First through eighth grades
Students in grades 1-8 are taught a robust, Christ-centered curriculum. The core subjects taught include Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies and Bible. Students also participate in a comprehensive Bible memorization program that extends from first through eighth grade. A PDF file is available for downloading and printing (at the bottom of this page).
Special subjects or electives
- Physical Education – Students are encouraged to move and be healthy. They are taught the fundamentals of several sports. In addition, students are encouraged to show teamwork and good sportsmanship. PE is held twice a week throughout the school year.
- Art – Students are creatively introduced to art. The topics taught include drawing, painting, collages, relief printing, creative lettering, sculpture clay modeling and art appreciation. Additionally, planning and constructing a miniature community, writing, pasting and picture making with a variety of materials is taught. Art is held once a week throughout the school year.
- Computers – Computer class is taught to grades two through eight. Students in grade two become familiar with the basic usage of the computer in such areas as using a mouse and running and using a simple program. In the following grades, students develop speed and accuracy in keyboarding, review proper finger positions and practice speed skills. Keyboarding, Microsoft's Word, Excel and Power Point are taught in the older grades. Computer class is held once a week throughout the school year.
- Music – Students are led through a vocal journey from kindergarten to grade 8. In Kindergarten the students sing, listen and move to music in order to understand, appreciate and enjoy music and rhythm. In first and second grade, the students learn to recognize steady beat and various tone colors and expressive elements, learning how to distinguish between sounds of different durations and detect steps, leaps and repeats in melodic patterns. In third and fourth grade students learn folk dancing, music theory basics, melody direction and phrase definition in a song. Harmony will also be studied through the use of partner songs. Seventh and eighth grade students learn to differentiate between meter signatures and syncopated rhythm, review music theory, the major and minor scales. Singing is a major part of the class, with the students singing in harmony, unison and rounds and with the ability to add instrumental notes to the melody. All students perform at the annual DCS Christmas concert and graduation ceremony. Music is held twice a week throughout the school year.
Chapel
Each week is started with Chapel. The entire school gathers together. Students are led in worship through song, prayer and there is often a guest speaker.
Character building
In addition to a fine curriculum, students are encouraged to have good character. They often have the opportunity to interact with not only their peers, but also students of all grades. The older students develop good relationships with the younger students, setting good examples and mentoring them.
Field trips
Learning is expanded beyond the classroom. Every class takes a variety of small field trips every year such as the first and second grades going to the apple orchard or the fifth and sixth grades going to the University of Michigan, Dearborn Interpretive Center. In addition to the smaller excursions out of the classroom there are several planned trips that students look forward to, including a visit to historic Greenfield Village every other year in 3/4 grade, a trip to Mackinac every other year in 5/6 grade and a fun class trip at the end of eighth grade. Science Camp is also a yearly favorite of students in grade 5 – 8. Students spend three days and two nights learning in the out of doors at a local nature center and campgrounds. For more on field trips, visit our field trips page.
