DeBusk Enrichment Center for Academically Talented Scholars

JUNIOR  DECATS

 JUNIOR DECATS 2023


Mission Statement:

The DeBusk Enrichment Center for Academically Talented Scholars (DECATS) seeks to develop young minds that are bright, capable, and full of curiosity. Our goals:

  • To identify and challenge young scholars at a critical time in their lives
  • To promote a better understanding of gifted students’ unique characteristics and needs among their families and home schools

Junior DECATS scholars have an intensive study of four courses during the three-week summer session. Classes emphasize hands-on, exploratory learning in the areas of literature, social studies, mathematics, science, computer science, multimedia presentation, journalism, creative writing, yearbook, fine arts, and language.


Criteria for Admission:

Enrollment in Junior DECATS is limited to students who are completing the third through the fifth grades by June of the current school year in a Catholic elementary school in the Diocese of Dallas. Home schools will complete a nomination form for students who meet the criteria. To qualify a student must have an Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) achievement test results of 95% in two or more major subject areas including Total Reading, Total Math, Language, Science, Social Studies, Environment, or Total Battery WITH an accompanying Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Composite Total of 125 (minimum).  CogAT score must be actual score and not the percentile rank.


Application:
Applications will be mailed to nominated students in January and returned by February 25, 2023 along with a $150 deposit. A committee will review applications and make selections, with family notifications to be emailed early March.  While every effort will be made to accommodate as many students, representing as many schools as possible, nominations typically exceed spots available each year. Deposits will be returned for students not accepted into the program.


Curricula:

Students will have an intensive study of four courses during the three-week session. Course topics, of a divergent educational nature, will emphasize hands-on and exploratory learning. Using the Triad process developed by Joseph Renzulli and emphasizing higher-order cognitive activities, the DECATS Program will emphasize the curricular areas of literature, social studies, mathematics, science, computer science, multimedia presentation, journalism, creative writing, memory book, fine arts, and language.

DECATS strive to:

  • Challenge students to operate cognitively at complex levels of thought
  • Guide students in learning cooperatively with intellectual peers
  • Encourage the creative process of learning
  • Enlighten students regarding inter-relationships between all bodies of knowledge
  • Expand on the special interests and talents of each individual student
  • Expose students to activities requiring advanced and creative thinking
  • Develop each student’s decision-making and leadership abilities


Tuition and Fees:

  • The fee for the three-week summer program is $580 per student. 
  • A $150 deposit is required to hold a spot and is due no later than the fourth Saturday in February along with the DECATS application. The $430 balance will be due by Saturday, May 1, 2023. Written requests for tuition assistance should be received with the application by the February due date.


Schedule & Location:

Junior DECATS will be held at St. Rita Catholic School – 12525 Inwood Rd. Dallas, TX 75244  Phone: 972-239-3203​

Hours of Operation:

  • 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM (Monday-Thursday)
  • 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Friday)


Dates of Operation:

  • SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023 JR. DECATS PARENT/SCHOLAR/TEACHER MEETING 
  • SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023 TEACHER PREPARATION DAY
  • MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2023, JR. DECATS BEGINS AT ST. RITA FOR SCHOLARS with 1/2 day FRIDAYS
  • FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023 CLOSING DAY


Please Note: Junior DECATS begins on Monday, June 5, 2023. After school care will be provided until 5:00 PM from Monday through Thursday.


Deadlines:

  • Saturday, February 25, 2023 DECATS application and $150 non-refundable deposit, due from all interested families 
  • Monday, March 6, 2023 Letters of acceptance emailed to families
  • Saturday, March 26, 2023 Course selection begins for scholars who pre-registered
  • Saturday, April 2, 2023 Course selection begins for remaining  and new scholars
  • Saturday, May 1, 2023 tuition balance due for all Junior DECATS scholars 



Additional Contact Information

Jodi Sheffield, Director  Email: jrdecats@gmail.com
972-239-3203
 Junior DECATS 13901 Midway Rd. #102-226, Dallas TX 75244


Clinic Phone Number
Parents, please use this phone number to contact Jr. DECATS. 

972-239-3203  x6545