DESERT CHAPEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
BUILDING CHRISTIAN LEADERS
At Desert Chapel Christian School, leadership isn’t just taught—it’s lived out. Through the Above the Line™ (ATL) and SOAR programs, we equip students with the skills, character, and faith needed to lead with integrity and purpose. From middle schoolers learning accountability to 9th graders stepping into mentorship roles, our students grow into Christ-centered leaders who inspire, serve, and make a difference in their communities.
Raising Leaders:
Above the Line™ & SOAR at Desert Chapel
About Above the Line™ (ATL)
Founded by the SoCal Coyotes in 2013, ATL equips young people with the mindset and tools to live skillfully, intentionally, and with purpose—while eliminating blaming, complaining, and excuses. Since its launch, ATL has reached more than 500,000 youth (ages 8-18) through:
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60+ public and private schools
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Youth sports leagues and leadership camps
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Churches, business workshops, and seminars
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The U.S. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (Twentynine Palms)
As the home of the SoCal Coyotes, Desert Chapel actively integrates ATL into weekday classroom instruction and morning youth services at Desert Chapel Church. As the ATL flagship institution, we are also training and equipping ATL partner programs across Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, Florida, and Colorado.
Through Above the Line™, we are raising up the next generation of Christ-centered leaders who will make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
Above the Line - SOAR
As an extension of the Above the Line™ (ATL) program, SOAR is designed specifically for middle and early high school students, providing them with a structured way to demonstrate Christ-like behavior while learning responsibility and accountability in both academics and daily actions.
Launched in the 2024/2025 school year, SOAR has already proven successful in fostering character development and academic achievement in other schools, reinforcing its effectiveness at Desert Chapel.
Middle School (Grades 6-8): Learning Accountability
Middle school students take ownership of their growth by tracking their daily behavior in each class. They self-assess on a 1-4 scale under the SOAR principles:
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Servant Leadership
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Own Your Actions
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Act Safely
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Respect Self and Others
How It Works:
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Teachers review and sign off on students’ daily tracking.
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Parents sign off at home, fostering a strong home-school partnership.
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Students participate in Academy every Wednesday, where they develop Christian leadership skills through games, presentations, and role-modeling exercises.
Rewards & Recognition:
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Students earn Snack Shack bucks to redeem at the school store.
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Above the Line™ wristbands and free dress days on Wednesdays are awarded for consistent positive behavior.
This program has created a positive culture shift, motivating students to be prepared, engaged, and ready to succeed.
9th Grade: Developing the Next Generation of Christian Leaders
SOAR expands in 9th grade, transitioning students into servant leadership roles where they mentor and guide younger students.
How It Works:
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Weekly leadership training sessions equip students with servant leadership principles.
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Under teacher supervision, 9th-grade students lead the Middle School Academy, applying their leadership skills in real time.
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Students take charge of their own accountability system, designing a point-based structure for tracking progress and rewards.
By giving students autonomy in this process, they:
✔ Develop independence and responsibility
✔ Strengthen decision-making and faith-based leadership
✔ Build confidence and motivation
This hands-on leadership experience empowers students to take control of their personal and academic growth, preparing them for a future of intentional, faith-driven leadership.
