History
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Since its beginning in 1950, Delaware County Christian School has been committed to providing students with quality education from a Christian perspective in order to keep with its mission of educating students who will serve God and impact the world through biblical thought and action.
1949
A Foundation of Prayer
A small group of visionary parents formed the Christian School Association of Delaware County (aka Delaware County Christian School Society) with $44.87 in the treasury.
- 1949
1950
Humble Beginnings and Personal Sacrifice
DC opened its doors in the lower level of the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield.
- 1950s
1951
Mission Surpasses Facilities
DC added a sixth grade and moved to the Christian education building at Grace Chapel in Havertown.
- 1950s
1952
Incremental Growth
The school added a grade level each year until the first graduating class in 1958.
- 1950s
1954
Godly, Visionary Leadership
Roy Lowrie became the school's first Headmaster.
- 1950s
1955
God's Provision for Property and People
The DC Society purchased the George Strawbridge Estate (the mansion and 11 acres of land) in Newtown Square for $60,000; added a tenth grade; and hired additional staff.
- 1950s
1957
"The Gold in the Bank"
DC added the twelfth grade.
- 1950s
1958
First Graduation and Valedictory Speech
DC graduated its first senior class awarding eight diplomas.
- 1950s
1960
Academic Excellence
Secondary school was accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
- 1960s
1964
Sacrificial Commitment
DC Society simultaneously purchased the adjacent five-acre property and embarked on the first building program to provide a gymnasium/auditorium.
- 1960s
1966
Excellence in Athletics
With its new (upper) gym complete, DC held the first DC Invitational Boys Basketball Tournament. The tournament is the oldest continuous Christian high school basketball tournament in the country.
- 1960s
1968
Elementary Accreditation
The Elementary School was accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Private Academic Schools.
- 1960s
1972
New High School Building
DC held classes in its new high school building, complete with library and science labs.
- 1970s
1976
New Elementary Building
DC officially opened its new elementary building and the lower gym.
- 1970s
1979
Continued Accreditation
The Elementary School was accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and grades 7-12 were reaccredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
- 1970s
1980
Ken Tanis appointed DC’S second Headmaster
Ken Tanis was appointed as DC's second Headmaster; Dr. Roy W. Lowrie, Jr. became the full time president of ACSI. DC's Discovery Center was established.
- 1980s
1981
Field Day
The first elementary Field Day was a great success.
- 1980s
1983
Expanding to a second campus
The DC Society approved the purchase of the former Alice Grim School in Newtown Square. A separate middle school - to house sixth through eighth grades - began in the former elementary building on the Malin Road campus. Another Step of Faith campaign sought to raise $385,000 to purchase the new elementary school and equip both the elementary and middle school buildings.
- 1980s
1987
Another Step of Faith
The "Another Step of Faith" campaign, which raised over $400,000, was instrumental in expanding Delaware County Christian School's facilities to better serve its growing student body.
- 1980s
1988
K-12 Accreditation
ACSI awarded accreditation to grades K-12. DC's Discovery Center is accredited by the National Institute of Learning Disabilities.
- 1980s
1989
Successful DC Auctions
K-12 grades receive accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The first DC Auction was held under tents on the athletic field to support the school’s mission.
- 1980s
1990
Lowrie Hall
Original mansion building named Lowrie Hall.
- 1990s
1991
Supporting Faculty Salaries
DC launched a successful $2 Million Challenge for Excellence campaign to provide an endowment fund for enhancing faculty salaries.
- 1990s
1993
Mission Statement
Spanning several years, the school embarked on the important task of developing a succinct mission statement that would clearly articulate the purpose of a DC education.
- 1990s
1994
Expanding and Enriching the Arts through Faith
DC opened a new fine arts building, Lowrie Annex, featuring two art rooms, photography dark room, drama room and classroom, for a cost of $500,000.
- 1990s
1998
The Largest Campaign to Date
DC launched an ambitious $8 Million Advancing the Kingdom campaign to provide new facilities, increase endowment, expand technology and operating funds.
- 1990s
1999
Changing Landscape
DC broke ground for a bus lane, auditorium/classroom building and athletic field on the Malin Road campus. Grades K-12 were re-accredited by ACSI and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
- 1990s
2000
The DeMoss Center
The DeMoss Center for Worship and the Arts was completed for the 2000-01 school year.
- 2000s
2002
DC’s first two Headmasters serve DC for 48 Years
Dr. Steve Dill (DC class of 1968) installed as DC's 3rd Headmaster. Ken Tanis named Headmaster Emeritus.
- 2000s
2004
The Expansion of Early Childhood Education
DC added Pre-Kindergarten Program.
- 2000s
2008
The Vision and Mission Continues
DC completed renovation of the high school building including new science labs and a remodeled library. The Campaign for Transformational Leaders was launched. DC achieved full renewal of accreditation with ACSI and the Middle States Association.
- 2000s
2009
Moving to a New Lower School Campus
DC sold Bishop Hollow Elementary Campus and purchased the Lower Campus on Waterloo Road in Devon from Episcopal Academy.
- 2000s
2011
Innovative Education
January Term (J-Term) began in January of 2011.
- 2010s
2012
Campaign for Transformational Leaders
DC completes the Campaign for Transformational Leaders with $22,000,000 in gifts. First DC 5K.
- 2010s
2013
Dr. Timothy Wiens becomes the 4th Head of School
Dr. Timothy Wiens appointed as DC's 4th Head of School; Dr. Steve Dill becomes Senior Vice President for ACSI.
- 2010s
2017
Interim Head of School
Dr. George McFarland named Interim Head of School.
- 2010s
2018
Middle School Building Renovated
$3.8 million in renovations completed on middle school building.
- 2010s
2019
Dan Steinfield returns to DC
Daniel Steinfield begins tenure as DC's 5th Head of School.
- 2010s
2020
The DC Promise
DC launched a three-year strategic plan developing the DC Promise to guide and fulfill the mission of the school; the Board of Trustees approved the launch of Cultivating the Promise, an $18 million endowment campaign.
- 2020s
2021
Additional Lower School Growth
The Lower School grows with additional grade levels, buildings, and athletic fields.
- 2020s
2022
Additional Upper School Growth
The Cultivating the Promise endowment campaign closed a year early with a total of $26.3 million raised in campaign commitments and legacy gifts; a new Student Union and baseball field were completed.
- 2020s
2023
A Team First
The Lower School added a second floor to The Orchard to house four 2nd grade classrooms. The DC Boys Soccer Team captures a Pennsylvania State Championship.
- 2020s