Rooted Together: Our 2025-2026 School Mission

The Foundation of This School Year

At The DaySchool for Children, our 2025–2026 school theme, Rooted Together, is more than a statement—it’s a vision for how we grow, learn, and walk together as a Christ-centered school family. Our theme verse, Colossians 2:6–7, reminds us:

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

This verse speaks directly to the times we are living in—where the need for deep roots in Christ is essential, not only for individual hearts, but for the entire community of parents, educators, and students working in unity. As the world becomes increasingly complex, being rooted in biblical truth gives our children the strength and clarity they need to stand tall.

Understanding the Landscape: Why This Matters Now

Across our state, the educational climate presents both challenge and opportunity. According to recent NAEP data, 45% of Delaware’s 4th graders and 41% of 8th graders are reading below basic proficiency levels—the lowest in nearly three decades. Delaware currently ranks 47th in reading recovery nationwide, with students on average a full grade level behind in reading ability (Education Recovery Scorecard).

Even more concerning, the post-pandemic learning gap has widened, especially in early literacy—one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic and life success. While these statistics don’t directly reflect the DaySchool’s outcomes, they highlight the urgency of maintaining high standards and strong support for our students. We cannot afford to assume that excellence will sustain itself. It must be nurtured, reinforced, and protected.

Why Parents Choose Private Education in Delaware

In response to growing concerns over public education challenges—academic stagnation, cultural shifts, safety issues, and overcrowded classrooms—many families in Delaware are turning to private education as a trusted alternative.

Families invest in private education for several key reasons:

• Higher academic expectations

• Safer, values-aligned learning environments

• Personalized attention from smaller class sizes

• Stronger parental involvement

• A holistic view of education—mind, body, and spirit

At The DaySchool, we embrace all of these benefits, but with one distinct difference: we are rooted in Christ. Our curriculum will continue to not only challenge – but will build strong thinkers, compassionate leaders, and faithful disciples.

A Mission for the Future: Preparing Our Children for What Lies Ahead

We are preparing children not just for the tests of today—but for the realities of tomorrow. As we face a future shaped by rapid technological advancement, digital saturation, artificial intelligence, and global challenges, our children must be more than academically prepared—they must be spiritually grounded, emotionally wise, and equipped to lead with courage and discernment.

At The DaySchool, we believe:

• Future-readiness starts with identity. When a child knows they are created in God’s image, they live with purpose.

• Academic excellence and innovation matter, but without character, knowledge alone cannot sustain a life of meaning.

• Children must be resilient thinkers, rooted in timeless truth, even as they explore new frontiers in science, language, and global connection.

• Discipleship is long-term preparation. We are not simply teaching subjects—we are shaping lives that will impact families, communities, and society.

Our mission is not only to teach, but to partner with parents in preparing children for a world we cannot yet fully see—but for which they will be leaders, thinkers, and light-bearers.

Rooted Together: Moving Forward as One Community

This year, under the banner of Rooted Together, we renew our commitment to:

• Invest in early literacy, equipping every child to read with confidence and comprehension.

• Support families with tools for at-home learning, prayer, and spiritual conversation.

• Grow strong partnerships between teachers and parents for every student’s success.

• Build on our strengths, while staying vigilant about the changing educational landscape.

• Remain deeply rooted in God’s Word, which gives us clarity, courage, and compassion.

We believe our children are the leaders, thinkers, and changemakers of tomorrow. And we believe they are best prepared when home and school walk hand-in-hand, firmly grounded in the truth of Christ. As we launch this school year, let us celebrate what God has already done—and commit to the work ahead, Rooted Together in love, purpose, and faith.

Strengthening the Circle: Parent Conversations & Classroom Connection

At The DaySchool, we know that our students flourish most when there is alignment between what is taught in the classroom and what is supported at home. That’s why this year, we are excited to re-introduce our Parent Discussions—a vital opportunity to engage more deeply with you, our school families.

We will host two Parent Discussions this year:

• One in the fall, to explore key aspects of our curriculum, spiritual themes, and social development.

• One in the spring, to reflect, share feedback, and look ahead to our shared goals.

These gatherings are more than informational—they are conversations, designed to strengthen trust, share insight, and deepen our collective investment in each child’s growth.

In addition to these events, we are also enhancing our regular communication between teachers and families. From weekly updates to classroom highlights and curriculum overviews, our goal is to keep you well-informed and involved in the full DaySchool experience. Our curriculum is robust and deeply intentional—rich in academic challenge, biblical integration, and joyful discovery—and we want you to see and celebrate the incredible work your children are doing.

When parents and teachers are engaged together, students thrive. And when our community is Rooted Together—in communication, transparency, and shared mission—our children are the ones who reap the greatest reward.

References

1. Nation’s Report Card - 10 Takeaways: https://www.nagb.gov/powered-by-naep/the-2024-nations-report-card/10-takeaways-from-2024-naep-results.html 

2. Delaware Reading Scores Hit 27-Year Low – WHYY https://whyy.org/articles/delaware-reading-proficiency-27-year-low 

3. Delaware’s Academic Recovery – Education Recovery Scorecard https://educationrecoveryscorecard.org/states/delaware 

4. Rodel Education Overview – At a Glance https://rodelde.org/ataglance/ 

5. Pew Research – Religious Parenting and Child Rearing https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/religion-fertility-and-child-rearing