Grades 4 through 6  | Monmouth-Roseville CUSD #238

Serving over 300 fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students, Central Intermediate School offers a dynamic environment tailored to a unique and critical stage in child development. Nestled in the heart of the Monmouth-Roseville district, Central acts as a bridge between early elementary years and the more complex structure of junior high. These are years of tremendous growth, when children begin to carve out their identities—not just as learners, but as individuals developing social maturity, independence, and a growing awareness of their interests.

The Central experience is built around this developmental shift. From the moment students walk through the doors as fourth graders—often tentative, unsure, and still holding onto the rhythms of primary school—they’re met with structure, encouragement, and opportunities to explore who they are becoming. By the time they leave at the end of sixth grade, they are equipped with the confidence and skills to take on the challenges of middle school.

A team of approximately 40–50 educators and staff bring this transformation to life. From experienced classroom teachers and support professionals to food service and custodial staff, the Central team works collaboratively to ensure students feel safe, seen, and supported. The building also houses the district’s central kitchen, serving not only Central but additional schools throughout the district—a quiet logistical heartbeat that reflects Central’s unique place in the community.

“We get to see a lot of firsts here,” says Principal Andrea Frieden, who has led the school since 2021. A lifelong Monmouth resident and longtime district educator, Frieden brings both deep local roots and broad educational perspective to her role. “Students discover their passions here. It might be band, student advisory council, or a subject they fall in love with. These are the years when kids begin to find their stride.”

Frieden’s leadership emphasizes the strength of the team around her. “We’ve got incredible educators with different areas of expertise,” she says. “Everyone has their thing—whether it’s instructional strategies, social-emotional learning, or data-driven decision-making—and we work together to let those strengths shine.”

At Central Intermediate, students begin to stretch into who they are meant to be. It’s a school grounded in relationships, enriched by opportunity, and supported by a team that believes wholeheartedly in the promise of these pivotal years.