Application Review Process

Davidson Academy Reno & Davidson Academy Online

Both the Davidson Academy Reno and Davidson Academy Online 2021-2022 applications are now open! The deadline for both campuses is January 31, 2021. 

Introduction

The Davidson Academy is committed to helping students succeed. One way we can help ensure success is through the application screening process. Extra time is taken during this process to make sure that the school is a good fit for students and their families. Following is a general outline of what you can expect when you apply to both the Davidson Academy's Online Campus and Reno Campus.

Step 1: Submit an Application

Please visit the How to Apply page.

Online Campus Only: Application & Assessment Fee
The Davidson Academy’s online campus application and assessment fee is $100 for out-of-state applicants and free for Nevada residents. Once your application is complete, you will be provided with the application and assessment fee payment form link. (Does not apply for Reno Day School)

 

Step 2: Application Review Process

Applications submitted by the first of the month will go through an initial review by a team of education professionals to determine if an assessment will be offered, if more information is needed, or if the Academy is not a good academic fit for the student at that time.

Reno Day School
If an assessment date is offered, the Academy will make every effort to provide timely interview dates, keeping family travel in mind.

If the applicant is not offered an interview, a decision letter will be mailed by the end of the submission month. Included in this letter will be an explanation of why an assessment is not being offered.

Online Campus

Applicants invited to assess will be notified of available testing dates by email.

If the applicant is not offered an assessment, a decision letter will be emailed by the end of the submission month. Included in this letter will be an explanation of why an assessment is not being offered.   
The Davidson Academy public website will be updated to reflect any changes in the application review process, and those who have submitted complete or partial application materials will be notified directly of any changes.

Step 3: Academic Readiness Assessment

An academic readiness assessment is an exceptionally important part of the application process.

Reno Day School
Student and parent interviews, as well as student assessment activities, are conducted in person at the Reno Davidson Academy for students who meet or exceed the published Qualification Criteria. Students meet with an Academy staff member for a 10-15 minute conversation about their goals and interests. Students also participate in a full day of assessment activities. Parents meet with an Academy staff member for a 30-45 minute casual conversation about the type of educational experiences they are seeking for the applicant and to ask questions in a one-on-one setting. Parents may also elect to participate in a tour of the Davidson Academy as well as a University of Nevada, Reno campus tour.

 
Online Campus

All assessment activities are conducted online for students who meet or exceed the published Qualification Criteria. Students participate in a scheduled live discussion and lesson with an instructor and other applicants over two half-days and asynchronous, proctored assessments over four days through our learning management system. Students meet with an Academy staff member for a 10-15-minute conversation about their goals and interests. Parents also meet with an Academy staff member for a 20-30-minute casual conversation about the type of educational experiences they are seeking for the applicant and to ask questions in a one-on-one setting. These conversations and the live discussion will be held in using video conferencing applications.   

The purpose of this academic readiness assessment is to determine the goodness of fit between student candidates and the Davidson Academy. This curriculum-based measurement offers a strong indication of an applicant’s likelihood of success at the Academy. Because the assessment directly reflects the daily work of Academy students, it provides information beyond that which can be gleaned from standardized achievement and IQ tests. IQ tests reflect potential, which is of great importance, but academic readiness is about determining which skill sets are already in place. Therefore, the results of this assessment are a significant part of the overall acceptance process.

For examples of the assessment for both the Davidson Academy day school and online campus, please review the Reno Campus Assessment Example (PDF) and the Online School Assessment Example (PDF).

Step 4: Post- Assessment

Once an assessment has been completed, there will be a final review by the application and curriculum team.

Reno Day School
If accepted, a student will receive an acceptance package that includes an Intent to Attend letter. This letter needs to be completed and returned to the Academy in order to hold a space for the upcoming school year. If a student is not accepted, included in their letter will be an explanation of why an offer to attend the Academy is not being made at this time.

Parents of accepted students will be contacted by the curriculum team the summer before their Academy start date to schedule a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) meeting and to let the parents know what enrollment forms are needed. Depending on the student, additional information may be requested for ability grouping and placement purposes.

A Parent and Student Orientation will be held the week before school starts and all enrollment forms need to be completed at this time.

Please note that Reno Davidson Academy students must have a physical address in or around Reno prior to the start of classes.

 
Online Campus

Decision letters will be emailed no earlier than four weeks after the close of an assessment window stating if a student has been accepted or declined. Every attempt will be made to maintain this review schedule; however, to ensure fair and careful consideration of all applications, it may be necessary to extend a notification date.

If accepted, a student will receive an acceptance package that includes an Intent to Enroll letter. This letter needs to be completed and returned to the Academy in order to hold a space for the upcoming school year. 
Parents of accepted students will be contacted by the curriculum team early in the summer before their Academy start date to schedule a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) meeting. Depending on the student, additional information may be requested for ability grouping and placement purposes.
Student orientation, First Year Seminar, will be held up to two weeks before school starts and all newly accepted students should plan to be available at this time. Parent orientations will be offered during the summer, prior to the start of the school year.

Please note that Davidson Academy Online campus students must have a physical address and reside in the United States or Canada prior to the start of classes.