Student to Student |
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Hello prospective Davidson Academy students!
I've been a student at the Academy from the start, and unlike many fellow students, have lived in Reno for my entire life. Though my decision to attend was comparatively less complicated (some students moved great distances to attend), it has made a tremendous difference in my life. I left behind friends, teachers, and a whole other school, but I don't regret it in the slightest.
The Academy offered an environment I had only
dreamt of in previous schools. I found myself immersed in a school that offered
not only an academic level beyond any I had experienced before, but also a
social environment that I enjoy. The students and staff are helpful and
friendly, and I've made friends here that I hope to keep for life. In addition,
I've gained access to amazing academic opportunities. I've been able to attend
both advanced high school and college level classes, which have been
challenging, rewarding, and most of all, interesting (for a few examples, I've
taken courses ranging from Japanese to English to Chemistry). I no longer find
myself bored or uninterested.
I realize that the decision is a huge one – and
one that will change your life – but I believe it is wholly worthwhile. The
Academy offers a perfect mesh of the academic and the social. A rewarding, new
experience is waiting for you here if you only take the chance. I'm glad I did.
~ Cody Nolan, entering
his third year at the Academy |
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Get to Know Us |
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Busy as always, we’re
extremely excited about our upcoming move into our new home on the
University of Nevada, Reno campus, the
Jot Travis Building.
This incredible, newly renovated building is approximately 30,000 square feet, including 11 classrooms all equipped with Wireless Internet, smart classroom technology and mobile systems,
and is symbolic of the growing partnership we have with the University and the strength of our collaborative educational efforts. We encourage you to attend the Davidson Academy Open House on Tuesday, Aug. 19 for a better idea of all that we offer (please see the section below for details
and how to RSVP).
~
Colleen Harsin, Director of The Davidson
Academy of Nevada
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Program Updates
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Academy Open House - August 19, 2008 |
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You
are invited to join us at the upcoming Davidson Academy Open House! Visit us
on
Tuesday, August 19, 2008, in our new home in the Jot Travis
Building on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Tour the new facility,
meet the instructors and staff, and learn more about the Academy’s
commitment to serving profoundly gifted students. If you would like more information about this event, please email
explore@davidsonacademy.unr.edu.
Parking is free; local media outlets may be present and videotaping. RSVP Required.
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The Davidson Academy - 2009-2010 Applications Available in
September |
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The
Academy is no longer accepting applications for the 2008-2009 school year,
however it’s not too soon to start thinking about the 2009-2010 school year! The
application for 2009-2010 will be available
in
early September 2008. The Davidson Academy of Nevada is specifically designed to meet the needs of profoundly gifted middle
and high school students who score in the 99.9th percentile on IQ or college entrance tests, such as the
SAT or ACT, starting at the sixth grade level and beyond.
Please review the
Test Score Criteria page of our website as these scores are mandatory for
student eligibility.
Student Excellence |
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We thought you would enjoy this
student-produced video
about The Davidson Academy, seen through the eyes of the students themselves.
During the past
school year, a number of students from the Digital Media class, taught by
Technology Instructor Mr. Larry Kramp, worked to create the video. Displaying
amazing teamwork, everyone in the course contributed to the final project.
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Meet Ms. Vienneau, Davidson Academy
Instructor |
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What subjects/age groups do you work with the most at the Academy?
Most of my students are 10-15 years old, and I teach a variety of subjects. This coming year, I will be teaching: Introduction to British Literature, Composition, Patterns in Ancient History, and Creative Writing. Ask me about any one of these, and I’ll probably say that class is my favorite one to teach—I like them all. Some of them are for high school credit and some are considered “middle school,” but middle school classes at the Academy offer high-level material, challenging expectations, and solid preparation for the demands of our high school curriculum.
What is your favorite part about working with Academy students?
It is every teacher’s dream to teach students who are
excited about learning and aren’t afraid to show it. I love
being able to interact with the younger students at such a
high level. When I teach, I like choosing the most
appropriate materials without being limited by the students’
abilities to grasp the concepts. My classes are very
interactive and student- driven; they are created to provoke
thought, understanding, and debate. At the Academy, the
students are able and willing to join class discussions and
delve into research and essay writing.
What advice would you give a prospective student who was interested in coming to the Academy?
Prospective students and their families should read everything on the Academy’s website, as well as our brochures and newsletters to make sure the descriptions match what they are seeking. There will never be one “best” program for all students, so it is important to be clear about whether or not this school is a good fit for you and your family. Ask questions. Talk to students who go to school here. Find out as much as you can, and be clear about your own goals, learning styles and educational needs. Understand that in this environment, each student will not be “the best” in every subject. For some students this can be difficult. For others it is exciting to be with peers who challenge them.
What part of the Academy’s new building are you looking forward to most?
I am excited about the new classrooms with built-in technology and the dedicated space for our writing center. It will also be great to be more centrally-located on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. The new building will allow us to accept many more students, hire new teachers, and offer more classes. It is exciting to be growing and improving every year, and this move is a big part of that process.
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Websites for Summer Fun |
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We hope you are enjoying your summer!
Here are some websites you might find fun and entertaining when taking a break
from other activities:
- BEATCALC -
Learn how to beat the calculator!
- FunBrain - Great brain games!
- Puzzle Parlor - Tons of puzzles with varying difficulty.
- Who Dunnit? -
Use observation and classification, measurement and prediction, and interpreting data to draw inferences,
complete assignments.
- Word Central - Build your own dictionary and sign up for a daily buzz word!
- United Nations Cyber School
Bus - Activities, contests, and links for students who want to learn
and participate in efforts going on around the world.
- Scholar Holler - a
vibrant online community and website with helpful advice and
resources on academics, college admissions, contests, research,
scholarships and test preparation.
“The Academy is a really great place for profoundly gifted students because of its environment - peers of similar intelligence, interests and age, and understanding staff and teachers.”
~ Second Year Davidson Academy Student
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