New Families

We are excited that your family is joining the DC Community!

This page contains helpful information and useful links to assist you in your transition and to help you prepare for the upcoming school year.

Questions

We recognize the transition to a new school requires many details, so we are here to help! Please direct any questions you have to the Admissions Office at (610) 353-6522 x2285 or by email at admissions@dccs.org.

Back to School - Save the Dates!

Click on each division tab to see the first two months of events.

Early Childhood Center

For all calendar dates, please visit our calendar page.

Lower School

For all calendar dates, please visit our calendar page.

Middle School

For all calendar dates, please visit our calendar page.

Upper School

For all calendar dates, please visit our calendar page.

Expand the links below to learn about specific policies and procedures for each academic division as well as the many ways you can plug into the DC school community.

Early Childhood Center

The Lower Campus Office can be reached at lower@dccs.org or 610-353-6522 x1514.

Absences

Please update your child's dismissal plans in PickUp Patrol if your child will be absent.

Parents may email teachers directly for missed assignments. Parents who need to take students out of school during the day must come to the Lower Campus Office to sign them out and must also sign them back in upon return to school.

Chapel

Each week students enjoy a special chapel time. Students participate in chapel as a class and host special programs. If you are planning to attend, please check with the office for special events and schedule changes. Your students teacher will communicate the times when your child’s class is presenting throughout the year.

EXCEL After School

Students are provided with a safe place to stay and play after school. It is ancillary to the school program and designed only for children currently enrolled at DC. Please visit the Early Childhood Center pages for more information about Excel After School.

ECC students must be picked up at dismissal time or registered in Excel After School. Students who are not picked up by 3:30pm will be taken to after school care.

Lunch & Recess Schedule

The students will eat lunch in their classroom.

Outdoor Learning

Students participate in a variety of field studies and visit our outdoor learning spaces regularly. Students learn stewardship by caring for the various aspects of the school grounds including vegetables, sunflowers, and butterfly gardens.

Pick Up Patrol

This service automates end of the day transportation, while giving you the convenience and flexibility you need to make changes to your children’s plans.

STEM

STEM education is an approach to learning that integrates the concepts found in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM lessons incorporate 21st century skills of problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Students will build foundational skills through active inquiry and exploration. Building on a natural sense of curiosity, our youngest students will be encouraged to create, problem solve, and investigate as they make real world connections to new learning.

Visiting/Security

For the safety of our students and school community, the Lower Campus has secured buildings. All visitors must sign in and out via the main office when visiting school.

Lower School

The Lower Campus Office can be reached at dclower@dccs.org or 610-353-6522 x1514.

Absences

Please update your child's dismissal plans in PickUp Patrol if your child will be absent.

Parents may email teachers directly for missed assignments. Parents who need to take students out of school during the day must come to the Lower School Office to sign them out and must also sign them back in upon return to school. A Pre-Excused Absence Form is required prior to a student being absent for 2 or more days for a planned event. Please refer to the DC Student and Parent Handbook for more details.

DC Aftercare

Homework help is provided daily for care and enrichment after normal school hours. It is ancillary to the school program and designed only for children currently enrolled at DC. Please visit the Lower School pages for more information about DC Aftercare.

Chapel

Each week students enjoy a special chapel time. Chapels are held Wednesdays for grades 1 - 2 and on Fridays for grades 3 - 5. Students participate in chapel as a class and host special programs. If you are planning to attend, please check with the office for special events and schedule changes. Your students' teacher will communicate the times when your child’s class is presenting throughout the year.

EXCEL After School Clubs

As part of our EXCEL after school program, there are many after school enrichment programs available including: chess, school newspaper, robotics, street hockey, nature explorers, cooking, and more. These generally take place immediately after normal school hours.

Lunch & Recess Schedule

Lunch varies from class to class; first and second grades have lunch at 11:30am and recess at 12:00pm. Fifth grades have lunch at 12:00pm and recess at 12:30pm. Third and fourth grades have lunch at 12:30pm and recess at 1:00pm.

MyDC (Blackbaud)

MyDC gives families with students in grades 3-5 online access to academic information including assignments, grades, and progress reports. With your unique ID and password, you can view academic records for your student. Other users cannot access your family’s information. You can log in at https://dccs.myschoolapp.com/app#login.

Outdoor Learning

Pick Up Patrol

This service automates end of the day transportation, while giving you the convenience and flexibility you need to make changes to your children’s plans.

STEM

STEM is an integral part of the science curriculum taught once a week to grades K-5. Students learn the engineering design cycle, and apply critical thinking skills to solve real world problems.

Visiting/Security

For the safety of our students and school community, the Lower School is a secure building. All visitors must sign in and out via the main office when visiting school.

Middle School

The Middle School Office can be reached at 610-353-6522 x2275.

Attendance

All student absences and late arrivals are to be reported through PickUp Patrol by 8:45am. If your student is absent or will be arriving late to school, the PickUp Patrol is the application you need to use to communicate your students’ attendance to the Middle School office. Your student is to sign in at the Middle School Office upon arrival.

All student plan changes and dismissals are to be reported through PickUp Patrol by 1:30pm. In order to communicate to the Middle School Office, your students’ transportation and dismissal plan, parents are to make their changes in PickUp Patrol in order for their student to depart from campus.

After School Activities

The Middle School day ends at 3:00pm Students are to be in the Library by 3:15pm doing their homework until they leave campus. All MS students must be picked up by 5:30pm. MS students should not be anywhere else on campus, unless they are involved in an after school club or sport.

Athletics

Middle school students have many choices when it comes to after school sports. We offer fall, winter, and spring sports teams. In the fall we offer flag football, soccer, field hockey, and cross country. The winter season offers basketball and cheerleading, and the spring season has lacrosse, track & field, baseball and softball. Most sports offer a more competitive "A" team and a slightly less competitive "B" team. The majority of sports are inclusive, but some do have cuts. All of the DC coaches have a passion for young people and a desire to see them Honor God, Develop Character and Pursue Excellence. Middle school students are required to participate in one school sport per academic year.

Blackbaud (myDC)

With your unique Blackbaud ID and password, you can access your student’s academic records, homework assignments, and family accounting information. This information is private and is not available to other users.

Cell Phones

DC desires for students to invest themselves deeply in community life during their classes/advisories, community gatherings, and lunchtime. We hope to see our students grow in their ability to be fully present with others, being attentive, engaging with one another with intentionality. Cell phones are collected each morning and returned to students at the end of the school day. Emergency calls can be made to or from the Middle School office.

Chapel

Middle School Chapel is on Fridays at 10:55am. Parents are always welcome to attend chapel. On occasion chapel will be moved to another day of the week depending on the schedule. Check with the middle school office for the official chapel schedule.

Fine Arts

God, the “master artist,” has used men and women to nurture students’ dramatic, musical and visual art training. Our highly dedicated faculty provide space for our students to explore while also stretching them in skill and technique. Student artists are taught to recognize the discipline and dedication needed to truly honor God with their craft. Our students are encouraged to pursue a variety of mediums, with the opportunity to follow a specific sequence of courses to truly develop their artistry.

Grading System

Report cards are recorded on a letter grade system. Numerical equivalents:

A=100-90%
B=89-80%
C=79-70%
D=69-60%
F=59% or below

The top three points in each letter category, except F, receive a plus(+) and the bottom three receive a minus(-).

Honor Code

I will be honest.
I will be responsible.
I will be respectful.
I will practice servanthood.

Honor Roll

The Honor Roll is determined at the end of each report period located on the bottom left of your student’s report card. An average of A or above is necessary for highest honor, A- for high honor, and B for honor. A student is not considered for the honor roll if he/she has a grade lower than C- in any subject or more than one C in any subject.

Keycards

ALL Middle School students are required to have their keycard on their person during the school day. A replacement keycard will cost $25.

Lockers

Students will be assigned lockers and combinations. Students are responsible for the care of their lockers.

Lunch

Students eat lunch daily in the Student Union and have the option to purchase food or bring their own lunches. Students must pay for their purchases through their MyPaymentsPlus account. Learn more about our food service program. No provision is made for refrigeration. Students should not use glass containers for their lunches.

Schedule

The school day begins at 8:15am and end at 3:00pm. Our schedule is an A/B Day block with 4 classes meeting everyday for 75 minutes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and 70 minutes on Thursday and Friday. Student schedules can be viewed via myDC (Blackbaud).

Summer Reading

Each middle school student will be required to read teacher assigned books from his or her grade level as part of the summer reading program. Most books are provided by DC.

Visiting/Security

Please remember that all visitors must check into the Main Office Reception area in Lowrie Hall in order to receive a visitor’s badge. This badge must be worn during your time on campus.

Upper School

The Upper School Office can be reached at 610-353-6522 x2205.

Absences

If your son or daughter will be absent for any reason, use Pick Up Patrol to submit changes to your student’s attendance. Absences, late arrivals and early dismissals are all recorded here. Please message Elizabeth Neal eneal@dccs.org if you are having trouble with Pick Up Patrol. A note or email must be submitted stating the reason for the lateness or absence. Absences are unexcused unless a note is received. A Pre-Excused Absence Form is required prior to any planned, extended absence (2 or more days). Please refer to the DC Student and Parent Handbook for more details.

Arrival and Dismissal

Students who arrive late to school must sign in at the Upper School Office to drop off his/her cell phone and receive a pass to class. A note from a parent/guardian is required when signing in late. Similarly, if your student needs to leave school early for a doctor’s appointment or other reason, be sure to update Pick Up Patrol and we will inform teachers concerning early dismissals. Sports team dismissals do not need a note. Please see the DC Student and Parent Handbook for clarification on excused & unexcused absences.

Athletics

Upper school students have many choices when it comes to after school sports. In the fall, we offer football, soccer, field hockey, cross country, tennis and golf. The winter season offers indoor track, basketball and cheerleading. The spring season has lacrosse, track & field, baseball, and softball. All DC coaches have a passion for young people and a desire to see them honor God, develop character, and pursue excellence.

Blackbaud (myDC)

Cell Phones

Chapel

Upper School Chapel is every Thursday in the DeMoss Auditorium. Students sit with their assigned advisory groups.

Fine Arts

God, the “master artist”, has used men and women to nurture students’ dramatic, musical and visual art training. Our highly dedicated faculty provide space for our students to explore, while also stretching them in skill and technique. Student artists are taught to recognize the discipline and dedication needed to truly honor God with their craft. Students who study visual art pursue a variety of media through a specific sequence of courses in order to truly develop their artistry. Take advantage of our fine arts program and plug into Upper School band, choir, visual arts and/or theatre.

Grading System

Our grading scale, GPA and Honor Roll information can be found in the Academic Handbook.

Honor Code

"As a student at Delaware County Christian School, I commit to pursuing a life of honor and integrity that is characterized by honesty, respect for all people and property, gratitude towards my parents, teachers, and peers, and responsibility for my actions. My commitment to this code reflects my respect for the mission and core values of Delaware County Christian School, and the calling of the Christian to glorify God in all things." For more information, please refer to the Student and Parent Handbook.

Keycards

All upper school students are required to have their keycard with them at all times during the school day. Replacement keycards cost $25.

Lockers

Students are permitted to carry their backbacks throughout the day. They may request a locker in the Upper School office after the start of the school year, if desired. Students are responsible for the care of their lockers.

Lunch

Students eat lunch in the Student Union and have the option to purchase food or bring their own lunches. All purchases are made through the pre-paid MyPaymentsPlus account. Learn more about our food service program. Toasters and microwaves are available in the student union. No refrigeration is available. Students should not bring glass containers.

The Schedule

A typical The school day begins at 8:10am and ends at 2:55pm. Wednesdays have a late start at 8:40am, but students who participate in Fine Arts may begin as early as 8:00am on Wednesdays. Individual student schedules are available in myDC (Blackbaud).

Student Drivers

Parking is limited. Student drivers must have a permit to park on campus, which can be obtained through the Upper Campus Parking Form.

Summer Reading & Assignments

Students are required to read books and complete assignments based on their grade and course levels. Summer reading books are provided by the school, and can be picked up from Main Office Reception Area (Lowrie Hall) after June 15. Remember to check the website for any assignments due before the school year begins.

Visiting/Security

All visitors must check in at the Main Office Reception Area in Lowrie Hall upon arrival. A visitor’s badge must be worn during your time on campus.

Opportunities to become involved in our school community

Whether it’s volunteering in your child’s classroom, joining a parent prayer group, attending special events on campus, or supporting our arts and athletics programs through the Friends of the Arts and Athletic Boosters, there are many ways to participate in community life at DC.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARENT VOLUNTEERS

A number of our annual events and volunteer opportunities are described below. Additional offerings will be detailed in our weekly DC-Connect email communications.

ALL-SCHOOL CHAPEL
All-School Chapels are held at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. This well-loved tradition at DC provides a special time of worship for our entire school community. All alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of DC are invited to attend. All School Chapels begin at 8:30am in the gymnasium at the Upper Campus.

DC ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
All parents of DC athletes are considered to be a part of the Athletic Booster organization. A Booster parent leadership team coordinates all volunteer activities and raises extra funds to support athletic program.

The Benefit for DC
The DC Benefit is an annual event that brings our community together to celebrate the school and raise funds for academic enrichment, extra-curricular enhancements, and strategic initiatives.

DC COFFEES
Please join DC’s Head of School and various administrators for coﬀee and a time of fellowship and discussion on select mornings throughout the school year.

DC FAMILY PICNIC AND DEDICATION SERVICE
Join the entire DC Community for a Family Picnic followed by a Dedication Service which features a time of prayer and praise and new employee testimonies. This event takes place during the first week of school and is a long-standing tradition at DC.

FRIENDS OF THE ARTS (FOTA)
DC Friends of the Arts supports students and faculty in all areas of the arts because we believe that God-given creativity is to be celebrated and nurtured in every student, all to His glory. Friends of the Arts (FOTA) accomplishes this through volunteering, promoting, fundraising, advocacy and prayer.

THE FUND FOR DC
The Fund for DC raises $1.3 million each year from individuals and families within the DC community to support the operating needs of the school, ensuring among other things that we can maintain our beautiful campus, provide generous financial aid, pay competitive salaries, and keep tuition costs at a reasonable level.

GRANDFRIENDS DAY
GrandFriends Days are highlights of our school year. The school hosts three separate events: 1) An Upper Campus event for GrandFriends of middle and upper school students usually held in October, 2) An Early Childhood Day for GrandFriends of early childhood students usually held in October, and 3) A Lower School event for GrandFriends of lower school students usually held in April. Volunteer opportunities and sign-ups will be communicated by the Parent Volunteer Organization (PVO).

HOMECOMING
Homecoming takes place in the autumn and lasts for three days, welcoming the school community and alumni to come together for various activities including middle school and upper school athletic contests, Powder Puff football game, Alumni recognition, food, and fun games for youngsters.

MOMS IN PRAYER GROUPS
DC moms are encouraged to join our Moms in Prayer group that gathers weekly at both our Lower and Upper Campuses to pray for the needs of our school community.

PVO – PARENT VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION
The Parent Volunteer Organization work within all three of DC’s academic divisions (Lower, Middle, and Upper) provides opportunities for parents to assist teachers and staff both in and out of the classroom as well as assisting with special school sponsored events.

DC Dictionary - glossary of often used names and acronyms

ACSI

Association of Christian School International
This organization serves Christian schools across the United States and around the World. DC has had a close working relationship with ACSI for many years and a number of our Heads of School have served on the national board of ACSI.

BAL

DC's Upper School Athletic Program participates in the Bicentennial Athletic League.

The Benefit for DC

The DC Benefit is an annual event that brings our community together to celebrate the school and raise funds for academic enrichment, extra-curricular enhancements, and strategic initiatives.

BOOSTERS

DC Athletic Boosters is a group of DC parents that supports our outstanding DC KNIGHTS athletic programs. Its purpose is to help raise extra funds and serve in various capacities to assist our athletic programs. Every parent once enrolled is invited into the DC Boosters program!

Blackbaud (MyDC)

MyDC is DC’s online portal for students and parents. Students and parents can access the DC school directory, class assignments, grades, and announcements.

CESA

DC is a member of The Council on Educational Standards and Accountability. This organization exists to motivate, support, and hold accountable Christian schools that aspire to superlative academic standards, institutional best practices, and collaboration with like‑minded schools.

DC-CONNECT

DC-Connect is a weekly email sent to all current parents, faculty, and staff that contains important news and information for members of our school community.

EITC

The Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) allows businesses and individuals to earn PA tax credits when they contribute to a scholarship organization like DC.

FOTA - FRIENDS OF THE ARTS

FOTA supports students and faculty in all areas of the arts because we believe that God-given creativity is to be celebrated and nurtured in every student, all to His glory. FOTA accomplishes this endeavor through volunteering, promoting, fundraising, advocacy, and prayer.

FUND for DC

The Fund for DC provides unrestricted monies that bridge the gap between tuition revenue and ongoing operating expenses like salaries, curriculum, campus maintenance, technology and financial aid. The practice of generous giving through The Fund for DC is long-standing, and we continue to marvel at the Lord's faithfulness in meeting our financial needs.

Google Workspace for Education

Google Workspace for Education is a special setup of the popular Google Apps, tailored specifically for educational institutions. Every Middle and Upper School student has an @dccs.org Google account.

THE HONOR CODE

A school-wide Honor Code is implemented across all three academic divisions in developmentally appropriate ways and provides clear expectations for student conduct with the express goal of shaping our community around positive, aspirational goals and reinforces DC’s core values of Scholarship, Excellence, Servanthood, Community, Impact, and being Rooted in Christ.

JUNIOR/SENIOR

The Junior/Senior Formal takes place each May. The junior class is responsible for planning this event.

LIVERPOOL SOCCER CLUB

The Liverpool Soccer Club is a DC parent run travel soccer program for boys and girls ages 8-14.

LOWRIE HALL

Lowrie Hall is the former Strawbridge family mansion located on the Upper Campus. It is named after Dr. Roy W. Lowrie, Jr. who served as DC’s first headmaster from 1954-1980.

KEYNOTER

The Keynoter is DC’s biannual publication for current families, alumni, alumni parents, and other friends of the school.

KNIGHT TONES

The Knight Tones are a select vocal group composed of upper school students.

Magnus Health

Magnus Health SMR (Student Medical Record) is a web-based software solution used by DC that collects, manages, and securely stores student health information. Magnus Health is HIPAA compliant and FERPA compliant. Parents can access Magnus Health through their myDC account.

ONE CALL NOW

One Call Now is a telephone and email messaging service used by DC to quickly reach parents with urgent school news such as school closings, delays and early dismissals.

Pickup patrol

This service automates end of the day transportation, while giving parents the convenience and flexibility to make changes to their children’s plans. Parents are sent a personalized login invitation at the beginning of the school year.

PVO

As a parent of DC you are a part of our parent volunteer organization. All parents are encouraged to participate in the PVO. The PVO carries out our core values as we serve our faculty and students. It is a great way to get involved and meet other families and students.

PIAA

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association is the state organization that governs all athletic activities of public schools. Private schools may join and thereby participate in all state playoffs. DC joined this organization effective September, 2002. DC is a member of the BICENTENNIAL ATHLETIC LEAGUE.

SAIL - Schools for Applied and Innovative Learning

SAIL provides opportunity for students to engage with authentic problems and current issues, and to develop the agency to work toward solutions that impact their communities and the world for Christ. SAIL courses are grouped into three different schools: the School of the Arts, the School of Humanities and Entrepreneurship, and the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Teaching for Transformation (Tft)

TfT is a framework for the creation of authentic, formational learning experiences that are rooted in a Biblical worldview and align with the mission of DC. Learn more about DC's implementation of TfT.

U SHOP

The U SHOP sells gently used uniforms and school spirit wear and is located in Lowrie Hall on the Upper Campus.