Answers to Common Questions
This page answers some common questions regarding the admissions process and general practices at Da Vinci Academy.
How does the Da Vinci curriculum 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 one grade-level ahead as a starting point, so there is an element of acceleration built into the program to provide students with more challenging work. In each of our grade levels, students will learn essential skills and achieve subject matter mastery in core areas. Above that, however, the teachers can work with students according to their levels of ability or their particular learning style. Within each class, teachers may at times work with students at different levels and at 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.
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. Schools that follow the Sept 1st cut-off date would only accept this student for 1st grade. At Da Vinci we can consider this student for 2nd grade, provided we feel that the student is ready and capable of succeeding in that grade level within our program. Applicants with birthdays past September 1st will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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. Pre-K 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?
Our Pre-K program is for children age 4, with some flexibility possible 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 (Before & After Care). After School care begins after 2:15 PM dismissal for Pre-K 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.
Does the school serve lunch?
Families can choose to bring lunch from home or purchase the catered hot lunch options available every day (Lunch Menus).
Does the school have uniforms?
The students wear uniforms Monday-Thursday, and may wear their own clothes on Fridays. The uniforms consist of polo shirts and other tops from Land's End with the school logo embroidered on them. Shirts come in cobalt blue, evergreen, white, or burgundy and can be work with black 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. Please visit the Uniforms page for more information.