Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

This page answers some common questions regarding the admissions process and general practices at Da Vinci Academy.

How does Da Vinci differ from other schools?

The school's mission, faculty, and curriculum strive to serve the unique needs of gifted students.  Our curriculum is built to be acclerated and enriched to provide students with more challenging work.  In each of our grade levels, students will learn essential skills in core areas following a mapped scope and sequence.  In addition, teachers modify and differentiate according to the students' abilities and learning styles.  Within each class, teachers adjust their instruction to meet different levels and different paces.  Class time is structured to include time for group work, individual work, or for kids at similar levels to work together.  This differentiation allows teachers to keep students challenged and progressing according to their particular strengths and abilities.

Where do Da Vinci Academy Alumni attend high school and college?

Visit our Alumni Page to learn more. 

How do I know if my child is gifted and would qualify for admission to Da Vinci?

The term "gifted" has different meanings to different people, but it helps to start with an understanding that gifted children are wired differently than other kids.  As a parent, you probably have picked up on ways that your child sees, thinks, feels, communicates, and interacts with the world that are just different than other kids the same age.  Typically, you can see that your child is bursting with intellectual curiosty and has a need to always be learning, thinking, creating, or asking questions.  When parents call us, they are seeing signs that their child needs an alternative to a more traditional school program.  Some students come to Da Vinci already succeeding in school and just needing more of a challenge.  Other families come here because their children are bored and frustrated with school, and the parents want to reignite their child's passion for learning.  Doing well in school may come easily to gifted children, or it may be a struggle when the environment is not conducive to how they think and learn.  For more information about understanding gifted children, please visit our Resources for Parents of Gifted Children.

In terms of qualifying for admission, we take as broad a look at each applicant as possible.  There is both science and art in identifying a good fit at Da Vinci.  On the "science" side, we require IQ testing for admission to grades 1-8, and for Pre-K and Kindergarten we conduct an early childhood assessment.  IQ testing is done by recommended psychologists, and the results provide very helpful information about a student's strengths and learning style.  We look for students with a Full Scale score in the 95th percentile or higher on the Wechsler (WISC or WPPSI) IQ test.  The early childhood assesment for PK-K admission provides age equivalency scores in cognitive and language areas.  We look for students to score at least one year ahead of their chronological age.

On the "art" side, it is all about getting to know the child and the family through the application process.  We seek a lot of parent input on the child's background, development, interests, and school experience.  Most important, though, is having students spend at least one full day in our classrooms.  The student visit is the best way for the school and the family to know if enrolling at Da Vinci will be a good fit.  During the visit we asess students on their current academic level, but we also look for how they participate and interact with our current students.  Probably more than anything, we look for kids to exhibit intellectual curiosity and a spark for learning that can be fostered in our program.

Is there a deadline for applying to Da Vinci Academy?

Da Vinci Academy accepts applications for any grade level throughout the year.  Current families have an opportunity in February to re-enroll for the next school year, and after that point available spaces may be offered to new applicants.

Does Da Vinci Academy accept new students during the school year?

Yes, if a spot is available or becomes available during the school year, we will consider new student applications and offer enrollment spots to qualified candidates as space allows.

Is there a waiting pool if a particular class is full?

Yes, families who would like to be considered if a spot becomes available in a class that is full will be added to the waiting pool.  The Director of Admissions will stay in communication with these families about the status of any spots that become available.  Admissions decisions from among the waiting pool applicants will be made to admit students who best fit our program.

Is there a grade-level birthday cut-off date like in public schools?

Da Vinci Academy can consider students for a specific grade level even if the student has a birthday past the typical September 1st public school cut-off date.  For example, a family looking for 2nd grade whose child does not turn 7 until Sept 25th.  We can consider this student for 2nd grade, provided we feel that the student is ready and capable of succeeding academically and socially in that grade level within our program.  Applicants with birthdays past September 1st will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Does Da Vinci ever grade skip (accelerate) students?

Our curriculum eliminates the need for most cases of grade acceleration because students can have their academic needs met while remaining with their same-age peers.  However, the school will consider acceleration if it is clearly in the child's best interest.  This is a decision that is never taken lightly.  Parents interested in considering grade acceleration should discuss the topic with the Director of Admissions or the Head of School to fully understand the school's grade acceleration policy and procedures.

What are the normal school day hours?

Monday to Friday all grade levels begin classes at 8:45 AM, and parents may begin dropping children off in the carpool line at 8:25 AM.  PK3 students dismiss at 11:15 AM, with an option to stay until 12:00 PM through lunch and recess ($5 per day).  PK4 and Kindergarten classes end at 2:15 PM, and classes for Grades 1-8 end at 3:15 PM.

At what age does the Pre-K program start?

We offer a half-day (morning) PK3 for children who are 3 by the start of the school year.  Full-day PK4 is for children age 4, with some case-by-case flexibility if students turn 4 after September 1st but demonstrate readiness to begin our program.

Is there Before and After school care available?

Before School care is available every school day from 7:00 AM until the school opens at 8:25 AM.  After School care begins after 2:15 PM dismissal for PK4 and K, and after 3:15 PM dismissal for grades 1-8.  Parents can pick up children as late as 6:00 PM.  Parents can arrange ahead of time if they will need Before or After care, or they can use it as needed.  The cost is $5 per hour (rounded to 15-minute intervals), with accumulated time billed monthly.

Does the school serve lunch?

Families can choose to bring lunch from home or pre-order from the catered hot lunch menu.

Does the school have uniforms?

The students wear uniforms Monday-Thursday, and then may wear their own school-appropriate clothes on Fridays.  The uniforms consist of polo shirts and other approved tops from Land's End with the school logo embroidered on them.  Shirts come in several colors and can be work with black, navy, or khaki chino-style pant or shorts.  Sweaters and girls' jumpers are also available through Land's End.  Students wear white oxford shirts for field trips and special events.