Central Middle School
211 Delaware Ave
Dover, DE 19901
Phone - 302-672-1772
Fax - 302-672-1733
School Website: https://central.capital.k12.de.us
DOE Profile: https://reportcard.doe.k12.de.us/detail.html#aboutpage?scope=school&district=13&school=644
Central Middle School (CMS) is a classic school building that is situated on approximately 30 acres of land in the center of Dover, DE. When the original building, with its monumental stairway and cupola was erected in 1923, it housed all of the students in the Dover School District from grades one through twelve. For many years, students graduated from high school on picturesque stone entry. Major renovations to the CMS building to upgrade academic and elective spaces were completed in 1985 and 2004. In 2009, Central Middle School opened with a newly renovated auditorium and a full-size gymnasium.
Our Capital School District Secondary Program of Studies begins in the middle grades 5 and 6 at William Henry Middle School and continues seamlessly at Central Middle School in grades 7 and 8. The four middle grades are focused on providing a strong foundation through creating challenge and opportunity for our students through grade 12. The transition to secondary schools into the middle grades is an exciting time for students and families. Students in this age group move from more concrete thinking to abstract thinking as they begin to have choice in elective courses while experiencing more challenging academic course work. During their time at Central Middle students develop lasting attitudes about learning and work, and take responsibility for their educational path to the future. Social priorities continue to emerge and often relationships with friends take on an increasingly important role. Families of middle grades students are essential partners in their child’s education. Experiences at Central Middle are designed to bridge students successfully to high school (and beyond) through aligning academic course content, providing social and emotional supports and by offering carefully designed exploratory and elective options that introduce college and career pathways with more advanced programs of study available at Dover High School.
Central Middle School enrolls approximately 935 students in grades 7 and 8. Our students are divided into smaller house teams- essentially creating schools within a school. Each team consists of an English/ language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and special education teacher. CMS offers a full exploratory and elective program in Physical Education, Music and the Arts, Career and Technology, and World Language (Spanish), each designed to provide a place for students to apply their academic learning, develop as well as practice critical life skills.
We invite you to learn more about our school by exploring our website. Whether you are a current member of the Central “family” or a prospective resident, Central welcomes you!