[2] Central was established in 1867 in order to help educate the growing population of Kansas City.

It features a large, one-acre square field house, Greek-style theatre, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool with one- and three- meter diving boards.

[4] The two magnet themes were not complementary to each other and most of the money spent on the new facility went to the Classical Greek theme for sports-related facilities like a fully outfitted weight room (inspired by the weight room of the Kansas City Chiefs), two indoor racquetball courts, a field house, a fully equipped gymnastics training facility, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The references to the magnet themes were removed from the school's name, and it was returned to a normal curriculum.

Central High School became the official name after the KCPS Board of Directors unanimously approved the change in 2019.