Discover the Benefits of Independent Learning

Mastery-Based Learning at DaVinci Academy 

Every parent wants their child to feel confident, capable, and excited about learning. Here at DaVinci Academy, we have a unique mastery-based program where students are able to learn at their own pace and dive deeper into subjects that truly interest them. We love to make learning fun! 

DVA students are motivated and self-starters and as they progress in the DaVinci program, students explore individualized programs for each subject matter while being guided and supported by our dedicated teachers. Our mastery-based personalized program is designed to meet each child where they are in every subject allowing them to truly understand a concept before progressing. 

Through individualized “Courses” in every subject, students take ownership of their education. They develop independence, curiosity, and motivation that prepares to be learners for life. 

Benefits of Independent Learning

Independent learning doesn’t mean learning alone, it means learning with flexibility and support in the way that works best for every child. 

• Personal Pace: Students learn at the pace that works best for them, advancing through subjects they are already familiar with or taking extra time for subjects where they need more support 
• Exploration of Interests: Students can choose elective courses and read elective books that suit their interests that keeps them engaged with learning
• Individualized Teacher Support: Courses are designed with teacher check-ins to ensure comprehension of the unit and teachers are always available to help with our maximum student teacher ratio of 16:1 (12:1 in TK & K)
• Hands-On Learning: Students don’t just read about new things - they touch, explore, experiment, and visit everything they learn about  
• Higher Engagement: Students are responsible for their own academic progress which makes them more engaged with their learning as they only progress when they put in the work
• Strong Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Real-world applications are at the core of everything students learn 
• Preparation for Future Success: Students not only learn academics, but life skills like how to help at home, manners, SEL, time-management and more that prepares them for high school, college, and beyond

Real Learning in Action: Student Experience

Understand our program through the voices and experiences of DVA students. 

Science - Let’s Make Yogurt! 

• In this course students explore science through hands-on discovery by making yogurt from scratch while learning about bacteria, temperature, and food science. They taste it, look at it under a microscope, learn how to use a stovetop, and use starter cultures to actually make yogurt. They explore the processes of how to make yogurt and what happens to bacteria at extreme temperatures. 
  • “I learned how to make yogurt and my mom now wants me to make it at home!” - Level 6 Student 

Language Arts - Imagination with Words

• As part of many reading and writing courses, this course includes a specific focus on how to write imaginative stories. Students read examples to get into a writer’s mindset, describe how specific scenarios make them feel, share with a peer examples of their descriptive writing, discuss with a teacher how imaginative writing makes them feel, then write their own immersive story. 
  • “I learned how to write in a more imaginative way so the reader will think my story is more interesting.” - Level 4 Student

Reading - Level 7 Reading 

• Students read hundreds of books across many genres to help build foundational skills, expand their vocabulary, and increase their exposure to different types of writing. 
  • “My favorite elective was The Voyages of Doctor Doolittle, because I thought it was interesting how he could understand all the languages of the animals. My favorite required book was Julie of the Wolves because she was able to communicate to the wolves and I found that cool. I liked the elective book Shadow in the Pines because it was a different setting that I see most books have and it had a good plot. I learned a lot of new words, like ‘paraphernalia’ and made-up words by J.R.R. Tolkien.” - Level 6 Student

Electives - Bicycling Independent Project

• Encouraging students to explore subjects that interest them and are relevant to their life helps students stay engaged with their education. We offer a variety of elective courses, including an independent bicycling course. This includes basic maintenance, repairs, how to adjust all the parts of the bike, laws of the road, and how to ride safely. Students will learn to care for the bike by oiling the bicycle chain, inflating and repairing a flat tire, and cleaning the bike. After students learn the laws of the road, it’s time for a ride! 
  • “I really enjoyed doing this course. It was super fun and I learned how to handle various situations that have to do with my bike.” - Level 7 Student 

History - Elementary U.S. History

• In this course, students explore the geography of the United States and come up with their own method of crossing the Appalachian Mountains, explain how an invention of the Industrial Revolution works to a peer, and create a timeline from the founding of the United States to the Civil Rights movement. To truly learn and experience U.S. history, Level 5 students take a trip to Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin Museum, Betsy Ross House, Independence Hall, Museum of the American Revolution, and more! 
  • “I learned about the Industrial Revolution and the Trail of Tears and the Gold Rush. These were the most interesting topics that stood out to me.” - Level 5 Student

S.T.E.M. Lab - Beginning Tools 

• In the S.T.E.M. Lab students will learn to use basic hand tools to create a project of their choosing, with closer supervision from the Lab teacher. They will learn what a claw hammer, screwdriver, pliers, crescent wrench, awl, coping saw, drill, hack saw, plane, etc. and how to use them. 
  • “I learned how to use the tools properly.  I learned how to finish the wood at the end of my project of building a birdhouse.” - Level 4 Student 

Your Child’s Future Begins Here

At DaVinci Academy, students are more than learners, they are thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers. By combining academic rigor with flexibility and hands-on experiences, we help each child build the skills and confidence they need to succeed not just in school, but in life. If you're looking for a TK–8 environment where your child will be known, supported, and inspired, DaVinci Academy offers a truly unique approach to education.