DaVinci Academy of Silicon Valley

DaVinci students thrive on our Independent Mastery Learning Program. When a learner arrives, they are quickly oriented to our student-centered approach where students are in the driver's seat of their own education. Students receive a personalized program so they are studying at the exact right level for them, advancing quickly in areas they exceed in and spending extra time in growth areas with support from our unique testing department, called Standards. 

As they continue through the Levels, students become familiar with many different approaches to learning and are encouraged to find answers for themselves. For example, we expect them to conduct a science experiment, not just watch a teacher demonstration and take notes. We bring experts into the classroom and take students on field trips to interact with professionals and to ask questions. Our students learn by doing: visiting, talking, asking questions, experimenting, drawing, testing, and designing – not just by reading textbooks.

Students work on social skills and executive skills, such as: getting along with others, collaborating, organizing, setting goals, persisting, communicating well, and managing relationships with others. Additionally, we orient new learners to the school culture of doing one's best, treating others well, learning to set goals and striving to achieve those goals with self-determination. Self-determination is a combination of attitudes and abilities that lead people to set goals for themselves and take the initiative to reach these goals.