The DCP Model

Personal Attention

DCP is a small charter high school in the San Jose Unified School District serving urban minority students who have experienced minimal success in large public schools, lack the basic skills necessary to handle a college preparatory curriculum, and need a specialized program to be successful. The teacher student ratio is 25:1. All students are enrolled in a college prep program and all students take the A-G required courses for the UC/CSU system.

Learning Environment

DCP's school day is from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm. Tutorial is offered four days a week for students to to work on their homework and attend office hours held by their teachers. One-on-one tutoring is available through community volunteers and local college students. Students with low reading and math skills take extra courses to ensure they are prepared for college prep classes. Each student's academic progress is monitored closely.

Culture of Achievement

All students are expected to live up to our school's values of ganas (desire), comunidad (community), and orgullo (pride). Students are required to wear a uniform and act with dignity and mutual respect both on and off campus.

College-Ready

DCP students take three years of college prep Math and English, and at least two years of college prep History, Spanish, Science and Art. DCP also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Spanish Language and English Language. There is a College Guidance Lab on campus staffed by a counselor who works individually with all students by hand walking them through the college application process, financial aid and the various real life aspects of college life. Students also take trips both their junior and senior year to UC and CSU campuses throughout the state. DCP also maintains a need-based scholarship fund that is made available to our graduates.

Family Involvement

Collaboration and communication with DCP families about grades and classroom performance is a key part to each student's success. DCP families are involved in every part of the school from teacher conferences to parent groups to activities and events, Families meet monthly and also take part in classes to help them prepare for their students' transition to college.