Inspired by Douglas Wilson’s book, Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning, and the success of Logos School in Moscow, Idaho,* a group of homeschooling parents from Elkton, Maryland founded Christ Classical Christian School. 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 moved to a church location in Newark, Delaware. 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.

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). The beginning of the 2010-2011 school year brought the school to its fifth home, First Baptist Church of Delaware. In April 2011, Tall Oaks was reaccredited by ACCS.

On June 1, 2014, Tall Oaks welcomed Timothy J. Dernlan to the role of headmaster after he served as principal during the 2013-2014 school year. Dr. Dernlan became the headmaster on June 1, 2014. During the summer of 2016, Tall Oaks Classical School relocated to the campus of Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, DE. After three years on that campus, the heart and soul of the school reorganized as Delaware Valley Classical School (DVCS) for the start of the 2019-2020 school year. DVCS named Anthony Urti as Headmaster and Barbara Sypher as the Grammar School Principal.

DVCS offers a Christ-centered and classical education and serves over 170 students enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grades. DVCS employs twenty-nine faculty and staff and is located in New Castle, DE. We are eager to continue the rich history of Classical Christian education in Delaware, believing our future is bright.