Co-Curricular Classes

In the beginning God created. He gave us the ability to create. In art class, students will be given the opportunity to express themselves visually through their creations. Students will explore a variety of materials and learn techniques to use those materials successfully. Students will be challenged to make observations and to pay attention to details. Art projects assigned will help students develop creative thinking skills and to learn that there is more than one solution to a problem.

Students meet twice a week and sing a variety of songs to prepare for upcoming performances. All 6th grade students are required to participate in choir and 7th and 8th graders are combined in choir if they’re not in band or orchestra, or if they choose it as an elective. We look at many styles of music and especially music in worship. We explore singing and the special gift it is from God and how we should use it to honor Him. We also sing a hymn each month to build a repertoire of music that can extend into our church and spiritual lives. The choirs perform many times throughout the year with the bands and orchestras and also have the opportunity in the winter to have just a choir concert.

Band at Dutton Christian starts in fifth grade and is kicked off by a two-day band camp two weeks before the start of school. This camp allows students to learn the basics of their instruments and even a few notes and music basics before school even starts! The goal of the band program is to prepare students for musical success beyond middle school. Students will learn basic music theory, work towards the mastery of their instrument, how to apply concepts learned in band to other areas of music and much, much more. Students play in various concerts throughout the year, including special performances for Christmas, Grandparents Day, and an end of the year Pops Concert. The highlight of middle school band is the attendance of band festival. Festival is a wonderful opportunity for students perform out in the community and to see other bands that are working towards the same goals.

Orchestra students begin their first experiences in creating music on a bowed stringed instrument, and grow in the various techniques each year that they take orchestra. We are a performing entity, so we are regularly preparing pieces to perform for family and friends. We perform also in MSBOA festivals, which gets us a broader base of experience as we mature in the musical talents we’ve been given.

In P.E., students meet twice a week to engage in various physical activities. The hope is that students will develop a love for movement and skills to lead them towards a healthy lifestyle. Our bodies are a gift from God and it is our responsibility to take care of this precious gift. Students have the opportunity to learn and participate in multiple sporting activities and other fitness-related units throughout the year. These activities include soccer, football, floor hockey, basketball, volleyball, fitness, and more. Along with the activities, students will learn how to deal with competition, encourage classmates, practice sportsmanship, and understand how teamwork is essential for the P.E. classroom.

The DCS Spanish program seeks to expose children to a second language as naturally as possible through listening, speaking, singing, reciting phrases and Bible verses, playing games and a variety of creative and fun activities. Each classroom has a total of 45 minutes per week for Spanish learning emphasis. Many of our activities are taught in conjunction with the classroom curriculum such as calendar words, Bible verses, songs, science units, social studies units and even art class!

Dutton Christian School maintains a well-rounded Technology program. The digital literacy and citizenship curriculum, "Protect Young Eyes," is used K-8 and aligns with International Society of Technology Education (ISTE) standards. This valuable program instructs students how to use technology in God-honoring ways.

Students in first through fifth grade have computer class once a week for 45 minutes. Students work on a variety of projects using researching, presentation, and keyboarding skills. Engaging lessons incorporate S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, art, math) content as well as coding. Upper elementary students collaborate with classmates using Google Suite: Google Slides, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Word Art, and Canva. They enjoy creating projects that have a purpose for a real audience. Coding projects are integrated in K-8th grade.

The library is a place where a love for reading is nurtured and classroom learning is enriched. Our carefully curated collection offers a diverse range of literature of various levels and lengths, all selected through the lens of a Christian worldview. Students are encouraged to choose “good-fit” books that spark their interest and help them grow as readers.

The library works hand-in-hand with classroom teachers to support and enhance learning across all subjects. Whether it’s finding the perfect resource for a science unit or a novel that ties into a history unit, the library is an active partner in student learning.

Students in E5 through 4th grade enjoy a dedicated library class each week, filled with engaging read-alouds and the excitement of choosing their own books. For students in grades 5–8, the north campus library is open throughout the school day for drop-in visits, allowing them to check out books at their convenience.

The library is an integral part of our commitment to equipping students for a life of learning and faith. Through rich literary experiences and meaningful academic support, we help equip the mind through academic excellence, nurture the heart with biblical truth, and prepare students to impact the world for Christ.