Why DCD
Why We’re Different
An Exceptional Experience for Children
Any school can offer children a place to learn. DCD gives them a place to grow – outward through their community connections, upward in their academic success, and inward as they find their unique strengths.
Our dynamic community includes everyone – students, teachers, and parents – because every relationship formed and fostered at DCD helps children grow. In fact, the strong bonds children build with their teachers help us recognize their learning style and engage them with the right mix of educational tradition and innovation. At DCD, it all comes down to balance – challenge and support, strong scholastics combined with outstanding arts and athletics, and equal focus on academic and emotional intelligence.
Fast Facts
DCD AT A GLANCE17
Acres/school size
12
Students in an average learning group
25%
Students receive financial assistance
310
Students in our community
32%
Students of color
100%
Students accepted to one of their top choice schools
Your Child’s Journey
Academics
Reaching Their Full Potential
What sets DCD’s learning environment apart is our ability to motivate students to stretch but never forget they are kids. We know that rigor on its own can create stress, while appropriate challenge builds confidence. Our teachers are passionate about helping children become articulate thinkers who will take risks and reach their full potential because they feel fully supported along the way.
Arts
Finding Their Passion
At DCD, we believe there is no better way for children to learn self-expression and tap their creativity than through a solid foundation in the arts. We start early and build upon that foundation each year. That way, children can explore their sense of creativity, find their unique talents and learn to appreciate the artistic process, whether they’re working on the visual or performing arts.
Athletics
Learning Through Play
While DCD’s physical education and team sports offer valuable health benefits, the learning that happens when children are at play is part of the balanced education we provide. Teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, strategy and leadership are all part of the athletic experience at DCD, and valuable life lessons children use beyond school. At DCD, children learn that winning is more than the best score. It’s bringing your best self.
Our Voices
Class of 2021
8th Grade Students
Sharon Perkins Allen
DCD Current Parent
Stephanie Pearl
DCD Current Parent
Student Life
Life At DCD
Children learn who they are as diverse individuals and how to be part of something bigger. Acceptance is a given, and children find encouragement in every connection they make. It’s a community that nurtures, nudges and gives. That’s how we grow “whole” children—and ultimately adults who will thrive with the intellectual and emotional capacity to contribute to their world and enjoy meaningful lives.
