One-on-one tutoring
Interactive, personalized tutoring that helps students engage their learning skills effectively.
- Math and English
- Public school or independent study
Nonprofit learning center · Desert Hot Springs, CA
Every child has the potential to shine.
DUC Learning Center helps students build real learning skills through interactive tutoring, after-school programs, homeschool support and life coaching, in person and online.
K–12 tutoring
We accept RCOE Care Service
Snacks & pick-up available
“All they need is a chance to explore their talents and find their path.”Ophelia Lucas, Founder
2→200+
From two students to more than two hundred
2014
Officially established as a nonprofit
K–12
Tutoring for every grade, public school or independent study
CDE
Registered with the California Department of Education as a private school
Start here
What brings you to DUC?
One-on-one tutoring and small groups, matched to your child
A safe, structured place to learn and play after school
Teachers, materials and training so you are never doing it alone
Mentorship and life skills for students and the parents who support them
Programs
Learning support for the whole family
Education is just the tip of the iceberg. Alongside academics, DUC builds the resilience, confidence and social skills students carry for life.
Small groups
Small-group sessions and workshops that fit the needs of every child.
- Learn alongside peers
- Guided by dedicated educators
After-school program
Homework help, creative thinking and fun, in a safe environment with experienced staff.
See what a day looks likeHomeschool support
Online teachers, online media, textbooks and training videos, plus parent-to-student tutoring training.
How it worksLife coaching
Student life coaching and parental life coaching, because mentorship and life skills are part of a well-rounded education.
Teen Excel Workshops & college help
Workshops that help teens gain an advantage and head into college confident and ready to succeed.
In person in Desert Hot Springs
Remote learning online
Ask us about schedules and fees
We accept RCOE Care Service
After-school program
Your solution for the after-school dilemma
Students are assessed at their grade level and get help with their homework, then learn to think creatively and work hard, encouraged never to give up.
Student development
Experienced staff
A safe environment
Snacks & pick-up available
Recent highlights
- eSports gaming
- Field trip to the Palm Springs Air Museum
- Movie trip to Inside Out 2
- Slime Day
- Arts & crafts
Homeschool support
Thinking about homeschool? Let us teach you how.
Homeschooling can feel overwhelming when you are teaching and training your student alone. DUC gives parents the people, materials and training to take on the journey with confidence.
Online teachersEducators to guide your student’s learning
TextbooksQuality materials, so you are not hunting for resources
Media & training videosOnline media to support each lesson
Parent trainingParent-to-student tutoring training and life coaching
The goalTo help students gain an advantage that propels them into college confidently and ready for success.
Tour our facility
Bright rooms built for focus and fun
A look inside our center in Desert Hot Springs. Tap any photo to see it larger.
Our story
It started with one mother and two students
- Early 2000s
A mother sees a need
Ophelia Lucas, a single mother raising two sons, saw firsthand the challenges students faced in the traditional school system, and envisioned a place where children could get the guidance they needed.
- 2014
DUC becomes a nonprofit
The DUC Learning Center is officially established as a non-profit organization.
- Today
More than 200 students
Grown from two students to over two hundred, and registered with the California Department of Education as a private school. Most of our educators hold an advanced degree in their field.
“Every child has the potential to shine; all they need is a chance to explore their talents and find their path.”
Our mission
To empower individuals in our community to overcome challenges and inspire personal growth through accessible learning opportunities and strong support networks, fostering resilience, confidence and independence in every learner.
Student stories
In their own words
Students share how DUC helped them find confidence, focus and a new direction.
The staff and teachers genuinely cared about me and took the time to understand my strengths and weaknesses.
Read Jamie’s story
“Before I discovered the DUC Learning Center, I often felt overwhelmed and unsure of myself. I struggled to find my place and didn’t believe I could succeed.”
“Today, I can face challenges with a positive mindset and a belief in my abilities.”
They created an environment where I could thrive at my own pace, using hands-on activities that kept me engaged and excited about learning.
Read Alex’s story
“The caring staff at DUC took the time to understand my struggles and helped me find strategies that worked for me.”
“Today, I am proud to say that I am getting back on track to pursue my educational dreams.”
From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and safe.
Read Marcus’s story
“Through mentorship, I learned about leadership, teamwork, and how to channel my energy into positive activities.”
“Now, I’m focused on my education and my future. I’ve found a passion for community service and want to help others make better choices.”
Help write the next success story
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Together, we can inspire change, uplift lives and build a brighter future for our community.
Contact & appointments
Let’s find the right fit for your child
Tell us a little about your student and we will call you back to talk through programs, schedules and next steps.
Request an appointment
It takes about a minute. Fields marked optional can be skipped.
Thank you!
This is a design preview, so your request has not been sent. On the live site it would go straight to the DUC team. For now, please call (951) 777-5802.
Visit or call
14080 Palm Drive, Suite D123Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
(951) 777-5802
duclearningcenter.olucas@gmail.com
Get directions
Hours
| Monday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Friday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Join our mailing list
Be the first to hear about upcoming classes, special events and registrations.
We’re hiring
Apply by email
Your future begins here. Start changing lives today. Send your resume to
duclearningcenter.olucas@gmail.com · (760) 894-3138