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About Us

CENTRAL MIDDLE

Est. 1957

 

Central Middle has always been a trailblazer.  Almost 65 years ago,  when the school was built it was known as Parkway Junior/Senior High School. When it first opened its doors, it was the first and only secondary school in the District.  It was built thanks to a $750k bond issue that passed in 1955. Only with the expansion of West High in 1964, did we take on our current "Central" name.

Here at Central, we have always been looking to the future. By 1966, the school was already adding additional classrooms of various sizes to allow flexibility in programming and scheduling. Half of the building contained under-floor ducts to allow the future installation of electronic teaching equipment.  

In 1993, just grades seven and eight were housed in Central Junior High, however by 1995 the school name officially changed to Parkway Central Middle School. Additions were added to each wing to accommodate grades 6-8.

core values

School Mascot: Colts
School Motto: We are a Colts Caring Community! Excellence in Education
Missouri Gold Star School: 1989
U. S. Blue Ribbon School: 1989
National School of Character: 2018
Energy Star School: 2021

 

PRINCIPALS OF CENTRAL MIDDLE:

  •         Earl Schubert: 1957 - 1960
  •         Robert Elsea: 1960 - 1961
  •         Al Burr: 1961 - 1964
  •         Ken Smith: 1964 - 1968
  •         Roy Armistead: 1968 - 1975
  •         James Harry: 1975 - 1984
  •         Jerry McFarland: 1984 - 1987
  •         Bill Myer: 1987 - 1989
  •         Dan Natale: 1989 - 2001
  •         Lauretta Holloway: 2001 - 2008
  •        Michael Baugus: 2008 - 2020
  •        Cathy Lorenz:  2020 - 2025
  •        Loretta Smith:  2025 - Present

ENROLLMENT:   

  • Original:  595 students (7-12 grades)
  • Peak:  1444 students (1966)     
  • Current:  893 students (6-8 grades)

CONSTRUCTION:

  • Architect: Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum Inc.
  • Contractor: Jones Kissner
  • Original Cost: $1,186,626· Site: 96-Acre complex, Central Middle and Central High

 

TRIVIA:

 

Did you know Central Middle was...

  • The first of the schools in the Metro Area to be networked and to use an early form of e-mail and on-line discussions - six years before the internet explosion.
  • Nationally recognized by Apple Computer as a school looking for innovative approaches to education
  • Awarded a superior rating by the National Council of Teachers of English for the Spring edition of the Colt Connection/Potpourri (1988.).It was the only junior high school in Missouri to rank in this category that year

Did you know Central is...

  • The host to the district’s middle school ESOL Newcomers program with more than 60 students from 37 countries around the globe.
  • A partner to the Special School District.  At Central Middle School, we have the benefit of 15 to 20 staff members to serve our students with special needs; including our Essential Skills program.
  • Decorated in murals that are student created. When you are in our building, make sure to look up. Our students artwork is displayed throughout the building, including on the ceiling tiles.

Did you know Central Middle has...

  • 5 members of staff that attended the school as students themselves and far more staff members that are parents of current and past students