Desert Christian Schools

About us

Desert Christian Schools is an independent, inter-denominational Christian covenant school. Desert Christian was founded in 1986 on Tucson's eastside as a high school and has since grown to include a second campus for Preschool to 8th grade. Today, DCS represents more than sixty area churches as Tucson's only independent, comprehensive Preschool - 12th-grade Christian school. DCS is governed by a parent-elected Board of Trustees, staffed by licensed, qualified faculty and is fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International 

As our Purpose Statement declares, Desert Christian students will:

• Think critically, logically and creatively.

• Read with comprehension, discernment and enjoyment.

• Write with clarity, precision, style and power.

• Listen with understanding and sensitivity.

• Speak articulately and correctly.

• Understand and apply the mathematical and scientific concepts that underlie God’s creation.

• Respond, appreciate and evaluate a wide range of cultural expressions through the study of history, literature and the arts.

• Turn learning into loving service.

Preschool

At Desert Christian Preschool, we provide an inquiry-driven, play-based, child-focused, Christ-centered program. Our primary focus is for your child to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ, all while developing a lifetime love for learning. We provide an exploratory, investigative, sensory-rich learning environment essential in nurturing your child’s desire to learn.

Kindergarten - 8th Grade

The K8 grade school academic program encourages high achievement within a challenging, disciplined, and caring environment. The program places emphasis on mastery and application of basic learning skills. Each subject is taught from a Christian perspective with special times set aside for Bible instruction and Chapel. K8 offers many additional activities to educate the whole child such as music, art, physical education, computer, and library skills.

High School

Desert Christian High School is committed to providing a rigorous liberal arts education taught from a biblical world view. As a Christ-centered school, Desert Christian is distinguished by its caring community which promotes excellence in fine arts, community service, varsity athletics, student ministries, co-curricular opportunities, and academics.

Why Choose Desert Christian Schools?

Because of the small class sizes, the International Student Program at DCS provides personalized attention as we endeavor to meet every student’s unique learning needs. We desire to educate and equip students for the challenges of college, university, and the workforce. International students are taught the importance of a well-rounded outlook through academic rigor and fostering relationships among staff and students by joining clubs, participating in fine arts, and competing in athletics.

To accomplish our mission, an ISP Team has been assembled. Each person on the ISP Team brings specialized training and abilities through education and experience in their field. We hope that each member’s expertise will explicitly enhance the overall experience of all those involved in the ISP while providing a concerted effort to assist each international student in their academic and social growth. It is the goal of DCS to pursue excellence in all that we do! Members of the ISP Team consist of:

• ISP Coordinator- Amy Garelick
• Admissions Director- Jesse Hauser
• Campus Principals- K-8: Aaron Jansen, High School: Casey Robinson
• Registrars- K-8: Traci Garcia, High School: Julie Fowler
• Guidance Counselor- Kat Droban
• Bookkeeper- Leslie Hatch

HOST FAMILIES

Desert Christian Schools has a unique opportunity to bring students from around the world into our caring, Christ-centered community. We are always looking for families who might like to open their hearts and homes to a young person (6th - 12th grade) from another country.

All interested parties must be fully aware of the role the home unit (American host family) plays in partnering with the school and a local evangelical church in accomplishing our mission. Host families provide the opportunity for students to experience life as a member of an American family. Family connections allow for many experiences with athletics, fine arts, and other community activities while providing transitional and educational support throughout the homestay.

LOCATION

Desert Christian Schools is located on the east side of Tucson, a city of over a half-million people that sits in the Sonoran Desert surrounded by numerous mountain ranges. Full of rich history and diverse cultures, Tucson offers a wide variety of activities year-round. From shopping to hiking, concerts to athletic events, and movie sets to museums, there is something for everyone in Tucson!

DCS’s location affords its students a variety of educational opportunities. Students can take trips to the world-famous Grand Canyon, Arizona's capital of Phoenix, and it only takes a few hours to get to the California coast! Tucson is also home to its very own international airport, as well as the University of Arizona.