About Us

Academie Da Vinci Charter School
for the Arts
Where academics and the arts go hand in hand

About Us

                            Academie Da Vinci Charter School for the Arts
                                                    1380 Pinehurst Road
                                                 Dunedin, FL 34698-5407
                                                  Phone: (727) 298.2778
                                                                FAX: (727) 298.2780

The task of every school is to help children achieve academic success.

We believe in the words of Leonardo Da Vinci: "everyone should develop a balance between the arts and sciences; between logic and imagination".

Therefore...

The mission of Academie Da Vinci Charter School for the Arts is to integrate academics and the arts to nurture and develop each student's creativity, compassion,critical thinking, and passion for learning in a safe and loving environment.

Our Beliefs that contribute to our task:

It takes the combined efforts of parents and families, teachers and staff, and the school community for students to achieve success;

the same high standards exist for all, but the means and time for reaching them reflect students' needs and priorities;

standards and assessments are tools that map students' progress;

assessment of student achievement extends beyond traditional paper and pencil tests;

a commitment exists to continually improve every aspect of the school's capabilities and performance;

students will grow academically; progressively exhibiting knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and self-evaluation;

no upper limits are placed on learning and achievement;

learning extends beyond the walls of schools and specific disciplines;

our school takes a global focus, building on the strength of our diversity and our shared cultures and values;

technology enhances learning;

all students and staff view themselves as an important part of our learning community;

our school emphasizes respect for other persons and ideas;

we value change, variety, talent, and multiple intelligences;

students must learn and use understanding, tolerance, resolution skills, and collaboration;

multiple ways of teaching and learning are respected and honored;

schoolwork is linked to clear, challenging standards that are understood by teachers, parents,and students;

curriculum is linked to meaningful demonstrations of mastery of knowledge and skills;

education is grounded in a "curriculum for life", engaging students in examining real-world issues and problems and questions that matter;

school work is authenic, collaborative, and meaningful;

teamwork by all members of the school community is valued and expected;

children will take risks only in environments where they feel secure and supported; risk-taking is linked to achievement;

we publicly celebrate the successes of our students and staff;

enjoyment and passion are important to our students and our staff;

innovation, creativity, and lifelong enjoyment and appreciation of the arts are fostered through integration of the performing and visual arts; and

students are being prepared to live and work in, and contribute to their future society.

                                Academie Da Vinci Charter School for the Arts
is a K-5th grade elementary school located in Dunedin, Florida. We are the first charter school to be established in Pinellas County. Our school is part of the Pinellas County Schools  and complies with the Pinellas County Schools curriculum.  As stipulated in our state charter, we enhance that curriculum with a program of the arts. We also follow the county's school-year calendar. (See the calendar on the Schedule of Events page.)

Our Curriculum

In addition to Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, and Physical Education, every student participates in Dance, Chorus, Music Instruments, and Visual Arts.

WE have one class room for each grade level, enrolling a total of 116 students. Because we are small, and there is a great demand for enrollment, we recommend potential applicants review the enrollment policies on the Enrollment page.

School Hours

Our school hours are 8:30 - 2:50 for Kindergarten and First grade; 8:30 - 3:00 for Second - Fifth Grade. The school office is open from 7:30 am until 3:30 pm. Monday - Friday.

Map Directions:

Click on the adddress below for more details:
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&f=d&iwstate1=dir:to&daddr=1380+Pinehurst+Rd+Dunedin,+FL+34698&fb=1&geocode=10662757611345819085,28.022877,-82.771903&ei=0V52SofCNISxtgfOldGWCQ&sa=X&oi=manybox&resnum=1&ct=17

                                                School Grade and Performance

The Florida Department of Education assigns a grade to each school, each academic year based on several factors: students' performance on the state FCAT tests, adequate yearly progress, attendance, and other factors.

Academie Da Vinci Grades:

2008-2009:    No Grade***
2007-2008:    A
2006-2007:    A
2005-2006:    A
2004-2005:    A
2003-2004:    B
2002-2003:    A

*** Academie Da Vinci scored 577 out of 600 possible points on the Dept. of Education's scale for school performance; enough to score an A. (525 points and greater scored an A.) However, adequate yearly progress is based on the FCAT improvement scores for students enrolled the full year. ADV enrolled several students from out-of-state, private school, and home schooled backgrounds, and some entered later in the school year. These students do not have an FCAT "history"; therefore progress cannot be measured. In our 4th and 5th grade classes, 28 students had FCAT histories and all showed progress. However, the state requires 30 students must show progress in order to receive a school grade.

Additional information can be found at:

schoolgrades.fldoe.org/default.asp

Parent reviews and comments can be found at:

www.greatschools.net/modperl/browse_school/fl/2567

                                                       What is a Charter School?

Charter schools are publicly funded, privately run educational facilities. This means that there is no fee to attend the school and all students enrolled in the county are eligible to attend.

A charter is a contract with the School Board that spells out our location, our educational program, and our target population.

Charter school advocates believe that the charter concept leads to a school that is more responsive, and ultimately more accountable, to the parents who enroll their children there.

Curriculum and Instruction

Academie Da Vinci (ADV) follows the same academic curriculum followed within the Pinellas County Schools. We are obligated to meet the same Sunshine State Standards and participate in the state FCAT each year.

What sets us apart from traditional public schools is our firm integration in the arts. In addition to the regular curriculum our students participate in integrated arts classes each week. These classes include general music with instruments, movement, chorus, visual arts and drama.

Arts are integrated into the curriculum in a variety of ways. For example, if students are studying Native Americans in class, they will also be doing Native American movement in dance, Native American music in music and chorus, and re-creating Native American artwork in visual arts. This integration is true in all grades throughout the year.

Our methods of instruction vary based on the subjects taught and styles of learning present within our student body. Our students work and study individually, one on one with a teacher, in pairs, in small groups, and as a whole class.

School Size and Programs

There are a total of 116 students currently enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grade. Each class has an average of less than twenty students. We provide a Gifted program for those students who qualify according to Pinellas County Guidelines.

On campus, we have our own music room which hosts vocal and instrumental music. We have a large dance room for students to actively participate in movement and a visual arts facility.

All of our faculty are certified to teach by the State of Florida and are required to stay current with professional development. These professional educators are regularly available for parent meetings and conferences.

Every student enrolled at ADV takes part in music, dance, drama, and visual arts classes. All students participate in the student shows twice per year designed to showcase student learning.

Employment Opportunities

Application Information: All interested teaching applicants must be certified to teach and must be deemed highly qualified per NCLB requirements. Applicants must be energetic, creative, flexible, and willing to be part of a close team of educators and families; previous teaching experience a plus.

Current Positions: There are currently no positions available.