When I first joined Davidson Academy Online in 2020 for 8th grade, online education was a hot topic. I had just left my local school’s lecture-based classes that lacked opportunity to connect with classmates or deeply engage content, so DAO’s online system was a breath of fresh air. Specifically, many DAO classes follow a “flipped” learning model in which we learn the content outside of class, discuss it in class, and then go even further with homework.
The small, focused, discussion-based classes make online learning work. One of my best memories at DAO comes from my first year during Early Civilizations class, where I grouped up with three others to create “Empirism,” a new ancient societal and religious system. My three fellow Empirism Gods became my closest friends at DAO during a time where I would have otherwise been lonely and isolated as a kid in quarantine.
I’m also constantly impressed by the flexibility to accelerate and go off the course catalog at DAO. I’ve always been interested in math, but only at DAO could I truly apply my interest. Utilizing DAO’s placement testing system and accelerated class offerings, I went from completing Algebra 2 in my second year to completing Calculus 2 in my third year. I also wanted to study Hebrew as my foreign language, and DAO’s independent study/approved outside courses have allowed me to follow through while still receiving high school credit.
And so, even as schools returned to in-person classes, DAO had already won me over. But it isn’t just the school’s academics that make it right for me; it’s also the community. I’m highly involved in DAO’s clubs, teams, and student organizations, and I could not be happier with how active, accepting, and uplifting they are. In Speech and Debate, I’ve found lifelong friends and been able to learn skills while winning national titles. The same goes for the Computer Science Team, where we have so much fun at our meetings (unless it’s time to review graph theory 😉). And through Student Council I’ve gotten the chance to advocate for students at DAO and plan fun school-wide events like dances and talent shows (a DAO favorite). A note, though: DAO has also allowed me to keep time to continue in-person activities that are important to me, such as my local speech club and Taekwondo classes, so I’ve been able to maintain a balance and get away from my desk 🙂.
Going into DAO, a big worry of mine was not having access to AP courses, and although DAO doesn’t offer them, our classes surpass APs in depth and rigor. We also have the opportunity to get AP credit by taking the tests exam-only at a local school, which I’ve taken advantage of. In my experience taking AP Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Calculus BC, and both Computer Sciences, DAO courses make AP testing very manageable. And one often unsaid benefit of DAO not offering APs is the flexibility and safety; since the class isn’t marked as AP on your transcript, you don’t have to take the test if you don’t want to, and even if you do take it and get a bad score, you can just not report the score.
Last but not least, DAO has an incredible staff team. The instructors are passionate and experienced in their fields. The counselors are there to support you as a student and help you achieve your goals. The other staff (shoutout Ben Brown and Krysta Pascual!) are also always available and willing to help, no matter the issue. Thank you to all the DAO staff!
Ultimately, DAO works for me because it’s designed for, and filled with, students who are passionate about learning.
– Nir, Davidson Academy Online Student
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Nir also made a recording about his Davidson experience.
Adapted from a “Student to Student” profile originally shared in our newsletter. Subscribe >