Jeffrey Stroebel, Head of
School
With Da Vinci since 2007
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Da Vinci
Academy. We are excited to be in our second decade as an
independent school serving intellectually gifted students
throughout the Fox River Valley. While many schools have gifted
students and programs, Da Vinci is a truly unique learning
environment in which every aspect of the program has been
specifically designed for gifted learners from pre-kindergarten
through eighth grade. Our small classes, challenging curriculum,
and experienced faculty provide an opportunity for each student to
develop his/her own strengths, interests, and potential. Da
Vinci's full accreditation by the Independent Schools Association
of the Central States (ISACS) exemplifies its commitment to
meeting the highest standards set by the very best independent
schools in the United States.
Da Vinci's teachers and staff are committed to providing
an exceptional experience for students who are highly talented,
intellectually curious, and enthusiastically seeking new avenues
for personal growth and development. We work very hard to establish
strong bonds between teachers, parents, and students to assure that
our educational goals are met. In just twelve years Da Vinci has
grown from a dream into an outstanding independent school
serving approximately 130 students.
Some may question why gifted students need their own
distinct academic program. My own experience in working with high
ability learners over the past three decades has clearly led me to
understand that gifted students need a faster pace, deeper and
richer content, and a peer group that shares their passion for
learning. Without this, many gifted students will never reach their
true potential. At Da Vinci Academy, students are immersed in
challenging and stimulating activities, guided by caring, talented
teachers, and surrounded by supportive peers. Independent testing
by the Educational Records Bureau and the Northwestern University Midwest Academic Talent
Search indicates that Da Vinci students often outperform
students in other independent schools and gifted programs. Da Vinci
is truly a school in which bright minds take flight.
Da Vinci also offers a full range of activities beyond the
classroom. Chess is very popular, and we are fortunate to have
Illinois Chess Grand Master Nikola Mitkov coach our students.
Many chess students participate in tournaments throughout
Illinois. Da Vinci students also participate in robotics, MathCounts®, athletics (soccer, volleyball,
basketball) and a variety of after-school clubs and specialty
classes. Also, a strong drama program is an integral part of the
curriculum for all middle school students. In addition to its
regular program, Da Vinci offers Summer Camp and various enrichment
programs that are open to students who do not attend the
school.
Thank you for visiting Da Vinci Academy. While no website
can completely capture the dynamic environment that defines this
unique school, I hope that your visit will provide you a taste of
the engaging activities that our students experience on a daily
basis. Please bring your family to see our school in person
by contacting our Director of Admissions, Jeff Oldham, for more
information.
Best wishes,
Jeffrey
Stroebel
Head of School