7 Essential Facts About Central High School Brooksville FL You Need To Know In 2025
Central High School in Brooksville, Florida, is currently a hub of academic and athletic momentum, with recent developments positioning the institution for a standout 2025. As the home of the Bears, Central High is not just focused on traditional education; it is actively expanding its specialized programs and celebrating student achievements across the board, from collegiate-level academics to award-winning military-style training.
The latest news for the school, which operates under the Hernando County School District, involves significant investment in its highly-regarded Navy Junior ROTC (NJROTC) program and a continued commitment to advanced college-level coursework. This deep dive into Central High School provides the freshest, most current details on what makes this Brooksville staple a vital part of the community today.
Central High School Brooksville, FL: Administrative & Profile Snapshot
Central High School, located in the heart of Hernando County, is dedicated to cultivating a school culture focused on academic success and college and career readiness for all students. The school serves grades 9–12 and is known for its distinctive programs and community involvement.
- School Mascot: The Bears
- Location: 14075 Ken Austin Pkwy, Brooksville, FL 34613
- County: Hernando County School District
- Principal: Kelly Slusser
- Grade Combination: 9–12
- Core Mission Focus: Academic Success, College and Career Readiness
1. Academic Excellence Through Dual Enrollment and AP Programs
Central High School is heavily invested in providing students with opportunities to earn college credit while still in high school, a crucial step for reducing future tuition costs and preparing for university life. This focus is a cornerstone of Principal Kelly Slusser’s vision for college and career readiness.
The school offers robust Dual Enrollment courses, allowing students to take college-level classes that can be applied toward an undergraduate degree at a public postsecondary institution in Florida.
Furthermore, the Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum is extensive, giving students the chance to tackle rigorous, university-level material and potentially earn college credit by scoring well on the annual AP exams. The AP courses currently highlighted at Central High include:
- AP American Government & Politics
- AP Biology
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Human Geography
- AP Statistics
This wide array of offerings ensures that students in Brooksville have access to challenging coursework that prepares them for the competitive landscape of higher education.
2. The Award-Winning NJROTC Program Gets a New Facility
The Navy Junior ROTC (NJROTC) program at Central High School is a massive point of pride and a key entity that provides students with values like citizenship, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.
Despite being located in semi-rural Brooksville, far from any major military presence, the Central NJROTC unit has historically achieved unparalleled success, even becoming one of the largest in the country at one point.
In a significant update for the 2025 academic year, the school is celebrating the dedication of a new Junior ROTC air rifle range. This new facility, dedicated in March 2025, underscores the school's commitment to supporting the air rifle team, which consistently wins accolades. The program was originally founded by Retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Ralph, establishing a strong legacy of discipline and excellence that continues today.
3. Bears Athletics: Recent Success and Key Players
Bears Athletics is a vital part of the Central High identity, with teams competing fiercely across various sports in the Hernando County area. The school maintains a strong focus on both academics and sports, providing a holistic environment for personal growth and achievement.
Recent news, specifically from late 2024, highlighted a standout athlete: Boys Soccer Player Romeo Fox. Fox was named the Hernando County S... (likely a Player of the Week or All-County selection) in December 2024, bringing positive attention to the Central High soccer program.
Other notable athletic programs include:
- Football: The Varsity Boys Football team is a major draw, with the Bears competing in regular-season games and district matchups.
- Track & Field and Cross Country: The teams regularly compete in major events, including the Hernando County Championship and other regional meets.
4. Commitment to School Safety and Security
Student and staff safety is a paramount concern for the administration, particularly in light of recent events. Central High School, like others in the Hernando County School District, is vigilant about maintaining a secure environment.
In December 2024, the school faced a serious security incident when a teen was charged with threatening to "shoot up" the school. The swift response and legal action taken against the threat demonstrate the school's zero-tolerance policy and commitment to using all available resources to protect the campus. The school also utilizes resources like the Safe Schools For Alex initiative to continually review and enhance its safety protocols.
5. The Role of the Hernando County School District
Central High is one of the key high schools within the Hernando County School District, which oversees its curriculum, administration, and major policy decisions. The district supports the school's Dual Enrollment programs, coordinating with nearby colleges and universities to ensure students have a smooth transition into higher education.
The district's support is essential for funding and implementing the specialized programs, including the NJROTC unit and the various AP course offerings, cementing Central High School’s place as a comprehensive educational institution in the Brooksville area.
6. The Impact of Principal Kelly Slusser
Principal Kelly Slusser is the driving force behind the school's current direction. She is noted for cultivating a school culture that emphasizes academic rigor and preparing students for life after graduation. Her leadership ensures that the focus remains on student success, whether through the expansion of the new air rifle range for NJROTC cadets or the promotion of Advanced Placement courses. Her commitment to the school community on Ken Austin Parkway is central to the Bears' continued development.
7. Future Outlook: Continued Growth and Achievement
Looking ahead into the 2025 academic year, Central High School is poised for continued growth. The new NJROTC air rifle range will undoubtedly boost the air rifle team’s competitive edge. Furthermore, the consistent spotlight on athletes like Romeo Fox ensures that Bears Athletics remains a strong source of school pride. With an administration focused on rigorous academic pathways and a commitment to safety, Central High School continues to be a foundational institution for the youth of Brooksville, Florida.
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