MAKE YOUR DIFFERENCE A DISCOVERY GUIDE FOR: Des Moines Christian School
In 1948, Des Moines Christian School opened its doors to 15 students. Since then, we have prayed for, equipped and sent more than 1,000 graduates to make a difference for Jesus in the world. Today, more than 800 students annually, from Early Education through 12th grade, are receiving an excellent, Christ-centered education. While they are here, it is our honor and responsibility to prepare them to be tomorrow s leaders. At Des Moines Christian we count it a privilege, which should not be taken lightly, to provide a safe, nurturing and engaging environment to foster a love for learning about the world in which God has created. Give your child the gift of faith-based education at an accredited and respected school. 95% of DMCS students pursue a post-secondary degree
Service Oriented Each child was created to make a difference. Together, we will guide them on their journey. CARES Because Des Moines Christian School Equipping Minds Christ-centered & Hearts Academically Excellent y l l a n o i t a l e d e t c e n n Co R
DIFFERENCE MAKER CHRIST- CENTERED A school cannot be Christian. Only people can. That s why, at Des Moines Christian School, Christian values are the foundation of everything we do. Staff and faculty are committed to thinking biblically and critically. When the Lord is infused into the curriculum and allowed to be part of a child s day, he or she begins to grow and change in remarkable ways. The Bible is integrated into every subject; not just Bible class. And we work closely with parents to help children cultivate a love for God, enjoy learning and develop to their full God-given potential. DREW HARDEN Class of 2000 President & Co-founder Blue Compass Interactive Des Moines Christian School provided me with a strong, faithbased education that helped guide me through college and to the career I m in today. I was given a solid academic foundation by teachers who truly cared about their students and served as real role models. I gained not only a strong knowledge of the Bible, but an understanding of why I believe what I believe. After high school I moved to a public university where I was able to excel academically and stay strong in my faith. I m blessed to be President and Co-founder of Blue Compass Interactive, a digital marketing firm where I m able to guide the direction of the company and manage 25 people. I knew it was a privilege to attend DMCS at the time, but I look back and realize what a true blessing it was and continues to be. Today, I m thankful to now have my two sons attend DMCS.
WE EDUCATE BY THE BOOK Getting to the heart of the matter. Equipping ch ildren from the SPORTS GRAMMAR ins MATH FINE ARTS ide out to PHYSICAL EDUCTION MISSION TRIPS MUSIC prepare them to make differences for Jesus. SOCIAL STUDIES LIBRARY CHAPEL SCIENCE SPELLING READING TECHNOLOGY
Each child is uniquely created by God. Our teachers strive to differentiate instruction to meet the varied learning styles of individual students. ACADEMICALLY EXCELLENT The educational decisions you make for your child today will have a far greater impact than can be imagined in the future. Des Moines Christian School seeks to promote the development of the whole person through a variety of programs and activities. Our teachers are committed, supportive educators who provide an environment where students thrive. We offer a diverse curriculum that educates each child academically, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. And the numerous opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities, such as sports, fine arts and clubs, give our students a chance to explore the many talents God has given them as well as develop friendships and leadership abilities, learn social interaction and glorify Christ. Go Whether it s playing sports or plugging into various clubs and activities, DMCS students have plenty of ways to show Lion pride! Band (Concert, Jazz, Marching) Baseball Basketball Cheerleading Cross Country Drama Football Golf Soccer Softball Student Council Technology Club Track & Field Volleyball Vocal Music (Choir, Show Choir) Yearbook
DIFFERENCE MAKER ERIN HIATT Class of 2009 Graphic Designer I attended DMCS from kindergarten until graduating high school, and because I spent almost all of my formative years there, the teachers and staff really knew my family, interests and talents well. Their interest really made my learning experience special in high school a teacher honed in on a skill I wasn t really aware of and presented an opportunity to learn more about it. For the next few years I took media and graphic arts classes, and upon graduating went on to study for and receive my Bachelor s degree in graphic design from the University of Northern Iowa. I currently am a graphic designer and marketing consultant in Southeast Asia working with ministry-minded small businesses and non-profits. Before that particular teacher expressed a desire to see me look into it, graphic design was not even on my radar for potential careers. I learned more than just skills at DMCS, I also learned the value of developing relationships. Early Education Pre-Kindergarten Des Moines Christian School s Early Education program is intentionally created to develop the whole child. Beginning with our youngest students, we help foster the wonder of learning by teaching through all the senses. That education evolves as we promote kindergarten readiness by introducing developmentally appropriate concepts such as letters, numbers and colors. Elementary Kindergarten-6th Des Moines Christian School s Elementary program serves students from kindergarten through 6th grade. We offer a rigorous and developmentally appropriate curriculum that serves to meet many of the needs of these students in the academic, social, physical and spiritual areas. During these years, we also look for ways to infuse the use of technology into our curriculum to enhance student learning. Secondary Education Junior and Senior High This time of change and growth allows our teachers to help students find confidence in their identity in Christ and discover gifts and talents to serve the Lord. The curriculum is challenging and demanding in order to prepare students for college and a career. For high school students, there are also multiple learning opportunities both on and off campus. And we offer STEM programs, including Tech Club and advanced math and science courses.
RELATIONALLY CONNECTED DIFFERENCE MAKER We are unified by the Holy Spirit, not conformity of doctrine. We are an inter-denominational community of families representing more than 120 churches with a student body from more than 27 different neighborhoods in the Greater Des Moines area. Our current enrollment continues to reach all-time highs with more than 800 students in Early Education through 12th. 800 students 27 neigborhoods Want to know the best part? We re all in one building! Fostering positive cross-class relationships is easy through prayer teams, small group mentoring, classroom visits and reading partners. This sense of community not only helps students grow in their relationships with each other and Christ, but it also extends out into our families as parents develop lifelong friendships and strong relationships with the school. 120 churches JOEL VELDKAMP Class of 2006 Assistant to the CEO Christian Solidarity International I will be forever grateful to my parents for putting a priority on my getting a Christian education. Since graduating from DMCS, I have completed college, traveled to 11 countries, gone to work for Christian Solidarity International (CSI), stood up in weddings for five DMCS classmates and begun graduate studies at the University of Chicago. At every stage, I have drawn strength and comfort from my deeply rooted Christian worldview a worldview that was shaped at DMCS. And when the students at DMCS welcomed me back to speak at chapel about CSI s work with the persecuted church, and then raised enough money to help CSI free a hundred people from slavery that was pretty awesome too!
EQUIPPING MINDS & HEARTS DIFFERENCE MAKER Biblical worldview education is the foundation of a successful Christian school program. At Des Moines Christian, we immerse our students in opportunities to live out their faith through godly relationships, ministry hours, mission trips and classroom discussion. We seek to partner with parents to create servant leaders who think critically, discern spiritually and act biblically. We provide students with an integrated understanding of the Christian faith in a global context. Because, we believe it is this core knowledge that will create wellgrounded Christian students and equip them to make a difference in today s global society. We equip our students to see the world through the heart and lens of scripture. All your children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:13 NATHAN LEMKE Class of 2002 Scientist Air Force Research Laboratory After graduating from DMCS in 2002, I chose to pursue physics for my field of study and, ultimately, my career. The excellent math and science instruction I received at DMCS played an essential role in my academic pursuits. Moreover, the biblical instruction I received at DMCS helped me to understand that the physical universe is God s workmanship, and exploring His creation through scientific study is a unique and wonderful opportunity. Since finishing my PhD from the University of Colorado in 2012, I have worked in scientific laboratories in Germany and Chicago, and recently began a new position with the Air Force Research Laboratory in New Mexico. I am grateful for these opportunities and for the important role DMCS has played in my academic and spiritual development.
SERVICE ORIENTED For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) The Holy Spirit endows each believer with certain spiritual gifts for the purpose of serving and edifying the body of Christ. And because Jesus sets the example for us to serve, we want to provide our students opportunities to do so, as well. Our hope is that this becomes a habitforming discipline done with a heart of joy rather than a requirement. From shoveling snow for a neighbor and serving meals to the needy to tutoring children who speak English as a second language and mission trips to other countries, it is through these activities and others that a Christ-centered environment is created and maintained. But we warn our students: serving others for Christ may be addicting! 7,000 hours are spent annually by our 7th-12th graders serving in volunteer ministry Make Your Difference Thank you for considering Des Moines Christian School as your partner for your child s education. By partnering with us, we can embark on a journey of enriching the whole child through academics and extra-curricular activities to foster a joy for learning that equips them to make a difference in our world beyond their school years. We feel the value of our Christian education is unmatched, and we think everyone who desires it should be able to have it. Therefore, we ve kept our education affordable for the average-income family. But we also offer a variety of financial aid and scholarship grants. In fact, nearly 40% of our families receive some sort of assistance. If you want to make an investment that lasts a lifetime and beyond to gain an exceptional Christian education that deepens your child s affection for God and equips him or her for work in His world please call our Admissions office to schedule a tour today.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about us. We look forward to learning more about you! Admissions Office Early Education: (515) 252-2482 Elementary: (515) 252-2485 Secondary: (515) 252-2490 13007 Douglas Parkway, Suite #100 Urbandale, IA 50323 (515) 252-2480 www.dmcs.org twitter.com/dmcs_updates facebook.com/desmoineschristianschool plus.google.com/+dmcsorg Des Moines Christian School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. DMCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs. D431-26380 1/2015