Grateful

As we gather with our loved ones this holiday season and reflect on what we're grateful for, we want to take a moment to thank all the many people, organizations, and partners who make Da Vinci Schools possible. We are deeply grateful for each and every one of you, and for all you do. Thank you from all of us at Da Vinci Schools for helping to create opportunities for kids to grow and thrive.

Another Community Learning Day Filled with Choice Around Learning and New Friendships

We had another fantastic Community Learning Day on Nov. 8! Students enjoyed a day of flexible learning with time to explore their interests, follow their passions, and create their own meaningful learning experiences. CLDs were created in response to our community’s desire to provide more opportunities to bring students together across all our high schools: Communications, Connect High, Design, RISE, and Science.

Celebrating Student Learning and Growth at Exhibition Nights

We are so proud of our students for showcasing their learning and growth at this month’s Exhibition Nights at Da Vinci Communications, Da Vinci Connect, and Da Vinci Design. Exhibitions provide all Da Vinci students in grades TK-12 with a unique platform to showcase and celebrate their learning with the community. Exhibitions are an important component of project-based learning and assessment, and provide a comprehensive view of each student's knowledge and mastery of the curriculum.

Why Project-Based Learning?

For junior Max Townsend who is in the Computer Science pathway at Da Vinci Communications, project-based learning is the ideal curriculum model that allows him time to explore his interests while gaining valuable knowledge and skills that will serve him well in college and beyond.

Da Vinci Connect Hosts UCLA Math Project



This month, Da Vinci Connect TK-8 hosted two days of on-site learning for the UCLA Math Project Learning Lab Sessions! Fourteen educators from district and charter schools across the Southern California area engaged in collaborative workshops that explored research-based strategies and tools aimed at enhancing student engagement and achievement in math. The sessions focused on collaboration, engagement, hands-on learning for educators, sharing of teaching practices, and developing a community of shared learning.

WDV Athletics Update (Nov. '24)

As the leaves change and the weather cools, we close out an incredible fall sports season and turn our attention to the excitement of winter athletics. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the achievements of our student-athletes and look forward to what’s ahead!

Alumni Spotlights

Our Da Vinci graduates are members of a strong alumni community. We are so proud of our Da Vinci alumni who are excelling in college, career and life!  

Brian Vallelunga (DV Science ‘13) raised more than $20 million in start-up funding from venture capitalists and angel investors to launch Doppler, a developer-first secrets management platform, before he was 25. A software engineer and technologist who is the CEO and Founder of Doppler, Brian was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2021. He attended UC Santa Cruz where he studied Computer Science, completed business certificates in Strategy and Leadership from Harvard Business School Online, and startup business training from Y Combinator. 

Grace Ehlers (DV Connect High ‘22) completed her A.A. degree at age 16 while enrolled in Da Vinci Connect’s dual enrollment program. She is currently studying Biology and Chemistry at Loyola Marymount University on a Presidential Scholarship after taking a gap year to complete an internship through the American Heart Association. Grace's future plans are to become a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon. 

Dondei Dean (DV Design ‘13) received her B.A from Dartmouth College in 2017 with majors in Fine and Studio Arts, Government, and Spanish. She is now completing her Masters of Education in Learning Design and Technology at the USC Rossier School of Education. She currently works as the Training Manager at a Los Angeles community health nonprofit, AMAAD Institute.

Jalen Carter (DV Communications ‘19) received a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from the University of Iowa. He is pursuing a career in entertainment production and works as a Video Technician Apprentice at Fuse Technical Group.

Da Vinci alumni, please join our LinkedIn Alumni group to share your latest news with us!

Did you know Da Vinci hosts student-led Community Tours to see our students and schools in action? These tours are designed for community members to have the opportunity to see and learn more about the three high schools at Da Vinci's campus at 201 N. Douglas Street. These tours do not include a formal enrollment presentation. Sign-up by scanning the QR code above or click HERE. We can't wait to see you on campus!

Academic Calendars

Our 2024-25 academic calendars and school site calendars provide an overview of instruction start and end dates, school holidays, and other important dates. Bookmark them today!

> Click here