ADMISSIONS
PROCESS

Making the right educational choices for our children are some of the most difficult and pivotal choices we make as parents.

We are so thankful you have chosen to consider Denton Calvary and this unique model of education as an option for your family. We are here to assist and equip you as you explore what we believe is a “better way” to educate.

What’s the Process for Admission to DCA?

1. Attend an Information Meeting

Attend a Parent Information Meeting to explore our campus and learn more about us.

2. Review School Materials

Review all school materials gathered at the Parent Information Meeting as well as the website. Be sure your family has read and agrees to our Statement of Faith. Pray about it.

3. Online Application

Complete the online application for admission and submit the application fee of $200 for kindergarten and first grad applicants and $125 (plus $160 ISEE testing) for grades 2-12.

Please Note Application Deadlines:

  1. Fall 2025 – July 10, 2025 at noon. 

  2. Spring 2026 – November 14, 2025 at noon.

4. Submit Records

Submit academic records (standardized testing, report cards, transcript) and reference contact emails (two academic and one spiritual – must be non-related adults).

5. Entrance Testing

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is required for all incoming 2nd - 12th grade applicants. Currently the cost of the ISEE is $125 - $160 and is not included in the application fee.

The ISEE is a computer based test, therefore younger applicants should have basic knowledge of a keyboard and how to use a mouse. Kindergarten and first grade applicants will be scheduled for an in-house assessment (fees included in application fee).

Admissions staff will contact you to schedule entrance testing.

Remote ISEE testing options are available at an additional cost.

6. Committee Review

Denton Calvary Academy seeks to partner with families where our mission and values align, but we recognize that our school may not be the right fit for every family. For this reason, acceptance into DCA is not guaranteed. To help ensure clarity and alignment, we kindly ask that all prospective parents attend a Parent Information Meeting before submitting an application, as the application fee is non-refundable.

7. Family Interview

If the decision is made to move forward with the applicant’s file, admissions staff will contact you to schedule a family interview. Note: All steps in the admissions process must be completed prior to scheduling of the family interview.

8. Admissions Decision

The Admissions Committee makes its decision after careful consideration and prayer. Due to the sensitive and, at times, difficult nature of the committee’s work, decisions not to accept a student are shared by letter and without further comment.

ONLINE APPLICATION

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Students applying for kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before September 1st of the entering year.

  • Applications of siblings are reviewed and are given priority over other first-time applicants. However, current family status does not guarantee a child’s admission into Denton Calvary.

  • The Admission Committee considers the following:

    1. Families who are growing in their personal walk with the Lord and involved in their local church. Both parents must be Christians, as well as students in grades 6-12.

    2. Students whose academic records demonstrate proven capability to succeed in our program. Denton Calvary requires that students score at grade level or above on the admission test.

    3. Students’ whose recommendations show a behavioral history that is in harmony with the behavioral expectations of Denton Calvary Academy.

  • No. In cases where students are coming to DCA from a homeschool environment, a personal reference from a non-relative adult who knows the student well will suffice.

  • No. Any church leader that has spiritual oversight for your family (such as an elder, small group leader, etc.) can complete this reference.

  • We ask that at least both parents adhere to DCA’s Statement of Faith which can be found on page 9 of our Parent/Student Handbook. We are an intentional Christian community and require this of our faculty, staff, secondary students, and applicant families.

  • We expect active involvement in a local church by the faculty and families of DCA. With that in mind, we require a Family Pastoral Reference for all applicants. If a family wishes to apply but does not have a home church, we ask that they attend church, get involved, and then apply for admission.

  • Denton Calvary Academy is a non-profit organization completely independent from a particular church. We reach out to Christian families of all denominations and in fact, over 60 area churches are represented in our staff and student body. We desire to remain united in the salvation and love of Christ, avoiding the dissension that may be caused by denominational distinctions.

  • One of the most important ingredients in the success of the University-Model® school is an available parent who can properly work with the student. For a family in which both parents work outside the home on a full-time basis, a more traditional school is the better choice.

  • In some cases, yes. Secondary students will be considered for January enrollment on a case-by-case basis.

  • Book lists are made available to our parents in our FACTS parent portal.

  • My child is entering DCA from a public/private/homeschool background. How will he transition to the University-Model structure?We have new students every year. Most of our incoming students have not come from a University-Model® School. Orientation Day, which takes place the week before school starts, is vital to equip you in this endeavor. In addition, new families are matched with an experienced “mentor” parent who is available to answer questions and help you acclimate to Denton Calvary Academy. Our families are friendly and happy to answer any questions you may have. After all, we were all new families at one point!