Leonardo Da Vinci High School provides a project-based learning environment where students connect academic content to real-world design and technology challenges. The school emphasizes portfolio development, creative problem solving, and collaborative work that mirrors professional practice.
Located within a network of innovative secondary campuses, Leonardo Da Vinci High School combines rigorous coursework with hands-on studio experiences. Students graduate prepared for careers in engineering, media, arts, and entrepreneurship through interdisciplinary projects and industry partnerships.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| School Type | Public, Project-Based Learning High School |
| Grades Served | 9–12 |
| Curriculum Focus | Design Thinking, STEAM, Portfolio Development |
| Instructional Model | Block Scheduling, Studio Rotations, Advisory |
| Assessment Approach | Competency-Based, Exhibitions, Digital Portfolios |
Design Thinking Curriculum
Project-Based Learning Approach
Leonardo Da Vinci High School structures learning around design challenges that require research, ideation, prototyping, and user testing. Projects span multiple disciplines and often involve community partners, enabling students to apply academic knowledge to tangible outcomes. This approach fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and iterative improvement as core habits of mind.
Integration Across Disciplines
Coursework connects science, mathematics, humanities, and the arts through shared projects. For example, a single theme may drive a physics investigation, a historical research paper, and a visual arts prototype. By weaving standards together, teachers help students see relationships between subjects and build a more cohesive understanding of complex ideas.
Career And College Readiness
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Internships, job shadows, and mentorship with local professionals allow students to test career interests and build workplace skills. These experiences link classroom learning to real industries and help students expand their networks. Reflection assignments ensure that on-site learning translates into academic growth and informed decision-making.
Portfolio And Capstone Experience
Students maintain a curated portfolio that documents growth across projects, courses, and leadership roles. In their senior year, they complete a capstone project presented to an audience of peers, educators, and community members. This culminating experience demonstrates college-ready research skills, communication abilities, and mastery of key competencies.
Student Support Systems
Advisory And Personalized Learning
Each student belongs to a small advisory group that meets regularly to set goals, monitor progress, and discuss academic or social-emotional needs. Advisors coordinate with subject teachers to align supports and adjust pacing so that learners can advance with confidence. This structure helps ensure that no student falls through the cracks.
Academic Intervention And Enrichment
Targeted tutoring, extended learning time, and flexible scheduling allow students to deepen understanding or recover credits when needed. Enrichment options such as advanced coursework, electives, and independent studies keep high achievers engaged. Data-driven monitoring enables timely intervention before small gaps become major obstacles.
Community And Culture
The school cultivates a culture of creativity, curiosity, and respect through consistent routines, shared rituals, and visible norms. Students contribute to a positive climate through leadership roles, peer mediation, and collaborative design projects. Strong relationships between staff, families, and local partners reinforce a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Enrollment And Next Steps
- Review admission criteria and application deadlines on the district website
- Attend open house or virtual info session to meet teachers and students
- Prepare academic records and a statement of interest highlighting design or project experience
- Plan for portfolio submission if required and schedule a campus visit
- Connect with current families or alumni to learn about daily routines and culture
FAQ
Reader questions
What makes the curriculum design thinking based?
Leonardo Da Vinci High School structures courses around empathy, problem definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing, mirroring professional design processes.
How does the portfolio model support college applications?
Portfolios showcase sustained effort, growth, and interdisciplinary thinking, giving admissions officers concrete evidence of skills and intellectual curiosity beyond grades.
Are internships available for underclassmen?
Yes, school-arranged job shadows and short-term projects introduce ninth and tenth graders to workplace expectations and career pathways.
What technology resources are provided to students?
Students receive devices, software for design and fabrication, and access to makerspaces where they can prototype solutions and collaborate on digital projects.