ABOUT US

Experience The Difference

WHAT MAKES DCA UNIQUE:

Denton Calvary Academy is unique among private schools in Denton in that we are a Christ-centered, biblically based, University-Model School®.

We’ve combined the best elements of traditional public schools, private schools, and homeschooling to create a unique model of education. Students follow a university-style schedule, attending classes on campus part of the week and learning at home on the other days under their parents' guidance. This approach gives families the gift of time and allows parents to take an active role in their child’s education.

With the partnership of engaged parents at home, passionate teachers in the classroom, and dedicated coaches on and off the field, students thrive in an environment that nurtures both academic excellence and spiritual growth.

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Is DCA’s University-Model® a good fit for your family?

Growing in wisdom, walking in love, and building fortitude.

DCA’s Foundational Principles

The vision of Denton Calvary Academy is to see our students, today and tomorrow, glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by improving the lives of others through a lifelong love of learning, discovery and service.
The mission of Denton Calvary Academy is to cultivate a Biblically-based educational experience with committed Christian parents and educators to nurture students to reflect the character of Christ and to understand that this life is but a mist and through their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ they endeavor to make daily choices from an eternal view of life.
Who are we?
We are a University-Model® School of Christian educators who provide quality education and collaborate with like-minded families to instill Biblical truth and Christlikeness.
Why do we exist?
We exist to glorify Christ by leading families in the education of their children and assisting in their discipleship.
How do we behave?
We behave with WISDOM (“right priorities and perspectives”), in LOVE (“sacrificial commitment to the best for others”), and FORTITUDE (“diligence, even in adversity”)
What do we do?
We educate the heart, soul, mind, & body of our students in order for them to relate rightly with God, self, others, and the rest of creation.
How do we succeed?
We:
- Maintain purposeful and spiritually healthy learning environments
- Train faculty, staff, students, and families in Godly character with consistency and loving accountability
- Prioritize all resources toward the development of our students

Our History

In 1998, a group of Christian private school and homeschool parents in Denton sought an alternative schooling model for their children. They wanted the advantages of a full-time private school while allowing parents to remain significantly involved in their children’s education. During their search, they were introduced to Grace Preparatory Academy and University-Model® (UM®) Schooling. After researching the university model and partnering with GPA, plans began for the creation of Calvary Preparatory Academy, one of the first three UM® schools in existence and the first in Denton.

Calvary Preparatory Academy opened its doors in the fall of 1999 with approximately 95 students in grades one through ten. In the spring of 2002, CPA celebrated the graduation of its first senior class of five students. That fall, the school changed its name to Denton Calvary Academy (DCA) and began competing in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) in both athletic and academic competitions.

In 2004, DCA was certified as a charter member of the National Association of University-Model® Schools and, in 2006, was granted accreditation status with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). DCA was re-certified with the National Association of University-Model Schools in the fall of 2010 and re-accredited with Advanc-Ed in February of 2016. In 2019 DCA was recertified with the National Association of University-Model Schools (NAUMS) as well as with Cognia in June 2021. DCA completed the re-accreditation process with Cognia in December 2024. NAUMS, Inc. Certification and Cognia Accreditation hold member schools accountable for implementing and maintaining high standards while ensuring parents the excellence and quality to which their children are entitled.

Today, Denton Calvary Academy serves over 250 students in grades K-12. We are proud to continue the legacy of our founding families by striving to develop DCA into the premier private school in Denton. This is the third consecutive year DCA has been recognized as the Best in Denton County in the Private Schools category. In addition, DCA is also proud to be named a Best Christian Workplace™ in 2023 and 2024.

Our Graduates go to Top Universities

Facts and Figures

Having met the requirements established by AdvanceEd Accreditation Commission and Board of Trustees, Denton Calvary Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-CASI). DCA is a charter member of the National Association of University-Model® Schools (UMSI) and competes in TAPPS, the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, in athletic, academic and fine arts competitions.
Total Enrollment: 264
- High School (9-12): 108
- Middle School (5-8): 53
- Elementary (K-5): 96
Teacher/Student Ratio:
- 15:1 in Kindergarten
- 18:1 in Grades 1-12
Class Size: 35 Average GPA: 3.75 DCA’s average SAT and ACT scores exceeded both Texas and national average scores.
Post High School:
- 86% enrolled in a 4-year college
- 7% enrolled in a 2-year college
- 7% entered the military, the workforce or other programs of study

Academics

Our Graduates Experience:

Meet Our Administrative Team

Doug Jefferson

Head of School
Joshua Stevens

Secondary School Principal
Paul Hines

Secondary School Vice Principal / Athletic Director
LeAnn Bielss

Elementary School Principal

Meet Our Board

The Denton Calvary Academy School Board provides the school with transparent and trustworthy overall guidance and ensures the Principal fulfills the vision and mission of the school. To accomplish this, the Board meets regularly with the Head of School, the board’s one employee, to monitor and set overall school policy.