1994

Established in 1994, our school was on the forefront of a burgeoning classical Christian education movement and has been leading in excellence ever since. Inspired by Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning and the success of a classical Christian school in Moscow, Idaho, a group of homeschooling parents from Elkton, Maryland founded Christ Classical Christian School (CCCS). The doors opened in Elkton in September of 1994, under the leadership of administrator Richard Chenette and a volunteer board of directors. CCCS served twenty-one students in grades three through ten, employed two full-time staff members, and was served by several part-time and volunteer teachers and staff. The following year, the school relocated to Newark, Delaware in 1995.

1997

In 1997, the school needed more space and relocated to Hockessin, Delaware. The name was changed to Tall Oaks Classical School. The Rev. Donald Post became the school’s second administrator in 2001.

2006

At the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year, Tall Oaks Classical School moved to the Faith City Family Church building in the Christiana area of Newark. In April 2009, the school was accredited by The Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS).

2010

The beginning of the 2010-2011 school year brought the school to its fifth home, First Baptist Church of Delaware in New Castle. In April 2011, Tall Oaks was reaccredited by ACCS. On June 1, 2014, Tall Oaks welcomed Dr. Timothy J. Dernlan to the role of headmaster.

2016

During the summer of 2016, Tall Oaks Classical School relocated to the campus of Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, DE.

2019

After three years on the campus in Bear, the heart and soul of the school reorganized as Delaware Valley Classical School (DVCS) for the start of the 2019-2020 school year. The school returned to First Baptist Church of Delaware in New Castle to continue its rich history of classical Christian education. The school named Dr. Anthony Urti as headmaster.

Present

DVCS currently serves approximately 200 students in Kindergarten through twelfth grade. We consistently rank among the top 15 classical schools nationwide, evidenced by standardized test scores on the Classical Learning Test (CLT) exams. On the SAT, our students’ average score meets or exceeds private schools that cost up to three times more in tuition. Our school has seen many high points and also extraordinary circumstances like the global pandemic. Through it all, we have maintained stable administrative leadership, on-campus learning, and even won two state championships in Science Olympiad. DVCS is active in its plans to secure a permanent location. We are excited for the prospect of further establishing our legacy of classical Christian education in the Delaware Valley for the glory of God. We submit ourselves totally to Him, acknowledging that only He can empower and equip us for the task.