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About The da Vinci School

Thank you for your interest in The da Vinci School. The da Vinci School accepts children ages 18 months through Kindergarten/Primer level. The da Vinci School has a well-rounded, learning-oriented program with a special emphasis on science. The teachers incorporate elements from a comprehensive developmental checklist which includes language, cognitive, math, social, practical life, arts, and fine and gross motor skills development into their weekly science themes. Parents receive a copy of the checklist, which is updated for parent/teacher conferences scheduled twice each year.

The da Vinci School is a non-profit organization, which has been in operation since 1987. We operate primarily from the tuition and fees collected each year, although our program and resources are supplemented and expanded by fundraising initiatives launched from within the school. We do not receive government funding and we do not have affiliation with any religious or other organizations. We are non-denominational and approach religious holidays from a cultural perspective. We encourage diversity in the school population, and we strive to expose the children to a wide range of cultural traditions.

The teachers at The da Vinci School are carefully screened and selected for their abilities to nurture as well as stimulate and educate. They are degreed in some field related to education or child development, and are additionally trained by the school in areas of brain and sensory motor development. We ask that teachers only accept employment if they can commit to a school year so the children have a stable, consistent teacher.

Classes at The da Vinci School are small and ages are divided by roughly six months. We have 15 classrooms with a total average enrollment of 161 children in the school. Because many of the younger students are scheduled two or three mornings per week, there are generally around 125 children at the school on any given day. Class sizes are as follows: 5-6 children at the toddler level, 6-7 children at the 2-3 year level, 8 students at the 3-4 year level, 10 children at the pre-k level, and 12-14 children at the kindergarten/primer level.

Our school year runs from September to mid-May, and we offer a summer camp program that generally lasts six to eight weeks. Since The da Vinci School does not operate a daycare program, families with employed parent(s) need to arrange for their child to be picked up after class. We offer after school enrichment classes for those in the Three's and Pre-k program.

Placement at The da Vinci School

Priority for placement goes to siblings of currently enrolled families. Since we do not know until late March who is re-enrolling their children for the following fall, we are generally unable to offer any status reports throughout the school year. Our placement for the school year is also influenced by the testing and enrollment process at the other private schools. Since we first accommodate our currently enrolled students, notification of school year placement is made in late spring for older toddlers and older. Additional placements can take place into the summer months.

We have a Visitation Day scheduled each spring for candidates who will be eligible for older toddler, pre-k and Kindergarten placement the following school year. Children whose birthdays make them 2.5 or older by August 31 will automatically receive notification of the visitation day.

Although availability varies from year to year, we have the most applicants at the toddler level. We have expanded our three’s, pre-k and kindergarten program and typically have openings at these age levels.

In considering placement, we look at several factors including class make-up, ages, sex (we strive for 50/50 boys to girls), duration of time in theh applicant pool, school readiness, etc. Although we do not formally test the children for admission, we do need to meet the children before placement is considered.

Toddler placements are made in early July after all candidates have been met during our summer admissions camp. 

Visiting The da Vinci School

We offer Parent Previews each fall and spring for parents with children who will be school-aged as of the coming fall. These are great opportunities to tour the school, speak with some of the parents, and meet our fabulous teachers. 

Occasionally, we schedule visits to the school. This is generally for families moving to Dallas who are not here during our Open House. I am sure you can appreciate that to visit The da Vinci School we have to balance our number of visitors with the best interests of the children in attendance at the school.

How to Apply

Our application process is on-going year round. Applying is easy using our Online Application. A non-refundable fee of $95 must be submitted with each child's application. Please note, you must only apply once for each child. Please do not submit multiple applications per child. Once you have completed an application you will receive information about Open Houses, Visitation Day (for children 3 & older), Family Education Programs and PlayWisely class information. Camp da Vinci information will be sent once your child is old enough to be considered for placement.