Upper School
The Upper School inspires students and graduates to be winsome disciples who make level paths for their feet, persevere through adversity with character and hope, and stand firm in Christlike love.
We equip students to view all of their daily pursuits through the lens of faithful stewardship, with an awareness that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..." (James 1:17). God has written each one of us into His cosmic story, and He calls us to make the most of what we have, playing our unique part in this larger story. By surrendering our hearts, sharpening our minds, and serving with our hands, we participate in Christ’s kingdom here on earth.
At DC, spiritual formation and rigorous academics are not two distinct ends, but go hand-in-hand.
A commitment to academic faithfulness is an important way that we magnify God and learn to love Him more.
We desire to prepare students who will lead with wisdom at tables of influence, no matter their respective callings in the future. Proverbs 24:10 warns, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” The world needs graduates who will confront challenges with truth, courage, and compassion; we trust that the fortitude and humility forged here will position students for lives of impact.
Program Highlights
- Rigorous college preparatory curriculum offering 18 Advanced Placement courses, being recently named to the AP School Honor Roll for “schools that have done outstanding work to welcome more students in AP courses”
- Robust Academic and College Planning program beginning in the spring of 8th grade, providing students with customized guidance as well as internship opportunities
- Cutting-edge Center for Innovation, providing a space and an academic model of project-based learning as the catalyst for deeper learning
- Intentionally phone-free school day enables students to “come in out of the wind,” focusing their time on campus on learning and relationships
- Beautiful Student Union which serves as both a Dining Hall as well as a college-like, collaborative work/recreation space for students
- Innovative School for Applied & Innovative Learning (SAIL) program, affording students the opportunity to explore mini-courses in non-traditional domains, some involving domestic and international trips
- Renowned Fine Arts programs nurturing students’ dramatic, musical and visual art passions. Our students regularly gain recognition for excellence in the arts, including admission to and scholarships from highly-ranked art schools
- Competitive athletics program pursuing “Everyday Excellence and Championship Character"
- Highly successful Robotics, Hi-Q, and Mock Trial teams
- Exceptional faculty dedicated to nurturing hearts and sharpening minds
We chose DC for our children because of the spirit of excellence in all areas. We are thrilled that beyond their scholarly pursuits our children have the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of competitive athletic programs, as well as state-of-the-art visual and performing arts, done not for their own glory but for the glory of God - DC Parent
US Academic Handbook
divider icon-2
Meet Our Team
Mark Dixon
Head of Upper School
610-353-6522 x2219
mdixon@dccs.org
Shellina Marshall
Dean of Students, Upper Campus
610-353-6522 x2149
smarshall@dccs.org
Krystal Carter
Upper School Counselor,
Academic Advisor
610-353-6522 x2288
kcarter@dccs.org
Christine Allen
Director of Academic & College Counseling
610-353-6522 x2229
callen@dccs.org
Elizabeth Neal
Administrative Assistant, Upper School
610-353-6522 x2205
eneal@dccs.org