Central High Magnet Career Academy

Central High School Magnet Career Academy (MCA) hosts some of the most talented students in Louisville. Students are selected for admission through a competitive process that includes achievement test scores, grade point average (GPA), personal essays, and teacher recommendations. Central has the second- highest number of Governor’s Scholars in the district. Central is one of two high schools in Kentucky to offer Montessori education. Central also offers a robust Career Program, including ten pathways and (new in 2020) the Muhammad Ali Institute of Social Justice.

School Highlights:

• Provides a precollege curriculum that includes two rigorous academic programs (Montessori and Muhammad Ali Institute of Social Justice) and ten career programs in four areas of concentration: business, law, technology, and health services
• Offers AP Capstone (Seminar/Research), a two-year course that prepares students for the academic demands of college and a wide variety of additional Advanced Placement (AP) courses
• Offers dual college-credit courses through the University of Louisville (UofL), Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC), and Morehead State University (MSU); offers early college opportunities through the school’s medical programs
• Offers Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC)

Research and Innovation:

We believe that research and innovation are two skills that students will need in the future to be successful. Our approach to learning is based on this belief. Our Research and Innovation (R&I) framework identifies six competencies/skills that prepare students for any future career.

These six competencies are as follows: Advocate, Agency, Creative/ Divergent Thinker, Empathic Citizen, Global Leader, and Thoughtful Researcher. Each competency defines a blended approach to learning that personalizes learning experiences, addresses racial inequities in the curriculum, and opens doors and opportunities for all students. Students engage in meaningful inquiry related to their academic and career interests. Students are expected to grow in these competencies and to provide evidence of growth and learning as a part of the Backpack of Success Skills defense as a senior.