Da Vinci Design

Why Da Vinci Design was nominated

Our fellows visited Da Vinci schools in person last year and virtually this year, and we're consistently impressed and inspired by the project based learning that is happening. We've interviewed and visited with students and staff via panels, and it is clear that people love to work there, want to work there long term, and that students have agency and choice in their education. Students engage in learning through exhibitions and projects that are rigorous and aligned to real world issues and problems., Students enrolled at the Da Vinci high school have the opportunity to pursue various tracks in either the communications, design, or science tracks and often learn through project-based learning. Teachers at this school have also started implementing "Project Leo," an in-house project-based learning platform that leverages AI to suggest project ideas for students., DaVinci Schools take a completely student-centered approach across all of their models, both on-campus and hybrid. Learning is purposeful, experiential, rigorous, and engaging. They have developed a strong community within each school, supported by deep relationships among students and teachers alike. They have a tremendous learning mentality -- they are ceaselessly seeking to improve, when already they provide a learning and developmental experience to kids that should be a model for the entire nation., Da Vinci Design reimagines education through authentic, purpose-driven learning. Students engage in real industry partnerships—designing medical devices with healthcare companies, creating brands for nonprofits, pitching business ventures to venture capitalists. Learning happens through meaningful projects with genuine audiences and consequences, not simulated experiences. The school's mastery-based approach replaces traditional grading with demonstration of growth over time, creating a culture where initial struggles become stepping stones rather than permanent judgments. Four career pathways (Architecture, Graphic Design, Entrepreneurship, Fine Arts) provide structured choice, allowing students to explore before specializing. Every student presents their learning publicly—to parents, professionals, and community members—developing communication confidence from day one. This transforms school from a place where learning is evaluated into one where it's celebrated and applied.