DCP’s academic principles and philosophy give rise to an academic program that is uniquely tailored to the needs of previously under-achieving students.

Academic program objectives are to:

• Build core skills necessary for college success.
• Provide personalized instruction.
• Instill resilience and independence in all students building their personal vision of college success.

To achieve these objectives, DCP designed a unique curricular and instructional framework that is radically different from that in traditional public high schools. Namely courses at DCP:

• Uphold high expectations for student behavior and work
• Place students at the center of the learning process
• Rely on data to drive instructional decisions
• Have clear learning targets for each unit and lesson