Academics

Course Sequences and Career Pathway Courses

See this DVS Course Planning Worksheet for the course sequence and pathway course options for the 2024-2025 school year.

Seminars are an important part of Da Vinci culture. They are opportunities for students to receive additional academic support, explore their interests and passions, and hone their leadership skills. See this Seminar Descriptions document for the seminar offerings for the Spring 2024 semester. Seminar offerings for the 2024-2025 school year will be available at the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester.

 

Grading

At Da Vinci Science High School, we utilize mastery-based grading to honor the learning process of each student. 

In the mastery-based grading system, students focus on skill development and showing evidence of their mastery rather than calculating points necessary to achieve a letter grade without reference to academic progress. Mastery-based grading gives students and parents/guardians specific feedback about what skills the students have and have not learned, which can be used to direct learning.

(from Da Vinci Schools Board Policy and Procedures)

Students are graded on a four‐point scale, which are connected to the conventional letter-grade system:

Point

Meaning

Letter Grade Equivalent

4

Evidence demonstrates detailed understanding

A

3

Evidence demonstrates understanding

B

2

Evidence demonstrates basic understanding

C

1

Evidence demonstrates partial understanding

I

0

No evidence

I

Grades become final at the end of each semester. Students must earn a “C‐” or higher in an academic course in order to earn credit for that course. A grade of “I” in a course at the end of the semester shall become an “F”. Students will have an opportunity to retake the course through credit recovery options.

 

Essential Knowledge & Skills

Courses at DVS are assessed based on a student’s ability to demonstrate their learning and growth in each Essential Knowledge & Skills (EKS). EKS descriptions & weighting for each of the courses for the 2023-2024 school year can be viewed in this document.

These descriptions and weightings are subject to change. Please check the document above for the most updated information.

 

Accounts

Students and parents/guardians utilize Google, Canvas, and PowerSchool accounts to organize and optimize the learning experience at DVS.

  • PowerSchool: for student schedules, attendance records, and final grades.
  • Canvas: for announcements and specific course information including assignments and course resources.
  • Google: for email and Google suites such as Google Docs and Slides.

 

See this Student & Parent/Guardian Account Access document for more information on how to access accounts.

Student Login Links

Additional Resources