Principal's Welcome
🐾 Message from Our Coyote in Chief
![]()
🐾 Message from Our Coyote in Chieftitle
Hello DECA familes and future Coyotes
My name is Crystal Sousa and I am honored to serve as the principal of Denair Elementary Charter Academy, home of the Coyotes!
I have been a Denair resident for over 30 years. This wonderful community is where I raised my children, and I am now the proud grandmother of two energetic boys who will soon become part of the DECA family!
With over a decade of experience in educational leadership, I am thrilled to join the DECA team and continue building on the strong foundation of excellence, collaboration, and community that makes our school so special. #BecauseDenair
At DECA, we believe in nurturing the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally, while celebrating our dual language and multicultural environment. Our dedicated staff works together to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
I look forward to an incredible year filled with learning, laughter, and Coyote pride. Together, we are Coyote Strong!
Warmly,
Mrs. Crystal Sousa
Principal / Coyote in Chief
Mrs. Crystal Sousa
Principal / Coyote in Chief
🐾 Welcome to Denair Elementary Charter Academy (DECA)
Hello DECA families and soon-to-be DECA families!
Welcome to the home of the Coyotes! I’m excited to share what makes DECA such a special place for our students, families, and community.
Welcome to the home of the Coyotes! I’m excited to share what makes DECA such a special place for our students, families, and community.
🌟 About DECA
Denair Elementary Charter Academy (DECA) is a dependent charter school within the Denair Unified School District, serving students in Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade.
🎯 Our Mission & Vision
At DECA, we are dedicated to providing an equitable, innovative, and engaging learning environment for all students with a multicultural and multilingual emphasis. We are a community that fosters positive relationships and promotes the growth of the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
📚 Program Options
Families can choose from two unique program options when enrolling at DECA:
Traditional Program (starting in TK)
-
Instruction is provided in English.
-
Students receive 30–40 minutes of Spanish instruction two to three days per week in the Language Lab.
Dual Language Immersion Program (starting in Kindergarten)
-
Instruction begins with 90% in Spanish and 10% in English.
-
As students advance through the grades, the percentage of English instruction gradually increases until it reaches a 50/50 balance.
-
Students develop high levels of proficiency in both languages while strengthening cultural awareness and academic achievement.
🧭 Academic Adventures
Beginning in first grade, students participate in “Academic Adventures,” a rotation of engaging electives that may include:
-
Performing Arts
-
Plant Science & Horticulture
-
Health & Nutrition
-
Art
-
Technology
-
Engineering Design
💙 Positive Behavior & Character Education
DECA uses the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive school environment.
Our schoolwide expectations are:
“I am a DECA Coyote, so I keep in mind…
I am Safe, Responsible, Respectful, and Kind.”
I am Safe, Responsible, Respectful, and Kind.”
Students earn “Coyote Cash” for positive behavior, which they can redeem at our fun Coyote Cave Store!
In addition, Character Bound is our character education program, focusing on three important modules: Kindness, Integrity, and Citizenship.
🎓 College Bound Coyotes
College awareness begins early at DECA! Each classroom adopts a college and incorporates college-themed lessons, discussions, and field trips to inspire students to dream big and see higher education as part of their future.
🐾 Join Our Coyote Family!
DECA is what it is because of our amazing students, staff, parents, and community members. We invite you to follow us on Facebook, call, or stop by our office to learn more about our programs and take a tour of our beautiful campus.
Together, we are Coyote Strong! 💜
#BecauseDenair #DECAproud
Learn More About DECA
![]()
Learn More About DECAtitle
Email Me a Copy
Verification:
I'm not a Robot.
Thank you for your submission.
Coyote-in-Cheif
![]()
Coyote-in-Cheiftitle
Mrs. Crystal Sousa
Director of Elementary and Preschool Education/
DECA Principal
Email: csousa@dusd.k12.c.us
Denair Elementary Charter Academy
Copyright © 2019 Denair Unified School District and its licensors. All rights reserved. Website Developed By CatapultCMS™ & EMS™. | Log In