DCAC Philosophy

DCAC is a school that serves students who have received long-term suspensions from their home schools. DCAC is not intended as a permanent placement for any child; instead, the program's purpose is to provide students with the decision-making skills that will enable them to succeed at their home schools.

Students at DCAC earn their return to their home schools by working up a level system. As they progress up the levels, they demonstrate mastery in the following areas:

  • anger management and conflict resolution
  • decision-making skills
  • basics of self-esteem
  • drug/alcohol education
  • introduction to career education
  • gang awareness and education
  • social skills training
  • attitude and values training

Students attend daily group sessions that focus on these topics; middle and high school students also have a BASS(behavior and academic support service) period during which they can receive individual counseling as needed.

The goal of DCAC is to return students to their home schools after thirty successful days of attendance. A student may stay longer due to absences or poor behavior, but over 90% of students return to their home schools within the normal timeline. Since students are scheduled to re-enter  their schools on Tuesdays, occasionally a student may stay a day or two extra.

DCAC is structured and operated as an intervention to support the regular schools. DCAC's partnership with Lakeside Behavioral Health Services ensures that students receive qualified, comprehensive behavioral services that give them the tools to succeed in their home school environments.