Application Review Process

Please visit the How to Apply page.

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. This website will be updated to reflect any changes in the process, and those who have submitted complete or partial application materials will be notified directly of any changes.

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 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.

An academic readiness assessment is an exceptionally important part of the application process. Its purpose is to determine the goodness of fit between applicants 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 more detailed information please see the Assessment page.

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 Eligibility 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.

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

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. 

Parents of accepted students will be contacted by the curriculum team the summer before their Academy start date to schedule a Prospective 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 students must have a physical address in or around Reno prior to the start of classes.