Frequently Asked Questions
Question Index
- Who should apply to DECA?
- What is the enrollment process?
- Can special needs students attend DECA?
- Where will students attend classes?
- What are the school hours?
- Will uniforms be required for students?
- Will students have storage for personal items, coats and packed lunches?
- Will transportation be available to and from school?
- What are the food service options?
- How are DECA students graded?
- Will students be allowed to participate in after school sports?
- Can students continue with other academic assistance programs?
- When can students begin to take college classes?
- Who should apply to DECA?
- What is the enrollment process?
- Can special needs students attend DECA?
- Where will students attend classes?
- What are the school hours?
- Will uniforms be required for students?
- Will students have storage for personal items, coats and packed lunches?
- Will transportation be available to and from school?
- What are the food service options?
- How are DECA students graded?
- Will students be allowed to participate in after school sports?
- Can students continue with other academic assistance programs?
- When can students begin to take college classes?
DECA is singularly focused on preparing students for college. Students need to have a passion for learning and an interest in pursuing a higher education. Because college is the ultimate goal, students must be able to handle demanding academic work with self-reliance and personal responsibility.
DECA will accept 85 incoming freshman for the 2008-09 school year. Enrollment begins in mid-January and ends April 30. If DECA receives more than 85 completed applications within the enrollment period, students will be selected by lottery. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and notification of acceptance will be mailed to homes after enrollment ends.
Yes. Accommodations consistent with IEPs will be made; however, students must be able to adapt to an accelerated and compacted high school curriculum which is geared toward college preparation.
Students attend high school classes at DECA located at 1529 Brown Street (corner of Brown and Stewart Streets) where DECA exclusively occupies the third floor of the UD-owned building. Students enrolled for college classes generally attend Sinclair with shuttle bus transportation from DECA throughout the day. In some instances students attend college classes and/or workshops at UD.
The traditional high school course of study is compacted at DECA. Individual student needs are addressed and emphasis placed on readying students for early access to college level course work.
DECA starts at 8:45 and ends at 3:45. With prior approval, students may arrive early to campus; however, elevator access to the third floor is not available until 8:30 A.M. Supervised study tables are offered after school Tuesday through Thursday from 3:45 – 4:45 and most Fridays from 3:45 – 6:30.
While the school does not have a standard uniform, reasonable and appropriate dress is required. DECA frequently hosts visitors from all over the state and country and, as a result, students should dress accordingly. Appropriate dress is also required when on job shadows, interviews, internships, and at school presentations.
Improvised locker space is available for all students in advisories. Please note, however, that not all lockers can be locked. Students are therefore cautioned against bringing valuable items to school.
Students utilize the RTA public transportation system to travel to and from DECA. Monthly bus passes are issued to students who reside more than two miles from school.
All first-year students eat lunch in the school cafeteria. Free and reduced rate lunch programs are available to eligible students. Students also have the option to bring lunch from home and should pack their food in an insulated bag. Cold drinks may be purchased from vending machines in the cafeteria. Students who pass gateway 3 and have signed permission from their parent and advisor may go off campus for lunch.
Rather than traditional report cards and high school credits, students progress through a series of six gateways to graduation. Students generally complete the program within four years, but in some cases remain a fifth year. Most students complete one to two gateways during their first year at DECA. Students who do not complete at least one gateway are required to repeat the entire program the following year.
Currently, Dayton Public Schools allows DECA students wanting interscholastic competition to declare a “home” high school where he/she can try out for a sports team. DECA students must maintain weekly eligibility requirements in order to participate in school sports.
Yes, DECA encourages students to continue external academic programs such as Young Scholars and Wright Step.
During their first year at DECA, incoming freshman are taken to Sinclair Community College for ACCUPLACER testing. Based on student readiness, college classes may begin as early as the second year.