About the School
Dayton Early College Academy (DECA) is a free public charter school in Dayton, Ohio, serving around 1,300 students from grades K-12 across three campuses. Established in 2003, DECA operates independently of the Dayton Public Schools and focuses on providing educational opportunities to students from underserved communities. The school is led by CEO Dave Taylor and Principal Katy Jo Bull. DECA's mission is to prepare future college graduates to become community leaders. The school emphasizes a college-focused educational model that combines rigorous academics with personalized support and community connections. DECA has demonstrated success, with graduates earning college degrees at five times the rate of their peers from similar economic backgrounds. The school includes DECA Prep for elementary students, DECA Middle for middle school students, and DECA High for high school students, all designed to support first-generation college students in their academic journeys.