They talk to us like real people

Choices

Town Meeting

Learning Intensives

The concept of da Vinci

“Sandy Hugs”

The teachers

The informal atmosphere

You know everyone

No detention

People respect each other

You get to express yourself

Breakfast on Fridays

Better food

Get to know everyone here

No seating charts

Potter Center

Opportunity to take JCC Classes

The respect

Science, History, Math, Technology, Art classes

Benches

Access to computer labs

Casual learning

Using textbooks as a resource

Why Do I Go To da Vinci?

"I attend da Vinci because I was miserable at my former school.  Da Vinci is a place where a diverse curriculum is provided, where students are allowed to blossom, where their differences and individual characteristics are valued, respected and appreciated and where I have been allowed and encouraged to develop into the person I want to be.  Da Vinci has become my family."

Rosa Moore

 

"Every morning I wake up, eat breakfast and am off to school.  It’s just a routine that everyone follows.  People often take their education for granted.  To them, school is just a place to learn things they’ll never use in the real world.  To me, school is a place of opportunity, a place to achieve knowledge and succeed in life.  What better place to get that, than at a charter school.

Da Vinci is a charter school and a public school.  I chose da Vinci because of its small community atmosphere.  Being a charter school, it allows more one on one learning time with your teachers.  They help you become prepared for life beyond high school."

Sarah Stephens

 

"Da Vinci is a great school to attend and has the best teachers.  These teachers really help me to learn important subjects.  My aide, Mrs. Patty, helps me to understand the material in each of my classes and adapts my tests in a way that makes it easier for me.  I know that Don and Sandy, along with the rest of the staff, want to see me succeed and be prepared for life outside of school.  I also like da Vinci because it has smaller class sizes.  The smaller class size has made it easier for me to get to know other students and to socialize with them.  Da Vinci is the best!"

Nicholas Marchewka

 

"I chose da Vinci because I felt I wasn’t getting the best education (for me) from a normal public school.  I’ve tried about five other schools in Jackson and I had the hardest time trying to beg for a second with the teacher, for a little extra help.  Here at da Vinci, the teachers insist that we get extra help with our work.  I also chose da Vinci because of the opportunities.  We are right on JCC’s campus and get free college while attending da Vinci.  I don’t ever want to give up this chance to further my education at this wonderful charter school."

Jennifer Cooper

 

"I prefer a charter school for many reasons.  I feel that a charter school allows you to achieve things a lot easier than in a normal public school.  In my old school (which was a “normal” public school) I always felt like I wasn’t being challenged enough and that I had to “conform” to what my teachers and other peers told me.  At a charter school like da Vinci, however, I can be challenged more and I am also able to be myself.  Da Vinci allows me to go ahead without worrying about the consequences.  Being in a charter school was one of the smartest moves ever made in my life."

Rob Nemeth

 

"I chose da Vinci because I wanted a school that has a loving community.  The standards and expectations da Vinci holds for students is what is unique about da Vinci.  It is hard to find a school that cares deeply about the student’s life, when they are all done graduating.  It’s a school that wants to prepare students the best way possible for the road of success that they want to be on.  If you don’t have one, the will help you find one."

David Wermuth

 

"I chose to attend da Vinci because I felt that this school would encourage students to learn.  I also chose to come here because I may take college courses and receive those credits for free.  Da Vinci, as a school is good because students here are nice, and I can make friends with the staff and the students.

At da Vinci students can feel safe, with an environment where violence is not acceptable or excusable.  I like how students, no matter what pace that they learn at, are challenged and can learn as much as they are capable with classes set up for all learning levels."

Hunt French

 

"Charter schools aren’t for everyone.  They are considered a public school, but sometimes, it seems to be more like a private school.  The small atmosphere and caring staff lead children into believing more in themselves, allowing them to try their hardest while learning.  One on one time is encouraged and helps greatly.  You’re given your freedom, and you’re allowed to work at your own pace.  We aren’t stupid, we aren’t slow, and we aren’t special, we are just like everyone else, but the school we attend is more beyond the ordinary."

Stephanie Pearl Jennings

 

"What da Vinci means to me is learning, friends and an all around awesomeness.  I think that da Vinci is great for anyone; the choices we are allowed to make at this school are great.  We choose to learn, I like that you are responsible for your actions here.  We are allowed to do so many things here.  The teachers are more like friends at this school; they become friends, but are still able to teach.  The teachers here also care about your education, if you’re falling behind, they do what they can to help you.  I love da Vinci."

Nick Ramirez

 

"I chose to attend da Vinci because prior to going here I was home schooled.  I was not used to a lot of people and the big school environment.  I thought that I wouldn’t like going to school again, but when I started at da Vinci I started to like it.  The people here are nice and they really care about you and your education.  The first couple of days I was a little shy, but now I am ok about going here.  I feel safe here and I look forward to coming to school.  Another thing I like about da Vinci that it gives me a chance for any career I might choose by taking college classes even before I get to college.  Also I can get credits for college.  At da Vinci the teachers really care and respect you.  I like the small classes because you get a lot of one on one help.  I also encourage anyone that is thinking of going to a charter school to consider da Vinci."

Maurice Sanabria

 

"The reason why I choose a charter school is because of the differences there are with other public school.  I choose a charter school because it is smaller than most public schools.  I think that there is more one on one time and kids are more likely to receive help.  In charter schools there is less criticizing.  Also charter schools have higher expectations for the students.  I choose a charter school because of the students that attend and how helpful the staff is.  I am doing well at a charter school."

Audrianna Manee

 

"Why did I choose a charter school over a public school?  I chose the school I go to now (da Vinci) because the teachers help you out a lot more.  To me, da Vinci is like a family.  If I have problems at home, I know I can come to school and know that I have someone to ask for help.  If I was at a regular public school, it seems like they don’t care, like they just pass you on.  At da Vinci I can trust my teachers and classmates.  At regular public school you really can’t trust anyone."

Jessica Tanier

 

"I wanted to be around a smaller and more positive environment.  There was a lot of conflict and confrontation at my regular school.  A charter school has smaller classes and good teachers who focus more on students.  Teachers actually care if you fail, and will do everything in their power to prevent us from failure.  I chose a charter school for these reasons.  I need someone to tell me not to give up.  When my grades are getting low, they talk to me on a personal level.  This shows me that my teachers care."

Vitiana Boyd

 

"The reason why I chose a charter school was because I have never been to a charter school before.  I have been to a Catholic school and other public schools, and I never really liked them.  I figured I would try something new, so I chose da Vinci.  It was a wonderful choice.  I love the environment, the teachers and the students.  It is like we are all a big family.  If you ever need someone to talk to there are so many loving and caring people that will listen to you.  You can have a friendship with the teachers, they can relate to you and they have wonderful advice.  They care so much about us.  That is one of the many reasons why I choose a charter school."

Ashley Wilson