Jeffrey Stroebel, Head of School
with Da Vinci since 2007
B.S. in Secondary Education, Butler University
M.S. in Educational Administration, Butler University
Endorsement in Gifted & Talented Education, Purdue University
2001 Teacher of the Year, Indiana Association for the Gifted
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Da Vinci Academy. We are excited to begin 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 ten 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 Midwest Academic Talent Search indicates that Da Vinci students significantly out perform 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. Our chess team has quickly developed into one of the top programs in the state, and our students also participate in basketball, MathCounts, robotics, soccer, and volleyball. 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 a Saturday Enrichment Program and Summer Camp that are open to students who do not attend the school. You will find more information on these and other programs on this website.
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 and convince you to contact our Director of Admissions and Marketing, Jeff Oldham, for more information.
Best wishes,
Jeffrey Stroebel
Head of School