Future Students & Parents
Introduction
The Dayton Early College Academy is a concrete response to convince and prepare Dayton urban learners to go to college. DECA represents a unique educational partnership among the Dayton Public Schools (the sponsor district), and the University of Dayton (providing academic oversight), and Sinclair Community College. DECA is a public character school housed at the University of Dayton and advised by an independent board that consists of a wide variety of community leaders.
DECA serves high school students who are underrepresented in higher education; students who haven't had access to the academic preparation needed to meet college readiness standards; students for whom the cost of college is prohibitive; and to a large extent, students of color. DECA strives for inclusion. It does not skim the academically gifted from existing schools, but develops the untapped learning potential of more ordinary students.
Even though many DECA students are skill-deficient according to Ohio standards, all demonstrate a passion and interest in learning and going to college.
What People Are Saying
"DECA really helped me mature. I'm making better decisions about my well-being. I'm more well-rounded.
I matured in ways I wouldn't have at a regular school."
- DECA Graduate
"I didn't think I was cut out for college... because i was having problems with reading and math and
everything. And it's only because I don't learn in big groups. And so I was like failing math class
and not reading well, but... I'm reading a lot better than I was and I'm doing really well in math...
I know I can go to college and pass... It's because I'm learning more and I have more confidence in
myself."
- DECA Student
Process
During enrollment season (after the previous school year has completed), visit our Application Process page for dates, forms, and other information you may need to apply.