2010-2011 Application Available
The 2010-2011 final application deadline has been extended to May 21. If you think The Davidson Academy of Nevada may be the right fit for you, the next step is to apply for the 2010-2011 school year! Visit the How to Apply page to download the three application PDF files. The Academy is specifically designed to meet the needs of profoundly gifted middle and high school students at the sixth grade level and beyond who score in the 99.9th percentile on IQ or college entrance tests, such as the SAT or ACT. Please review the Test Score Criteria page of our website as these scores are mandatory for student eligibility. Please visit the Application Review Process for detailed information in addition to the Admissions section of the FAQs page.

Upcoming Tours of the Academy
Prospective students and their families have been visiting the school during informational monthly tours. Seeing the Academy for yourself allows you to get an entirely different feel for the learning environment! Ask specific questions, hear from current students and parents, familiarize yourself with our faculty and staff, and network with others considering the Academy. Visit during a monthly tour on one of the following dates:

• Thursday, March 25, 2010
• Thursday, April 15, 2010
• Friday, Aug. 6, 2010

RSVPs are required for these tours. If you would like more information, please email explore@davidsonacademy.unr.edu.


Davidson Academy Brochure
The new Davidson Academy brochure is now available! This updated brochure provides an overview of what sets the Academy apart from other schools, the Academy's approach to curriculum, academics, student life, extracurricular activities, admissions, information about the campus home and much more! View the online version (PDF) or request copies of the brochure by mail.

  
Why did you choose to teach mathematics?
Ironically math was the last subject I wanted to teach. I was not the greatest math student in elementary school and it wasn’t until I was in college that I learned to appreciate mathematical applications, mainly in the sciences. Once I became a math teacher I felt my own early struggles with math helped me understand students struggling in similar circumstances. Thus I always explain the “whys” of math and how math is used in everyday life. I also never skip steps and make sure my students understand the concepts before moving on. I love teaching math now and feel anyone can succeed in math with proper motivation and the right teacher of course!
  
What do you think is the most powerful real-world application for math?
When teaching algebra I tell my students how math can be applied in the sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.) Math also teaches analytical thinking which includes the ability to take things apart and put them back together, whether it’s machines, ideas, or complex chemical equations. Using mathematics for data analysis (statistics) is also important because data analysis is found in nearly every aspect of our lives from a pharmaceutical company developing a new medicine, political or public opinion polls that gauge national trends, or studying which methods work best when teaching exceptionally gifted students.

How do you make studying mathematics both interesting and fun?
I try to integrate technology and problem solving as much as possible. We have done labs with Excel graphing techniques for applied math and have incorporated elements of “Math Counts” problem solving strategies in class which contain interesting and fun true-to-life problems. I also maintain a classroom website on WebCampus where students have access to all assignments, daily bulletins, can email me or each other, all in a self-contained environment that acts as a virtual classroom.

In what ways do you foster communication and build a positive environment in your classroom?
I always try to connect with my students. While always professional, I do have a sense of humor and often give my students the opportunity to express themselves in an environment that promotes respect and tolerance for individual differences. I also teach what my students call “life lessons” which are little snippets of information that are drawn from science, history, currents events, personal experience, or simply issues relevant adolescents today. These help make the atmosphere in my classroom more comfortable and personable, which I feel promotes effective communication and learning. 

  
One of the most well-known locations on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, the Lawlor Events Center is the home court of Nevada Wolf Pack basketball, location of Winter Commencement, and host to concerts by top bands and artists, conventions, speeches, and more. Named after Nevada’s legendary coach and athletic director, Glenn “Jake” Lawlor, the Events Center’s capacity is 11,200. 

  

Misha Raffiee, Fourth Year Davidson Academy Student