January 2010 Davidson Academy Prospective Student eNewsletter

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Student to Student | Get to Know Us | Program Updates | Website Updates | Instructor Q & A

Student to Student
	Hello Prospective Davidson Academy students! When I pictured high school, I never thought it’d be like what I’ve experienced. As this is my fourth and final year at the Academy, I look back at the past three and a half years and smile. I’ve made long-lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. I realize how much I’ve grown as a student and as a person and all I can do is thank the Academy for everything it has done. With the support of the staff at the Academy and the encouragement of my wonderful peers, I’ve set higher goals for myself and learned to recognize my potential. One of the greatest benefits of the school, besides being surrounded by intellectual peers, is the individualized attention students receive both in and out of the classroom. I’ve been able to access numerous resources on campus tailored to my needs and interests including college courses in music and an antiviral drug research opportunity. But further, the individualized attention I’ve received at the Academy inside the classroom is immense. Being in classes of as small as four people encourages teamwork and allows for personalized learning. The Academy has given me the opportunity to excel academically. Though I realize that attending the Academy is a difficult choice, I will guarantee that it will be one that you will not regret. I hope you consider the Academy! ~ Jessica Kim, Fourth Year Davidson Academy Student
Get to Know Us
	Since we are on the same academic calendar as the University of Nevada, Reno, The Davidson Academy’s spring semester has just begun, following a month-long break. It is an exciting time! The past few months have been very busy but incredibly rewarding. We’ve seen students grow and mature both academically and socially, and look forward to the possibilities of the coming semester, including celebrating graduation for several students. Please be sure to check out our recent content updates to The Davidson Academy website. Many are featured below. Also, please note that our application deadline for next year has been extended (see details below). We hope you consider applying! ~ Colleen Harsin, Director of The Davidson Academy of Nevada
Program Updates
	2010-2011 Application Deadline Extended 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, consider applying 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 Have you considered The Davidson Academy as an option for your gifted student? 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 one of our monthly tours on these dates (numerous dates have just been announced): Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010 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. New 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.
Visit the Enhanced Academy Website
	If you haven’t visited The Davidson Academy website for a while, we encourage you to check it out! We have added numerous pages intended to provide an in-depth look at the Academy. Among the site’s new features: A Sample Syllabi page to give prospective families an idea of what goes into classes at the Academy PDFs of a Credit Appraisal Chart and a Semester Advising Form, both linked at the bottom of the Curriculum page A PDF of the Academy's Educational Policies, located on the Pedagogy page, which highlights guidelines and procedures that all Academy teachers abide by These are just some of the many new aspects of the Academy website, where you can learn about admissions, academics, student life and more!
Meet Ms. Fredericks, Admissions and Records Coordinator
	What is the Academy looking for in a student? The Davidson Academy is seeking profoundly gifted learners who are motivated, and academically and socially ready to take on the challenges and enjoy the opportunities of an appropriately rigorous curriculum that meets their individual academic needs. The Academy is looking for students who want to actively participate in their education and personal growth, and to be part of a supportive community of peers. Why does the Academy require the assessment portion of the application process? The Academy serves students who, at minimum, are academically ready to begin a significantly advanced curriculum and have the social development and maturity to thrive in a diverse academic population. The all-day assessment portion of the application process provides the review committee with information concerning an individual applicant’s academic and social readiness for the Academy. This exercise is administered through the Academy’s Curriculum Team and is referred to as “authentic assessment” where applicants essentially experience a school day at the Academy and are individually assessed in a group setting. Individual applicants receive appropriate level assessment materials in core subject matter based on current academic information provided within their paper application. Who determines which students are eligible to attend? Admissions decisions are collectively made by a team of professionals including but not limited to Academy administrative staff, guidance and advising staff, curriculum development and instructional staff members. When a complete paper application is submitted to the Academy it undergoes an initial review by two individuals. From that review it is determined whether an applicant is qualified and therefore invited for the second phase of the application review process – interview and readiness assessment. The outcome of an applicant’s readiness assessment is then reviewed along with the paper application and supporting documents. From this final review an admissions decision is made based on goodness-of-fit of the applicant for the Academy at that time. Decision letters are mailed to applicants within the two weeks following their interview and assessment date. Can the Davidson Young Scholars Program help you prepare to apply? Becoming a part of the Davidson Young Scholars Program can assist gifted learners in their current educational environment through advocacy and support from professionals with significant experience in gifted education. The family consultant staff can provide Young Scholars with suggestions, resources, and referrals for attaining an enriched academic experience which can in turn better prepare them to apply and be a successful student at the Academy.
	"There are numerous advantages that the Academy has over the average middle/high school – the availability of University courses, a great environment full of very supportive people, and more. It offers many opportunities that can’t be found elsewhere." Andy Wei, 2009 Davidson Academy Graduate

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