ODCS is very proud of its Elementary School program and students. In addition to traditional academics, emphasis is placed on missions and mission support, drama programs, and extracurricular sports programs. Elementary students have won awards in local events including the Lego Olympiad, ACSI Spelling Bee, Ad Design campaigns, etc... Our students are encouraged to do their best academically, physically, socially, and spiritually.

Class Size
ODCS has two classes per grade level. First through third grades typically have 20 to 22 students per class. Fourth through sixth grades average about 22 to 24 students per class.

Chapel
Elementary students meet for a chapel service once a week. They sing and are encouraged and challenged by a speaker that is a pastor or layperson.

Bible Study
Elementary students learn basic Bible stories/concepts and study a weekly Bible verse.

Gifted Students
Gifted students in grades 2 - 6 may be enrolled in an advanced program called LEAP (Learning Enrichment and Acceleration Program). Students attend 2 sessions a week with the LEAP instructor (45 minutes each session) to further build their math, analytical, and creative skills. The materials in this program are a supplement to the students' regular classroom curriculum. (There is an additional fee for this program.)

Computers
ODCS has 3 computer labs. The library computer lab is used by elementary and high school students for research. Elementary students, by class, attend the elementary lab on designated days. Fifth and sixth graders are trained in basic keyboarding skills. 

Music
Musical training begins in kindergarten at ODCS. Instrumental training is added in 4th grade and students choose band or general music in 5th and 6th grades.

Certified Teachers
Art, music, computer, P.E., gifted, and remedial classes are taught by licensed staff in their area of expertise. Elementary teachers are licensed by the state and certified by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools Int.).

Extra Help for Students
The school has an intervention program that includes two full-time tutors for remedial assistance in math and reading, a speech/hearing therapist, and a school psychologist. There is no charge for these services.

PEP
Elementary students who may need support in difficult personal circumstances have access to a friendship program called the Peer Encouragement Program. An elementary student, who has been recommended by a teacher/parent, is linked with a high school student who has been trained to develop a support and encouragement system for the younger student. A weekly time is spent together during the school day.

Field Trips
Every elementary class takes 2 or 3 field trips a year. These excursions highlight curriculum studies and provide students with real-life experiences.