About Senior DECATS

​Mission Statement: 

• To identify and challenge young scholars at a critical period in their lives 
• To encourage and motivate scholars to accept the social responsibility that accompanies intellectual giftedness 
• To make direct impact on the learning environments of participants and positively influence the lives of other students with whom participants interface and to be a valuable partner of the elementary schools participating in the identification and motivation of the nominee 

Criteria for Admission:

• Enrollment is limited to students who have completed the sixth, seventh or eighth grades prior to June
• Former attendance in either Junior DECATS or Senior DECATS with a confirmation of acceptable behavior and attitude (behavioral updates completed by home school) 
• Achievement Test Scores: The 97th percentile in two or more curricular areas on ITBS
• Outstanding Achievement or giftedness in Music, Art or Drama even though test scores may not meet the rigorous standards of the academically talented candidate. For this candidate, a nominating teacher must submit a letter of support. This type of nominee is considered for acceptance only if there is space available
• Sibling of a Senior DECATS Alum – this criteria is unique to Senior DECATS; relationship must be noted on application 
• Nominees make application to the program. Final selection is dependent upon application information, student’s behavior report and availability. Application does not assure acceptance.

Curricula:

• Students are challenged cognitively with relevant tasks that promote critical thinking and synthesis
• Students are challenged to use their talents to develop leadership and social skills resulting in contributions to the outside community 
• Students study several courses intensely during the session. These courses address the needs of an academically talented student to have a qualitatively different educational experience 
• Hands-on, cooperative, student-directed learning and extensive use of outside resources are key components in making the experience meaningful. Students must be self-starters and ready to explore various academic domains. 
• Areas of intense daily study include, but are not limited to: Culinary Arts, Drama, Film Making, Information Technology, Math-STEM, Mock Trial, Psychology, Science, and Visual Arts (students choose ONE of these areas and studies in this area for the entire three week period) 
• The other part of the day is dedicated to MINORS. Scholars will select a different MINOR each week. MINORS will change each week, enabling each scholar to explore three different subject areas.
• Suggested for all eighth graders: one week (15 hours) of Community Service, credited in many high school programs. This class is open to seventh graders.  

Transportation: 
Bus service is provided by Bishop Lynch transportation department.  Bus stops are determined by demand – if there is enough interest, there will be a bus provided from a specific area. In the past, bus stops have been Bishop Lynch, St. Rita, St. Mark, and Prince of Peace.  Cost this year will be $150.00. Registration for bus service will be through Bishop Lynch and the class selection process. Fee is due by May 1, 2024. 

Schedule:

• June 3 - June 20 (Monday-Thursday; 9-4; Friday 9-12 
• Wednesday, June 20 - NO DECATS TODAY! Celebrating Juneteenth Holiday!
• Staff is on campus from 8 AM-5 PM; students dropped off earlier or staying later are not supervised 

Fees:

• $650 total tuition (includes $150 deposit) 
• $150 deposit (part of total tuition) due with application 
• $480 (balance for 2024) due by May 1, 2024
• Partial scholarship assistance available: please submit request along with application; form is on website under “FORMS”

​​​​​​Learn about and donate to the DeBusk Foundation  

The DeBusk Foundation is celebrating its 44-year Anniversary