Da Vinci Science

201 North Douglas Street

School District

Da Vinci Science District
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

charter

School Map for Da Vinci Science District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 08, 2017

Their school is a 10 out of 10. Great school.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2016

Yes, it's true that the leadership and instructors at this school are excellent. They are predominantly very supportive and promote a wonderful sense of community. However, the work load on these kids is over-the-top. While they are preparing them for college careers, there has not been a step between middle school and this intense immersion program. I see many excellent students crumbling under the stress, with little to no time to stop and be kids. Yes, they are preparing for college but they are still KIDS. Each instructor believes they are giving a fair amount of assignments but are not taking into consideration the overall workload. College career preparation should not be to the detriment of the student body's mental and physical health. While many will adopt the attitude of "if they can't hack it, this many not be for them", I would be liable to agree were it not for the vast percentage of students I see struggling. I sincerely hope for our kids' sake, to see a change.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2015

This is a place where the teachers and students genuinely and actively care about each other. It prepares them well for college, and for life. My son is so very happy to go to school every day.
Submitted by other on August 11, 2014

I am an alumni from the class of 2013 and I have to say that this school is amazing. Sure the old campus may have a beat down look at some parts with the peeling paint and all, but students who stay true to DV come from humble beginnings where some dust, cracked walls, or peeled paint won't faze them. The campus at this time is temporary anyway. As for work load, it is far from traditional methods of learning and I personally believe that although it may be difficult, it really pushes the student to be the best they can be. The DVS culture is passionate about learning and cares about the students both academically and emotionally. Procrastination gets the best of most students which is really the reason for the "pile-up" effect for all the projects. Although they may be due around the same date, the students are given enough time to work on them, sometimes they get class time as well! It's just about using the time effectively. Although the school is getting even more challenging as the years go by, the close knit culture that is created by both students and staff has the power to overcome these challenges and see everything as a learning experience.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2014

My daughter has done extremely well in her Honors classes at Da Vinci Science, and it is certainly better than our local public school. However, the workload is absolutely ridiculous. Teachers will stress that students find more down-time to relax and get rest, and then pile on the projects and assignments, forcing students to work most nights until 1, 2, even 3 o'clock in the morning. The pressure to perform well has taken a toll mentally and physically on an alarmingly high amount of students, and something needs to be done. While the school does a fantastic job preparing the students for many of the challenges they will face in college and the work force, it would be good if they re-evaluate the methods used.
Submitted by other on May 13, 2014

Our school motto is "This is home" but if it is really home why does it cause so much damage to the students? There is an absurd work load there. The teachers expect A LOT from the kids and it is kinda sad because it is getting to the point where most of the students are choosing their work over their health. All of the teachers expect so much from the students in such a short amount of time especially at the end of the year. Many students want to leave Da Vinci Science because the stress is starting to damage them emotionally and physically. If Da Vinci Science wants their students to stick around then it is about time they make a change.
Submitted by student on May 06, 2014

This is my second year at this school and I hate it. I used to go to public school and it was the worst experience of my life. Now, I wish I could go back. The school is tiny and has the worst maintenance. Peeling paint, stained windows, and ants everywhere you look are just the start. And the homework! I promise that you will have at least 3 projects going at the same time. Not to mention POLs at the end of the semester. POLs are huge presentations to each of your teachers on one topic covered during the semester. There's a strict dress code that quickly becomes irritating, and rude teachers that will embarrass you in the middle of class. Finally, I just want to mention the project based learning. Basically, we get a ton of projects to do in an insanely short amount of time plus regular homework worksheets. I am a top student and even I am up until at least midnight doing homework every night. I was one of those kids who got bullied a lot in public school, and Da Vinci Science has made me want to go back.
Submitted by other on December 31, 2011

This is my third year at Da Vinci Science, and with each year that passes by, the school gets a lot better. Our principal works extremely hard to accommodate our needs as students, especially when it comes to him looking for colleges that are willing to partner with us that would be able to offer us more challenging courses outside of Da Vinci. The teaching staff is made up of a group of outstanding teachers that not only care about our academic success, but us as individuals as well. As our school is very small, it gives both the students and teachers the opportunity to get to know each other very well, which in my opinion creates a more comfortable learning environment. When it comes to academics in Da Vinci, they teach in a way that you would not see in most high schools, as they challenge us to think critically and to understand the content on a very deep level. They want us to learn the content for what it's worth, not just for the grade. I believe that this method of teaching has made all of us much better thinkers and problem solvers, and the teachers have accomplished their goal of giving us the skills that we need to do well in not only college, but life after that.
Submitted by student on January 22, 2011

I got to this school, the teachers are awesome and they are there when ever they can to help the students
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2010

This is my son's second year at Da Vinci and he loves it! This school really promotes professionalism and is a safe enviroment for students to learn. Teachers at Da Vinci are truly the best. They really care about the students and their performance. Their academic programs are challenging and competitive. Great endeavors awaits Da Vinci students!
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2010

A great school with amazing staff.. our kids are getting a private school education and college classes but there is no tuition....a truly great place for your kids to graduate. I have 2 kids theres, one in 10th and one in 9th grades. They love it, and have done great! Thank you Da Vinci staff!