charter school?
What is the cost to attend?
Who is eligible to attend?
How is Central different from a traditional high school?
Are Central teachers certified?
Does Central offer special education programs?
Does Central accept ESOL students?
Is Central COGNIA accredited?
When can students apply?
How can I get to school?

Where is Central High School?

We are located at 1250 West 17th Street (in front of the post office off of Lisenby Avenue and behind the Piggly Wiggly shopping center.)

Our address is:
1250 West 17th Street, Suite A
Panama City, FL 32405

Phone 850-866-4148

How do I enroll?

You must come to Central High School to complete and submit an application.  You cannot submit an application online.  Once you have completed your application, you will be placed on our enrollment and orientation list.  Next, you will be contacted and assigned an orientation day.  The enrollment application, transcripts from former schools, birth certificate, immunization records, and a social security card will need to be presented prior to your first day of school.  If you have trouble with locating any of the required documents please let us know immediately.

How many credits do I need to graduate?

We enroll all of our students into Florida’s 18 credit accelerated option but, students may also work towards a 24 credits diploma if they prefer.  This will be discussed at enrollment and/or orientation.

What time is school?

School begins daily at 7:55 a.m and ends promptly at 2:30 p.m..  Students primarily attend school Monday-Thursday however, there are 11 Friday’s that students must also attend.

Students are expected to arrive no earlier than 7:30 a.m. and picked up no later than 2:45 p.m.

Do you serve lunch and breakfast?

Breakfast is served each school day from 7:30-7:55 a.m. and lunch is available from 11:45-12:15.  There is no fee for breakfast or lunch.

What is a charter school?

Charter schools are independently-operated public schools. Parents can choose to send their children to a public charter school outside of their “zoned” public school. There is no charge or tuition to attend a public charter school. While charter schools have flexibility in choosing curriculum and developing innovative teaching practices, charter schools must test students and report results, just like the government-operated public schools, as required by federal and state laws.

What is the cost to attend?

There is no cost for the application, tuition, course fees, or textbooks. All school supplies are provided.

Who is eligible to attend?

Central High School enrolls high school age students, 16-21, who need a new school environment, desire a smaller school setting, enjoy working at their own pace, and/or are at-risk of dropping out of high school for a variety of reasons.   We are not specifically designed for students with discipline issues but consider all students in our enrollment process.

How is Central High different from a traditional high school?

Central is a non-traditional high school, serving students who would traditionally be enrolled in grades 9-12. These students may have fallen behind in earning credits, have difficulty passing state-required tests, are at risk of dropping out of school, or just need a new environment in which they can succeed. Central High students do not enroll in a specific grade level. We are more concerned about the number of credits and not specific grade levels. We target the population of students whose educational needs have not been met at any meaningful level and are a viable alternative for the non-traditional student. The Central High School model catches the students who are falling through the cracks and empowers the community with more contributing adult citizens.

Are Central High teachers certified?

Central High School teachers have all earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and have, or are working towards receiving, certification through the FLDOE.

Does Central High offer special education programs?

Yes. Central High School will provide services to students with special needs with the goal of having the student become successful in regular classroom settings. Each student is evaluated to determine the most effective educational program we can provide, consistent with federal law.

Does Central High accept ESOL students?

Yes. Central High School will provide services to any student with limited English proficiency with the goal of having the student become successful in regular classrooms.

Is Central High Accredited?

Yes, we are fully accredited and have been rated “Commendable” by the FLDOE since the 2018-2019 school year.  This ethic of excellence ensures that institutions will find rich benefits from accreditation and that parents can confidently make informed decisions about their student’s education, knowing their student’s school is accredited. Accreditation matters because our students deserve the highest level of educational excellence possible.

When can students apply?

Central is a open from August until June, so students can enroll at any time by stopping by the school or calling us at 850-866-4148.

How do I get to school?

Students must provide their own transportation. There is a trolley stop at the corner of 15th and Lisenby Avenue and also at the corner of 23rd and Lisenby Avenue. A trolley pass may be obtained from our Student/Parent Advocate or the Principal.  Students are not permitted to arrive prior to 7:30 a.m. and must be picked no later than 2:45 p.m. The building closes promptly at 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.