Da Vinci Schools were founded on the principle that all students will graduate as collaborative, informed, resourceful and reflective individuals who are college-ready, career-prepared, and community-minded.

We believe that the Three R's of education -- rigor, relevance and relationships -- are essential to student success. Research shows when learning is challenging, hands-on, interesting, personalized, and incorporates the technology that students use in their daily lives, students are more motivated, have higher attendance rates, are more likely to retain the knowledge, and graduate and attend college in higher numbers.

Our schools combine a project-based, college preparatory curriculum with real-world active learning, internships, and early college classes ensuring that students acquire the authentic skill sets needed for real-world readiness. Da Vinci students "learn by doing" -- a philosophy we call "edu-creation" or education you create -- through hands-on, interdisciplinary projects that address real-world problems and challenges, transforming students from passive receivers of information into enthusiastic learners, thinkers and problem-solvers who assume greater responsibility for their learning. Students work cooperatively in technology-rich classrooms where they are encouraged to ask questions, explore, investigate, collaborate, manage resources, strategize, solve problems, and decide how they will achieve their goals.

Standardized testing is one tool in our overall assessment and accountability system at Da Vinci Schools, but we do not "teach to the test" or follow the old factory-model of education where teachers lecture at the front of the class and students memorize facts that are quickly forgotten. We think that we can be more effective educators if we disrupt the assembly line approach to education by finding students’ unique gifts and interests and cultivating them so students can change their world. Our teachers are curriculum leaders who have autonomy to design rigorous and innovative projects exceeding California's content standards while being tailored to the individual learner and his or her interests. Our community partners play a vital role by helping to align our projects to industry expertise and standards.

Success in the 21st century requires new skill sets and a different approach to learning. All of us in the Da Vinci community -- students, families, staff, board members, community partners and supporters -- are committed to ensuring that every Da Vinci student graduates with the knowledge, skills, confidence and compassion needed for success in college and the global workforce.