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Student to
Student |
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 Dear Prospective Academy Students,
Upon learning that I was accepted to The Davidson Academy of Nevada, I immediately felt a wide range of conflicting emotions. I was filled with joy and excitement; this was finally my chance to pursue my academic dreams. But I cannot deny that fear was equally prominent. I was afraid that I wouldn't fit in, or that I wouldn't enjoy my classes, or even that I wasn't intelligent enough to attend such a prestigious school. If I could travel back in time, I would assure my former self that all my worries were in vain.
The Davidson Academy exceeded my expectations in every way imaginable. I was in an environment conducive to learning and surrounded with my intellectual peers. What could be better? Not only did I find and establish deep and long-lasting friendships within one semester, I found my classes to be both intriguing and appropriately challenging for a change. I must admit it was a humbling experience; I was no longer
at the top of my class. However, since attending the Academy,
I have discovered a new appreciation for learning
and knowledge.
Unlike my previous teachers, the
instructors at the Academy are welcoming and
genuinely care about each individual student's
education. They love the subjects they teach, and it
shows, because I have yet to take a dull class here.
I have even taken courses in subjects that I didn't
even know existed, such as Rhetoric and Ancient
Greek Philosophy, which have definitely expanded my
academic horizons. As I'm sure you're wondering, the
homework load is comparable to that of any other
regular high school or middle school. The only
difference is that each assignment is valuable and
worthwhile, rather than mindless busy work. I have
found that the Academy is a better fit for me than any
other public school education.
Besides the academic aspect, I have grown as a person here. This year I was elected as the Student Body President, which is a great opportunity for me to connect further with the students and expand upon our already thriving social network. Besides planning social events, Student Council is supportive of other clubs and encourages all students to take an active part in what goes on in their school. We recently have had a very successful Jamba Juice sales day and have a Freaky Friday Fall Festival coming up to fund raise for our winter dance. Our very involved student government is eager to continue positively affecting our school this year, and we're going to have a great time in the process.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community!
~ Amy Bodner, Fourth Year Davidson Academy Student
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Get to Know Us |
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 The 2009-2010 school year is off to a fast-paced, exciting start! New students are quickly acclimating themselves to their
surroundings and for many, this is their first experience being around intellectual peers in a stimulating academic environment. Returning students are doing an excellent job welcoming these new students as they themselves continue to grow. All students are taking advantage of the Academy’s close relationship with the University of Nevada, Reno. Students have FREE access to online journals, articles, and eBooks through the university’s extensive library system.
We hope you will consider applying for the 2009-2010 school year or attending one of our tours (see details below)!
~ Colleen Harsin, Director of The Davidson Academy of Nevada
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Program
Updates |
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2010-2011 Application Available
 If you think
The Davidson Academy of Nevada is the right fit for you, the next step is to apply! 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 us for informational monthly tours of The Davidson Academy
since the beginning of the school year. 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 for a monthly tour on one of the following dates:
- Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009
- Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009
- Friday, Jan. 22, 2010
- Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010
- Thursday, March 25, 2010
- Thursday, April 15, 2010
RSVPs
are required for these tours. If you would like more information, please email
explore@davidsonacademy.unr.edu.
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Local Resource for Parents, Educators of Gifted Students |
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 In addition to the support provided by The Davidson Academy, parents and educators of gifted and talented students in the Reno/Tahoe area can benefit from the services offered by the
local GT parent advocacy group, the
GT Parent Connection (GTPC).
GTPC was created in 2003 by a group of parents in Washoe County. Recognizing the unique social, emotional and academic needs of gifted students, GTPC distributes current local, state and national updates as well as information related to gifted education, programs and issues to its network of more than 700 parents and educators. GTPC also holds informational meetings that include guest speakers and discussions.
For more information, please email
info@gtparentconnection.org.
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Cool Spots on
Campus - Edmund J. Cain Hall |
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 Some Academy students attend University of Nevada, Reno courses in
Edmund J. Cain Hall, the location of
many diverse academic departments and programs. Named in honor of longtime College of Education Dean Edmund J. Cain, Cain Hall opened in 1972 and is home to the Departments of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Philosophy and Military Science. The Writing Center, English as a Second Language Center, Advising Center, KUNR-88.7 public radio station and more are also located in this facility.
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Student
Activities |
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Vice President Joe Biden
(Left) and U.S. Senator Harry Reid (Right) meet Davidson
Academy students.
Davidson Academy students
recently had the opportunity to attend a speech given by Vice
President Joe Biden on the campus of the University of Nevada,
Reno. U.S. Senator Harry Reid (NV) also spoke at the event.
Students had the chance to briefly meet with both after the speech.
This fall is a busy time of year at The Davidson Academy! One of the activities a number of Academy students have been involved with is writing for the school newspaper,
RE(A)D. The newspaper has made great strides this year as the students have come together to create a fun, informative publication covering a diverse number of topics.
Read the latest issue!
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Meet Mr. Carter, Mathematics Instructor |
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 Why did you choose to teach mathematics?
After graduating with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, I realized that I enjoyed working with youngsters as well as numbers. Teaching mathematics has been an excellent fit.
How do you make studying mathematics both interesting and fun?
First of all I believe we all appreciate those things that we can do successfully. Therefore, I work hard to ensure my students are successful. Secondly, I truly enjoy both mathematics and teaching; I preach constantly to my students that “math is beauty, poetry and fun”. I strive to show them the beauty and power of mathematics. As we spend time together most of the students learn to really appreciate what math is and what it might do for them. I try to challenge my students daily; they work hard and we have fun working together.
In your opinion what are some of the coolest applications of mathematics in the world today?
Basically anything that has to do with optimization. Beginning in Algebra and working your way through Calculus you will find more and more tools to use for finding the best possible solution to real problems. I think this will be especially valuable in the “green” technologies of our future. And never forget, mathematics is a wonderful measuring tool in all of the sciences and engineering fields.
How is the Academy different from other schools where you have taught in the past?
I see two primary differences; first the students and secondly the expectations. The entire student population at the
Academy is able to absorb complex problems and issues on a daily basis, making delivery of the material so much easier and enjoyable, and resultant discussions much richer and more rewarding. We all know why we are here; because we can expect more of our students, peers and teachers, we all benefit.
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"It is really great to be at the Academy because I am surrounded by people just like me, who understand what I am talking about and commonly teach me new things."
Alex Hayes, Davidson Academy Student
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