Student Life
Each K-8 student who enrolls at DCS is paired with a high-quality licensed educator, called a Guide, to help families navigate their student’s education journey. Guides are there to help in the curriculum selection process that includes access to financial support (allotment funds) for non-religious curriculum, interpret test scores so that they can adjust their student’s education plan to help meet goals, and provide accountability so that all student needs are met. Guides are not responsible for the daily education of the student. All core education (math, english, science, etc.) for students is done at home under the supervision of a Learning Coach. This can be a parent or guardian who is committed to helping their student reach their learning goals. Together the Licensed Guide, Learning Coach, and student build the best Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) that fits each family and each student. We seek to emphasize and empower individualized learning whenever possible.
In addition to home learning, students have access to onsite enrichment classes Monday through Thursday. There are three class periods between the hours of 9am-1pm. These classes are once a week and are focused on expanding students' experiences, applying things they may be learning in their core subjects, and providing social and emotional growth opportunities. All onsite classes are optional and not guaranteed. We do our best to serve and provide opportunities for all students, but these classes are a supplement to student’s home based education.
Finally, students and families have access to a variety of Friday Experiences and Field Trips. Some of these are one day workshops led by DCS teachers or staff while others are led by community members who are experts in various topics. Examples of past experiences are cultural experiences, bike and helmet safety by local law enforcement, basics of comic writing with local artists, etc. On occasion off site field trips are available to places like OMSI, Pumpkin patches, museums, rock climbing, etc. For more information see the Field Trip and Workshops tab of our website.
