DCP Awarded 2017 National “School to Watch” Distinction

At DCP, we’ve made it our mission to change the lives of first-generation students by preparing them for success through college and beyond and creating a community that supports and serves their needs. That is why it is with great pride that we announce that DCP Alum Rock Middle School (DCP ARMS) has been designated a “School to Watch™” (STW™) Model Middle School by the California League of Schools, California Department of Education, and the California Middle Grades Alliance.

DCP ARMS is the first independent charter school in the state to receive this prestigious distinction and the first middle school in San Jose to do so. Our school joins 10 other high-performing middle schools across the state also selected this year for their demonstration of “academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs of young adolescents, and social equity.”

“These are fantastic schools that do such a terrific job of helping students succeed with academics and succeed as they face all the other unique challenges of being in middle school,” said State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson in a press release. “It’s a significant time in a student’s life, and they need special teachers, staff, and administration to help them prepare for success in 21st century careers and college. These schools do all of that and more.”

Now as a STW™ model middle school, DCP ARMS will host visitors from California and around the world who are interested in learning practices that can help close the achievement gap in their own schools.

“Schools to Watch” National Designation at Washington D.C. Conference

DCP ARMS was honored again most recently at the 2017 National “Schools to Watch” Annual Conference, held in Washington D.C. from June 21 – June 24. There, our staff members joined over 80 other STW™ middle schools from across the nation in a discussion of best practices, presentations (two of which were led by DCP ARMS staff!), and an awards dinner.

While in D.C., DCP ARMS staff also stopped by Capitol Hill to meet and speak with Representative Zoe Lofgren. During the visit, they talked with the Congresswoman about education policies impacting middle school and college success, and even about DCP ARMS’ own national designation.

We would like to thank the DCP ARMS staff members who work incredibly hard day-in and day-out to create an environment in which our students can thrive! Because of you, this accomplishment is possible.