The Plainfield Tornado, which was rated an F5, struck the town on August 28, 1990, one day before classes were scheduled to begin.

At the time, it was one of the most technically advanced high schools in the state of Illinois, complete with its own observatory.

In the 2008-2009 school year, classroom projectors that could display what was on the current teacher's computer were installed.

On June 9, 2008, severe weather resulted in damage to the tennis court fences and school roof.

Plainfield Central competes in the Southwest Prairie Conference and is a member of the Illinois High School Association.