trailblazer history

• 1858: Established as Capitol High School, Detroit's first high school.
• 1896: Renamed Central High School.
• 1913: Began offering college-level courses, leading to the formation of the Detroit Junior College in 1917, which eventually evolved into Wayne State University.
• 1926: Relocated to its current address at 2425 Tuxedo Street.
• 2012: Renamed Central Collegiate Academy.
• 2017: Reverted to the original name, Central High School.

 In 1858, Detroit's first high school opened on Miami Avenue. By 1863, increased enrollment caused the school to be moved to a building that had formerly housed the State Capitol, becoming Capitol High School. In 1871, the University of Michigan granted accreditation to the school. 

In 1893, a fire destroyed Capitol High School, but it continued to function temporarily at the Biddle House on East Jefferson Avenue. In 1896, Capitol was replaced by Central High School, at the intersection of Cass and Warren Avenue; the structure is still in use as Wayne State University's Old Main. 

 In 1904, innovative educator David Mackenzie returned to his hometown as the new principal of Central High School. By 1913, under Mackenzie's direction, a one-year, college-level premedical curriculum was established at Central High, the first junior college curriculum organized in Michigan. In 1916, the program was extended to two years, and in 1917 the state legislature approved Mackenzie's plans for establishing the Detroit Junior College, forerunner of Wayne State University. In 1919, David Mackenzie was officially appointed first Dean of the college. 

 In 1926, a further increase in the student population caused Central High School to be moved to its current location, at 2425 Tuxedo Street and remains its current location today.