Uniquely DCMS

In 9th grade, students at DCMS work towards a PADI certification through open water SCUBA diving. Students learn to dive safely through a combination of classroom lessons, contained water skills instruction, and open water dives. PADI certified instructors from The Island School lead weekly dives that teach basic diving skills, expose students to the local marine environment, and build teamwork and perseverance. Underwater graduation takes place at the completion of the course!

School Without Walls enables DCMS students to get outside and learn about their environment through several uninterrupted and ongoing periods of inquiry. The School Without Walls program is divided into three separate one-week sessions, spread throughout the academic year. It is a focused time of experiential education and exploration of Eleuthera, as we collaborate with educators, students and researchers from The Island School and Cape Eleuthera Institute, and other organizations on Eleuthera. Extended time outside of the classroom focuses on the marine world, research, and student advocacy. Students share and celebrate their learning with the larger community through an evening of Presentations of Learning.

Each week at DCMS there is a dedicated time for community collaboration. We believe that giving back to one’s community is an important component of leadership and citizen development. Community engagement is delivered through our three clubs and each student is involved in one. Clubs are a time for students to learn about their responsibilities to the greater community on a local and global level, to be agents of change, and to practice becoming compassionate leaders.

The skills curriculum covers a wide range of subjects to support the middle school child’s developmental success as students, young adults, and future leaders. The skills program is focused on grade 7 students and covers study skills, computer literacy, and community building. Leadership, communication, conflict management and decision-making skills are also introduced and practiced throughout the DCMS program.

Every spring, our Grade 8 students travel to either Boston or Washington, D.C., for one week. During this exchange, they fully immerse in the local culture through homestays with local host families and attend school alongside their student exchange counterparts. They also tour the city, visiting historical landmarks and favorite locations highlighted by the host students. Later in the year, the U.S. students visit South Eleuthera and have the opportunity to experience the unique sights and sounds of our school, local community, and beautiful island.