What makes DCP different from other high schools?
Downtown College Preparatory (DCP) is the first charter high school in Silicon Valley, and the only school that explicitly prepares underachieving students for college success. 

Who are the founders of DCP?
DCP was founded by Jennifer Andaluz and Greg Lippman, two former teachers in the San Jose Unified School District.  Confident that all students can achieve college success, they set out to create a model college-prep school targeting underachieving students who will be the first in their family to go to college.

Where are you located?
DCP's interim site is located in the heart of downtown San Jose at 355 West San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA 95110.

How long has DCP been open? How many students attend?
DCP opened in Fall 2000 with 100 9th grade students and currently serves 400 students in grades 9-12.  On June 19, 2004, DCP graduated its first class of students--100% of them were accepted to four-year universities, 98% of them (54 students) are currently enrolled.

What is DCP's current student demographics?
As of Fall 2004, DCP's demographics are:

• 92% Latino
  
• 3% White
  
• 3% African American
  
• 1% Asian
  
• 1% Filipino
  
• 1% Multiracial
  
  
• 36% English Language Learners
• 65% qualify for free or reduced lunch
• 68% of students enter DCP reading and computing between the 3rd and 5th grade level
• 75% of students will be the first in their family to go to college

Is DCP a public school? Does it cost money to attend?
DCP is a public charter school in San Jose Unified School District. There is no tuition; it costs nothing to attend DCP.

What kind of student is DCP looking for? 
DCP is looking for students who have not yet lived up to their potential. We hope to enroll students who will be the first in their family to graduate from college.

What advantages does a DCP student have?
The main advantage a DCP student has is the culture of academic achievement. The whole school is designed to help students do well academically. Students are well known, and get the individualized help they need.

Why does DCP have uniforms?
At DCP, we have a culture of achievement and professionalism that extends into everything we do. The uniform is part of that professionalism, and also helps bind us together, just like the uniforms of sports teams do.

How do I apply? Who gets accepted?
To apply, send in a completed application by April 30th. If we receive more applications than there are spaces available students from San Jose Unified are given preference. Call the school at 408-271-1730 to request an application.

What happens if a student does not succeed?
Students may return to regular public schools if they are not able to meet DCP’s academic or behavior standards.

Do you have a sports program? Extracurricular activities?
DCP does offer some sports, including Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, and Volleyball. We also have a Dance Team, Leadership Club, Student Council and Key Club (community service). The school offers a variety of activities, with a special focus on  the Tech Challenge, which is a robotics competition at the Tech Museum.

How can I come visit the school?
You are welcome to come and visit the school. Please call the school at 408-271-1730 if you would like to schedule a tour during the school day.

How can my student tell if DCP is the right school for him or her?
We encourage all students thinking about coming DCP to shadow one of our students for a day. They will attend classes, go to lunch, travel between sites and go to tutorial. This is an excellent way for them to get a feel of what the DCP culture is. To arrange a shadow day, please call the school at 408-271-1730.