DECATS (DeBusk Enrichment Center for Academically Talented Scholars) Austin, formerly known as Austin DEEP, is a three-week program that occurs in June to provide exciting opportunities for gifted students. DECATS was formed through the financial generosity of Mr. Manuel DeBusk and DeBusk Foundation in 1994 and there are operating camps in Houston, Dallas, Sugarland, Tyler, Austin. DECATS was brought to the Austin area in 2008 and is supported by the Diocese of Austin. This course is a tiered approach to help Scholars learn more about themselves as they enhance their leadership and critical thinking skills. The mission of DECATS Austin is to provide a fulfilling enrichment experience to all Catholic school students enrolled in grades 3-5 who qualify.
Current Invitation Criteria
95th percentile on standardized achievement tests in any area, in multiple areas, or as an average score overall.
DECATS Themes 2023 - Adventure Awaits 2022 - Tropical Paradise 2021 - Go for the Gold 2019 - Blast Off to DECATS 2018 - Once Upon a DECATS 2017 - Dazzling Decade of DECATS 2016 - Sea of Creativity
Program
The program offers courses in the areas of Art, Creative Writing, Guidance, Languages, Literature, Mathematics, Music, Multimedia, Science, Technology, Social Studies, and Theater. These courses are taught by dedicated professional educators. Summer of 2023 courses will include one-act play, cooking courses, creating your own business, exploring the great outdoors, STEM activities, artistic/academic/athletic challenges, geography/cultures of other countries, improv, sports, crime investigation, music, environmental science and more! Additionally, we use the Manners to Morals curriculum to explore the joys and responsibilities of leadership.
My Daughter, Natalia, has gone to DECATS for 2 years and will go again this summer. I have never seen her so excited about any educational program as she is for this one. She loves it so much that she has told me that when she is too old to qualify to attend as a student, that she wants to be a mentor for DECATS students and volunteer and help the teachers. Thank you for enriching her and helping her develop her skills of responsibility and knowledge of the world!
Sincerely,
Tish Rudwick, St. Theresa's Catholic School, Austin, Tx.