Donelson Christian Academy

Two words: VERY disappointing. The administration and teachers treat parents like small children, speaking in a very demeaning fashion - and this school charges a PREMIUM for students to attend - whether it's daycare or the regular school. Snap judgments are made on pre-K children, and parents are treated like turnkeys. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone - look at other Christian schools if that's the route you want to go, but this school is "talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk" by any measure.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have been going to dca for 5 years. Initially we were thrilled with the environment but in the last 2 years we have become extremely disappointed with the administration. The favoritism expressed for certain families -generally the football/cheerleading families or the ones that donate extra cash to the business office - is absolutely shameful. It has become evident there is very little focus on education and lots of focus on making $. In addition, the fake "Christian" elitist attidue can really wear on those of us that value our relationship with God, I recommend anyone looking to have their child attend here rethink the public school option. Save your money and spend a little extra time with your child doing homework. You both will benefit in the long run.
--Submitted by a parent

We left this school because the academics are poor and the focus is on athletics only.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been attending DCA for 12 years now, and while I'm not always happy, I think over all it is an excellent school. Yes some of the kids think they are better then others (but what school has completely perfect students), and yes sometimes sports seems to be the only thing that matters, but they are working hard to change that. The Choir and Drama are becomeing more active in the school and are receiving more support, and in the last couple years we have extended arts programs in the school. True not all the students are Christian, but those students are coming to recieve a better education and are held to the same standards as the Christian students. Though the school may not always be perfect, everyone pulls together to help each other in time of need, as has been shown over the last months since the flood.

My child has attended DCA for eight years. Our satisfaction with DCA has declined significantly over the last 3 years. There is a tendency to get lost in the shuffle for average students. Students are not held accountable. Athletes get special treatment. Not enough bang for your buck unless money is not an issue.
--Submitted by a parent

DCA is a wonderful school! The teachers and staff are warm and truly care for the kids and their development.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm in the 7th grade i have been at DCA since K4 up till this grade i love it but know i really don't like it. All they care about is football and basketball and mainly guys sports. So if your a guy and you like basketball and football its a really good school for you but if your a girl and don't really care for either its not so good!
--Submitted by a student

My daughter attended DCA for 11 years and we were always pleased with the education she received. She was able to obtain multiple scholarships due to the academic leval she was taught and I feel she would not have received the same in the local public schools. She definitely was ready for college when she got there and graduated two years ago from MTSU in the top 2% of her class. They do put a lot of emphasis on atheletics and band but I think they should expand their emphasis in other areas for more children to become involved at the school. Overall we had a great experience at DCA.
--Submitted by a parent

I came to DCA my freshman year. Want academics and a strong curriculum? You could get some of that here. Want way to much emphasis on sports and athletes? You will be overwhelmed by it here. Honestly, some people go here just because they have the money, and others because they truly want a good Christian school. Coming in as a freshman, it is hard to make friends with the people who have gone to DCA all of their lives. Granted, there are many new students coming in, which is great. However, the majority of the rest of the student body is very cliquey, because they have been with each other for years. There are a few other things to do besides athletics, if you are into the whole musical scene. Too much emphasis on sports & how much money your family has.

I am currently in the 8th grade. It is a very wonderful school. It has great academics that are very challenging. And most of the teachers are very nice. Athletics are one of the best in the area, but I think it's not all about sports. I waited to play football and did this year. The years before that no one treated me differently because I didn't play football. The band is great too, but everyone says that is all we have. I am now in the choir and love it. We have a great director and it's very fun. The school is very spiritually sound too. The only minus I have about this school is that all the students aren't 'christian', but that is the way it is at all schools.
--Submitted by a student