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   Student to Student
 
Hola Prospective Students!

My name is Anna Hayes, I’m 13, and this is my first year at The Davidson Academy. Despite the fact that this is my first year, the Academy already feels like home, and I’m glad I made the decision to attend.

Like almost everyone attending, I was a little unsure about whether the Academy was right for me. I was concerned about keeping my grades up and about not being smart enough. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to leave my old school behind, where I had friends and where my favorite teacher had asked me to be her teacher’s aide. Once I arrived at the Academy, I realized that keeping my grades up wouldn’t be a problem as long as I tried hard and was committed to doing well. I discovered that I didn’t just get in on a whim and was actually smart enough to attend, and fit in just fine at the Academy. However, I still had a lingering doubt about whether I really should have left my old school behind. I now realize that despite the fact that I would have had a great time at my old school and still would have done well, I will do better and go further at the Academy.

Part of the reason that I feel that the Academy is a better environment for me is that the students are all dedicated and want to learn. This is my favorite part of going to school at the Academy. Here I don’t face the issue that my classmates don’t do their homework, study, or pay attention during lectures, prohibiting the class from moving through more material. No matter how great my teachers would be anywhere else, I would have been held back by other students. Here at the Academy I feel that my peers not only don’t hold me back, but they also push me to work harder and complete more.

I really appreciate the Davidson Academy and would encourage you all to come, despite any worries and/or uncertainties that you may feel. Hope to see you all next year!

~ Anna Hayes, First Year Davidson Academy Student


 
   Get to Know Us
 
Davidson AcademySince 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’s great to see the students back in action for the spring semester! The past few months have been very busy but incredibly rewarding. Our students have received numerous honors and accolades and have participated in a wide variety of activities. For example, this is the first year we have had a debate team, Science Olympiad team, and a Future City competition team. I expect that we’ll see these continue in the coming years. We’ve seen students grow and mature both academically and socially, and look forward to all the possibilities of the coming semester, including celebrating graduation for 16 students.

We hope you consider applying for the 2013-2014 school year!

 ~ Colleen Harsin, Director of The Davidson Academy of Nevada

 
   Program Updates
 
2013-2014 Application Available
If you think The Davidson Academy of Nevada may be the right fit for you, consider applying for the 2013-2014 school year! Visit the How to Apply page to download the application PDF files. If you are looking for an environment to better fit your social and academic needs, The Davidson Academy may be the place for you!

The Academy 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. Please review the recently updated Qualification Criteria page of our website as these scores are mandatory for student eligibility. On the Application Review Process page, you will find detailed information about the on-site assessment.

Upcoming Tours for Prospective Students
Each month during the school year, The Davidson Academy hosts a tour for prospective students and their parents. At these tours, visitors meet current Academy students, parents, faculty and staff, and ask specific questions about the school.

Upcoming school tours will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the following Fridays:
  • Jan. 25, 2013
  • Feb. 15, 2013
  • March 8, 2013
For details, including directions to The Davidson Academy and RSVP information, please visit the Tours page. If you would like more information, please contact us at outreach@davidsonacademy.unr.edu.

   Davidson News
 
2013 THINK Summer Institute
Applications are now available for the 2013 THINK Summer Institute, a three-week residential summer program on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno where students can earn up to six college credits by completing two University courses. THINKers have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the University campus where the Academy is located. THINK will run from July 13 through Aug. 3. Tuition is $3,250 and covers course credits, books and materials, room and board and the cost of planned activities. Need-based scholarships are available. To qualify, students must be 13 to 16 years old during THINK and must meet or exceed composite SAT score of 1130 (excludes writing portion) or ACT score of 26. The application deadline is March 1, 2013. Homeschooled students are eligible to apply. Apply today!

2013 Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Davidson FellowsThe new Online Application System for the 2013 Davidson Fellows scholarship is now open and available online. Young people 18 and younger have the opportunity to earn a $50,000, $25,000 or $10,000 scholarship in recognition of a significant piece of work in the categories of Science, Technology, Mathematics, Music, Literature and Philosophy, or a project that represents Outside the Box thinking. The application deadline is February 20, 2013.

   Student Activities
  
Core Values
The Davidson Academy of Nevada recognizes the importance of a well balanced education. It is expected the students not only learn about academic subjects, but that they also learn about themselves and how to interact effectively with those around them. The Academy values strong character as an integral component to general well-being and success. All six of the core values, listed below, are displayed throughout the school and reinforced in the students' day-to-day interactions. Davidson Academy
  • Responsibility
  • Integrity
  • Balance
  • Leadership
  • Pursuit of Knowledge
  • Respect
As a reflection of these core values, the Academy holds monthly community meetings (pictured) creating a sense of working together to make a positive difference.

Student Clubs
Davidson Academy students have the opportunity to take part in a number of pursuits outside 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
  • Crafts for Causes
  • Creative Writing
  • DECA
  • Green Earth Community Knowledge Organization (GECKO)
  • Health & Social Justice
  • Life Skills
  • Math Club
  • The Messenger, Literary Magazine
  • P.A.W.S. (Passion Animals, Wildlife, Students)
  • RE(A)D (student newspaper)
  • Robots, Rockets, & Radio (RRR)
  • Science Project
  • Student Council
 
   Meet Mr. Carter, Mathematics Instructor
 
What is your favorite part about working with Academy students?
First and foremost it is the fact that Davidson Academy students are here to learn! When they ask a question they want more than just a “yes” or “no” answer. They want understanding and extensions, and their questions often lead to a complete discussion of the concepts being studied and those soon to be studied. I also like the fact that small class sizes allow us to get to know the students as individuals.

  
How do you get students interested in the problem solving process?
I like to state the problems in ways that are interesting, fun and/or challenging. I make sure that my students see that I enjoy problem solving and try to share that joy with them. Most importantly I want them to learn the “beauty and power” of mathematics, so, as often as possible, I use application problems that demonstrate how math is used in their world presently or in their future. All students are willing to work harder if they see relevance to what they are doing.

How do you differentiate instruction in a class with students at different levels?
I use a variety of methods to address “gaps” in learning as well as reinforcing and extending relative strengths. All of these methods take advantage of the small class size at the Academy which allows me to tailor some assignments to individuals by need or interests; sit down with one or two individuals several times a week until they are more successful with the concept; assign and rotate partners so that students learn multiple approaches to problem solving; and even use multiple modalities to assess what was learned.

Are there any new projects you are currently working on in the classroom?
I am currently rewriting most of my assessments and some of each course curriculum to move even further toward a problem-solving/application based curriculum.

 

How has the Academy changed since you first joined the team?
We have grown about 30 percent in student population and added faculty to keep the class sizes small. This growth has enabled us to add more classes which meet more of the needs and interests of our students. In addition, we have learned as a faculty to collaborate in ways which make the learning experience more meaningful for our students. I have seen this especially in the way some of our math applications tie directly into lessons taught by our students in their science classes.



Davidson Academy“Coming to the Academy was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Since making the decision to attend I’ve been given so many opportunities that would have been impossible at other schools. For any student with a desire to learn who has ambitious hopes and dreams, few schools could hope to match the opportunities provided . . .”

Daniel Hickox-Young, Davidson Academy Graduate (pictured, left)

 


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