SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES AT DLES

Chapel--In addition to daily Bible classes, students regularly participate in chapel programs, designed for their age group. Grades first through fourth have chapel assemblies twice a week, sometimes by grade level, sometimes in larger groups.

Extended Day & Summer Camp--During the school year, after school care is provided each day until 5:30, and all day on certain inservice days, through the Extended Day program. Outside play, art projects, games, and enrichment opportunities are the mainstay of this program. During June and July, summer camp operates on the same schedule as the regular school day as well as providing care in the late afternoon. The goal of both of these programs is to provide a safe, developmentally appropriate, fun environment.

Prekindergarten--Two prekindergarten classes serve four-year-old students. The classes provide opportunities for academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual development in a stimulating and nurturing setting that is appropriate to the specific needs of each young child. A child’s first school experience should foster a love of learning, an eagerness of participation, and increased personal confidence. Certified teachers who have endorsements in early childhood education teach these classes.

Prefirst--David Lipscomb Elementary established a prefirst class twenty-five years ago and has seen the program benefit hundreds of students. Prefirst, an interim year between kindergarten and first grade, is designed for young students that have successfully mastered kindergarten curriculum requirements but who would profit from increased confidence and/or maturity before they enter first grade. The Prefirst program provides a stimulating, age appropriate transition for these students. Approximately forty percent of our first graders take advantage of this Prefirst opportunity. Prefirst is not a remedial program and does not meet the needs of those who need a corrective curriculum.

Learning Enhancement Program--LEP provides an on-campus instructional/tutorial program for students with mild learning problems or unique learning styles. Services may be individual, in small groups, or in the form of extra support in the classroom directly. These services require fees beyond the regular tuition.

Enrichment Programs--LEP offers regular math enrichment programs for students who show evidence of need in this area. These enrichment sessions focus not on developing specific arithmetic skills but on reasoning and broader application of existing skills. Art enrichment classes are also offered after school on a regular basis.

Physical and Emotional Care--Counseling services are provided on site; a school nurse visits the campus twice weekly and is available other times as needed.