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   Student to Student
 
Davidson AcademyHello Prospective Davidson Academy Students!

People say that time flies when you’re enjoying yourself. For the past year or so, that’s precisely what has happened to me at The Davidson Academy. I have been in varied schooling situations, but two years ago, I found myself stuck in a public school district, not too eager to finish my education there. Luckily, I am now able to attend The Davidson Academy, and not once have I regretted my choice.

At the Academy, everything is more about you. Although the school is growing, I still have some classes with fewer than ten students. I can talk with people at my own level and receive personal attention. Teachers readily innovate, adapting the material to fit everyone’s personalities and needs. I have learned through “Theatrical Thursdays” in U.S. history and Slinky playtime in physics. In my first year, I was initially put in courses that were too easy, but within three weeks the school adjusted these placements. Every staff member at the school, especially my guidance counselor, has been interested in addressing my placement concerns and helping me succeed.

To provide a respite from rigorous core classes, the Academy has diverse elective offerings on Fridays, which have allowed me to explore areas like Web Design and 20th Century History in depth. These engaging electives allow teachers to cater to students' interests. In my 20th Century History class, for instance, we study student interests, reading material on subjects covering a range including Communism, corporatization of the globe, and the modern Palestinian Problem. I love it when everyone around me is excited to chip in on the global issues at hand. What’s even better is that these kinds of energized discussions carry beyond the classroom and into the lunchroom. There you can find someone willing to talk to you about mostly anything, on discussions ranging beyond the usual sports/movies/video game debates, whether it is how to combine two expansion packs in the Settlers of Catan, the inefficiencies of government projects, or another random topic.

Davidson AcademyWell, this is fine, but what if you want something more satisfying out of your lunchtime? Then you can turn to the clubs, around a dozen in number. I take part in two - the Science Club and GECKO (the environmental club). One of GECKO’s projects involved a swap of goods between Academy families followed by a public garage sale. Another popular club is Community Crusaders, in which advisors organize volunteer events for interested students.

At the Academy, you can push your mind to the limit, find a friend similar to you, and have fun all at the same time. All of these have happened to me and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. If you live across the country, making the Academy a reality can be difficult, but it really is a life-changing school and a unique opportunity. Please do consider The Davidson Academy for your next school year! 

                                                     ~ Karthik Rohatgi, Second Year Davidson Academy Student 

 
   Get to Know Us
 
Davidson AcademyWith the 2010-2011 school year having recently begun, it’s a very exciting time at The Davidson Academy! Our enrollment has increased from 92 students last year to 123 this year, resulting in a more diverse student body and allowing us to offer interesting new options. Although we continue to grow on a yearly basis, small class size and a focus on the individual student remain a priority.

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 2011-2012 school year, or attend one of our tours (details below)!

                                                                 ~ Colleen Harsin, Director of The Davidson Academy of Nevada

 
   Program Updates
 
Davidson Academy2011-2012 Application Available
If you think The Davidson Academy of Nevada may be the right fit for you, consider applying for the 2011-2012 school year! Visit the How to Apply page to download the 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 Qualification Criteria page of our website as these scores are required for student eligibility. Please visit the Application Review Process for detailed information in addition to the Admissions section of the FAQs page.

Upcoming Tours for Prospective Students
Prospective students and their families are invited to visit The Davidson Academy for informational monthly tours! Taking a tour provides the opportunity to hear from current students and Academy parents, familiarize yourself with faculty and staff, network with others and ask specific questions. Davidson AcademyVisit the Academy for a tour on one of the following dates:
  • Friday, Oct. 22, 2010
  • Friday, Nov. 19, 2010
  • Friday, Dec. 10, 2010
RSVPs are required. If you would like more information, please email explore@davidsonacademy.unr.edu.

Academy Offering Residential Program for 2011-2012
Davidson AcademyThe Davidson Academy is moving forward with a Residential Program for the 2011-2012 school year. Residential students will live with local host families during the school year so their families do not have to relocate in order for them to attend school. All residential students from out of state will be required to pay tuition as well as room and board fees (costs to be determined). In-state students will only be required to pay room and board fees. To apply, a completed Davidson Academy Application along with a Residential Program Interest Form are due by the Dec. 1, 2010 deadline. See The Davidson Academy How to Apply page or email smeredith@davidsonacademy.unr.edu for more information.

 
   Student Life
  
National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists
Congratulations to Davidson Academy students Darlon Jan, Erik Jensen and Tristan Rasmussen on being named 2011 National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) Semifinalists! They will now go on to the next phase of the competition, which could result in them being named finalists in February, with scholarship award information to follow. Source: Clark County School District (PDF)

Student Activities
Davidson Academy students thrive off of each others’ ideas and insights both in and out of the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs, teams and community activities. Below is a list of activities currently offered at the Academy: Davidson Academy
  • Community Crusaders
  • DECA
  • Drama Club
  • Future Physicians Club
  • Green Earth Community Knowledge Organization (GECKO)
  • Karaoke Club
  • Le Petit Cirque
  • The Messenger, Literary Magazine
  • Math Club
  • Newspaper Club
  • P.A.W.S. (Passion Animals, Wildlife, Students)
  • RE(A)D (student newspaper)
  • Robots, Rockets, & Radio (RRR)
  • Science Project
  • Student Council
  • Yearbook
 
   Meet Ms. Oswald, Mathematics Instructor
Davidson Academy  
Why did you choose to teach mathematics?
Mathematics was by far the most interesting and challenging of all my subjects at school. I recall getting such a thrill when I managed to solve a difficult problem. After completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, majoring in Pure Mathematics, Genetics, and Logic, I completed a post-graduate diploma in education and took up a teaching position in Queensland. I had 42 students in each of my math and science classes, which could have turned me away from teaching for life, but I soldiered on.
  

How do you make studying mathematics both interesting and relevant?
Some people think mathematics and relevance are opposing concepts, but I try to incorporate the solving of real life problems that require some out-of-the-box thinking in my teaching. It’s interesting how we often make false assumptions that we’re not aware of at the time. I love the beauty of an elegant mathematical solution and encourage a variety of solutions that can cater to different learning styles.

In what ways to you foster communication and build a positive environment in your classroom?
I really like my students to do most of the talking. I think it’s important to be able to think mathematically and to be able to speak the language of mathematics. One of my favorite questions is “Why?”. I’m not a teacher who likes to tell students very much. I’d much rather help illicit solutions and questions from the students in a collaborative environment. It’s also a good strategy to prevent students from falling asleep!

Does the mathematics classroom at The Davidson Academy look different than other math classrooms?
Absolutely it does. We have small classes which means I can give much more timely, individualized assistance. Students think and process differently; with a smaller classroom population, I can best assist each student to optimize his or her learning. I also can have a wide span of ages in each of my classes as we differentiate by ability and not age, which makes for some interesting and lively discussions.


 

“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.”

Jessica Kim, 2010 Davidson Academy Graduate

 


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