The campus underwent a major remodel in 2015, yet still includes an auditorium designed by the Works Progress Administration in 1939, which is home to the biennial Chickens' Ball variety show, the longest-running PTA fundraiser in the United States.

Most Central students pursue courses in six main subject areas: Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, and an Elective.

Architects Thomas M. Edwards and Harry A. Schary developed the auditorium, which included a stage and dressing rooms, two classrooms, a kindergarten, and a clinic.

One year later, on a block of land on the east side of Chestnut Street, which then ran continuously through the property, six primary school classrooms were developed.

The exterior walls of these classrooms became known among San Carlos residents for their Beatles-themed murals, painted by students in the early 2000s under the supervision of former Art teacher Joan Purcell.

Local newspapers reported that students could be found at the Burton Park amphitheater, now home to the San Carlos Youth Center, or along the Postman's Path, a now-closed easement between Cedar Street and Carmelita Drive.

With decreased funding, cuts were made to Central's academic offerings, including reduced music and art classes.

In 1984, Chickens' Ball ticket sales allowed for the purchase of $12,500 worth of personal computers and computer-related programs for Central students.

[5] This led to the construction of a 8,598-square-foot gymnasium on the north end of Central's campus, completed in 1998, which replaced an existing one-story wood frame building on the site.

[17] The project was valued at $37.5 million total and financed through the Measure H Facility Bond Program, passed in November 2012 by San Carlos voters.

Beginning with the 2015–2016 school year, the majority of Central's academic classes were held in the renovated buildings, ending the use of existing portables and octagonal pods.

[11] The district office, which once sat on the north end of Central's campus, moved to its present-day location on Industrial Road in San Carlos during the construction.

The current entrance to Central is located on Cedar Street, adjacent to a parking lot constructed during the renovation.

The building was constructed in 1939 with workers from the Works Progress Administration, and the architecture exemplifies characteristics of the Art Deco style, with influences from the Mission Revival period.

In some years, a rotating wheel of electives are offered to sixth graders, which in the past included Spanish, Music Appreciation, and Shakespeare.

Golf, cross country, track and field, and flag football are offered to all San Carlos middle school students, who play together on the same team.

Other events are held offsite, including tennis matches and soccer games at Crestveiw Park in San Carlos.

[27] Alongside students at Tierra Linda Middle School and San Carlos Charter Learning Center, Central students have the opportunity to participate in an annual Tri-School Musical, directed by the San Carlos Children's Theater, which takes place over two weekends each fall inside Mustang Hall.

[28] Additionally, seventh grade students travel to Crane Flat and Curry Village inside Yosemite National Park for a week each May for an environmental education field trip organized by NatureBridge.

Students developed skills in video production and photography as part of the club, which met weekly after school.

[32] The newscast is now done several times throughout the school year, in contrast to the original program, which featured episodes each Monday that would be broadcast to TV screens in each classroom.