What curriculum is used?
At DCA we follow the Ontario Ministry of Education Guidelines and Expectations as a minimum standard. All curriculum is taught from a Faith-based perspective.

When do you start French?
The French program at DCA begins in Junior Kindergarten and continues through Grade Eight.

How often do classes get Physical Education?
Kindergarten classes have three physical education classes each week. Grades One to Eight have four physical education classes per week.

Do classes have instruction with computers?
Yes, each class has scheduled time in our computer lab each week as well as computers in each class.

Does DCA have a special education program?
Yes. This is a program which is limited but helps identify and assist children as they learn and develop.

How often do you have Bible classes?
Formal Bible classes are taught each day with chapel being one day each week. Biblical principles, however, are the basis for our school and are taught in all parts of the curriculum as well as in all other areas including extra-curricular and social situations.

When does school start and end?
Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:35 p.m.

Is DCA part of any association?
Yes, DCA is part of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
(see website in links area).

Are the teachers qualified?
Yes. The teachers at DCA are extremely qualified. They love the Lord and are wonderful role models for our students. They have excellent teacher training.

Do your students wear uniforms?
Yes, the students wear a uniform which is purchased through our uniform company, Inschoolwear. (see website in links area).

Does DCA have a bus?
No we do not presently have a bus service. Car-pooling is an effective option for most families.

Are volunteers allowed in the school?
Yes, volunteers are very welcomed and needed. There are many opportunities to be involved at DCA. Any volunteers directly involved with the students must have a current Police Check on file.

Does DCA have Standardized Testing?
Yes. DCA uses the CAT 3 test for all students from Grade 1 to Grade 8. Students in Grades 4, 6 and 8 also do the Writing Assessment associated with CAT 3.

What are the class sizes?
Kindergarten classes are limited to 16 students. Primary classes (Grade 1 to 3) are limited to 20 students and all other grades have a 24-student limit. At times an Educational Assistant is added to the classroom which raises the limit in the class by 4 students.

Does the school provide tours?
Yes. We provide tours of the school at any time as long as it does not interfere with the programming of the school. The administrator is also available to answer any questions. It is always recommended that you call ahead but it is not required.

What is the admissions procedure?
Students are admitted to DCA after the parents have had an interview with the administrator, the student (SK to Grade 8) has completed a short academic test, and the proper paperwork and fees have been submitted.

Are tax receipts issued for tuition?
Yes, receipts are issued for part of the tuition. The amount is determined by using a formula from Revenue Canada which uses the cost per student and tuition paid.

Does DCA provide tuition assistance?
DCA does not provide tuition assistance. Tuition assistance may be available through the Children First Grant program (see website in links area).

As a public educator and then, homeschooling mom of five years, I was reluctant to enroll my children in school, yet the weight of our business forced the decision.  Having looked at a few schools in our area, we decided to put the kids in DCA due to the recommendations of four different families who had put their kids in DCA and were thrilled with the choice. 
Our kids are thriving at DCA. They are not just learning academics.  They are learning the life skills needed to thrive in a community, to be a leader, to walk in kindness and to aspire to greatness.  Truly a treasure, I highly recommend DCA as an excellent choice, well worth it’s tuition, and truly the hidden jewel of Durham region.
 – Paul and Jenny Svetec

Jonathan Svetec – Gr 3. at DCA since Feb 11
 The first day I started at DCA, everyone greeted me and helped me on math and all sorts of stuff. After three days, there was a science test.  My friends helped me so much that I got an A on my first science test on rocks and minerals.  Since then, they’ve been helping me every time I get behind or have missed school.
       I really like DCA because it’s so talented and a lot of teenagers there want to be your friends even though usually teenagers don’t want to be your friends when you’re a little kid.
DCA is special because there are a lot of teachers that will help you a lot when you are really stumped.
       You should send your kids to DCA because you’ll get really good reports from your kids and there are really great kids to play with at DCA!
– Jonathan, age eight

The first time we drove up to DCA to visit, my daughter Katie informed my wife and I, "Mommy and Daddy..this is where God wants me to go to school!" We felt it too, and since that day, God has given us that peace, shalom, that this is the right place for our child. DCA has helped facilitate her spiritual growth and for that we are so thankful! DCA continues to be an integral part of what God is doing in Katie's life.
—Mr. & Mrs. Jones

DCA has been a blessing for our family. It is evident that the teachers and staff really care about our kids. We believe it is vitally important that there be a consistancy between what is being taught and lived out at home, church and school. Our boys are learning that Christ is central to everything in life, not just an add-on. Thank you DCA for the impact you have already made.
—John and Tina. Cowie

DCA is a place where our children are blanketed by the teachers prayers for safety and salvation, each and every morning before school. A place where our children can be themselves and belong just the way they are. A place where the teachers are not there because of wages but because they believe in ministering to our children. In a time where prayer is frowned upon in our schools DCA encourages personal and corporate prayer amongst the students and the staff. That in itself makes all the difference in the world to us and is the reason our children are at DCA.
—Don and Angie More


(PUBLISHED IN CLARINGTON THIS WEEK - FEBRUARY 2009)

Durham Christian Academy makes its mark
Welcome to the school where everybody knows your name. Quite literally. With a complement of just 76 students spread among five homerooms from junior kindergarten through to Grade 8, Durham Christian Academy certainly has the personal touch.
And that's what parents are looking for, in large part, when they make the decision to send their children there, says principal David Burns.
      The average split homeroom size is just 15 students, so each student gets plenty of individual attention.
     "We have a very friendly environment. The older kids here play with the younger students and everybody gets to know each other," said Mr. Burns.
      The other key component of Durham Christian Academy, located on Nash Road in Bowmanville, is revealed in the name of the school. It's all about faith-based learning.
      Students begin the day with opening exercises including the Lord's prayer and have a half-hour Bible class each morning. There is also a weekly chapel session.
     "Parents are looking for Christian values and a safe environment for their kids and we make sure we provide that for them. They also like the extra attention and family-type atmosphere at the school," Mr. Burns said.
      The school follows the Ontario curriculum with a full helping of all the traditional subjects such as math, science, English, geography, history, music, art, etc.
      And despite the small number of students, Durham Christian Academy gamely tries its hand at sports with participation emphasized over winning. That doesn't stop the Academy from hoisting the odd trophy.
     "Every kid who wants to play on a team, can play on a team here. We have moments where we are very competitive, but we push sportsmanship and fun," Mr. Burns said.
      Most students head into the public or separate system after graduation from Durham Christian Academy, the principal said. But they fondly remember their time at the little school.