Applications for the 2009-2010 school year are now available! Visit The Davidson Academy How to Apply page to find the Academy application, which consists of three downloadable documents. The Davidson Academy of Nevada 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 as these scores are mandatory for student eligibility.

Initially, The Davidson Academy of Nevada provided information that we would send out a decision on acceptance, declination or provisional status of an application by the 15th of the month following an application deadline/review. In order to allow qualified applicants time to travel to the Academy to complete the interview and achievement assessment, and for the review committee to complete their final reviews, The Davidson Academy will now provide decision letters within the two weeks following completion of a qualified applicant’s in person interview and achievement assessment date. Interviews are on scheduled Fridays, one time per month from November 2008 through April 2009 and will be offered following receipt of a complete application and initial review.

Fall Tour for Prospective Students - October 17, 2008
In previous newsletters, you may have read about the exciting new features at The Davidson Academy’s new location on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. To experience the newly renovated, 30,000 square feet building featuring 11 classrooms equipped with Wireless Internet, smart classroom technology and mobile systems, join us for a tour for prospective students on Friday, Oct. 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you can't make it, visit for a tour on one of the following dates:

• Friday, Nov. 21, 2008
• Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008
• Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009
• Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009
• Thursday, Mar. 26, 2009

  
What are some of the things you do to assist students at the Academy?
I work with parents, students, and the Academy’s advising and curriculum teams to develop a personalized learning plan (PLP) for each student. Once these PLPs are mapped out, I meet with students, their parents, and the PLP team to schedule their classes for the year helping them decide which courses best match their individual needs, in terms of difficulty and development.

Working in tandem with our advising team, made up of Davidson Institute Family Consultants and other Academy staff, I help new students who may be struggling in certain areas, such as organization skills and study habits, to make sure their transition into advanced courses goes smoothly. I also help new students with the overall transition process of coming to a new school – making new friends, in some cases living in a new town, and being challenged academically. In addition to providing college planning assistance, I also work with students throughout their time at the Academy as they progress through their PLPs, helping them make adjustments as their interests change over time.
  
What College Planning services does the Academy offer?
I can work closely with Davidson Academy students to help them determine the best course of action for them after they graduate from our school. We have a number of college planning books accessible to students in the school library on topics, ranging from scholarship information and choosing a major to how to best plan for a campus visit. We also provide detailed admissions information from various colleges and universities, as well as an online college planning calendar and college planning handbook.
  
Are there opportunities for students to attend presentations given by college recruiters?
Yes, we’re always looking to have admissions officers from top colleges and universities visit the Academy. In the past, representatives from schools such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Swarthmore have presented here. Sometimes college recruiters give community presentations in the Reno-Sparks area and we communicate with Academy students about attending these opportunities, for example several Academy students attended recently attending a local presentation given by a Yale admissions representative.
  
What do you like best about working with Academy students?
I love working with this bright, fun group of young people whose diverse range of abilities and academic levels keeps me challenged. My plan is to finish my current graduate program in Master’s of School Counseling and continue to apply what I learn to my work at the Academy.

  
Family Pulse Magazine takes a look at the unique academic options offered at The Davidson Academy in Think Fast! The Davidson Academy nurtures our nation's brightest young minds. The article discusses how students have the opportunity to take courses based on strengths and abilities at the Academy. It also examines the gains that a number of students have made since enrolling.