Curriculum Overview Video
See an overview of Davidson Academy Online's gifted curriculum, recorded at a previous Davidson Academy virtual open house.
Curriculum
Davidson Academy Online gifted curriculum enables graduates to leave with a solid, broad-based foundation of knowledge. Unlike many traditional school settings, our classes are not grouped by age-based grades but by demonstrated ability levels.
Our online curriculum is designed for highly gifted students. Each student creates an individualized academic plan, working with their family, school counselor, and leadership team to chart a course through our curriculum.
Davidson Academy Online offers two types of credit: middle school and high school. Given the asynchronous nature of highly gifted young people, middle school-level students frequently access both levels of curriculum simultaneously.
Skill-based objectives build on each other throughout the curriculum, helping to ensure that students leave with a solid foundation of knowledge.
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Courses utilize a core curriculum in English, math, history, science, world languages, and electives to fulfill Academy graduation requirements.
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Classes are taught at an advanced level with high expectations.
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Emphasis is placed on critical thinking across all subjects.
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The Davidson Academy Online is a “writing-across-the-curriculum” school. Writing is integrated into all classes.
Middle School Curriculum
The middle school curriculum is structured around high school-level material. Teachers’ expectations take into account the social, emotional and developmental needs of students at this level. An advanced curriculum based on core courses is taught in a manner that incorporates age-appropriate methods, as younger Academy students are typically in these courses.
Content in middle school classes is often broken into smaller units for teaching and assessment purposes. Since middle school transcripts are impermanent and do not follow students after graduation, middle school is an opportune time for students to acclimate to the demands of a highly rigorous curriculum.
High School Curriculum
The high school core curriculum is not structured around a traditional high school program but is instead based on college-level course work. Teachers utilize age- and developmentally-appropriate teaching methods to create courses that balance breadth and depth.
These classes include multiple opportunities for students to earn points toward final grades, and they assist students with written expression across the curriculum such that they may engage in college-level material in a manner appropriate for secondary students.
Single-Course Enrollment
If a full-time curriculum isn’t what you are looking for, Davidson Academy Online also offers single-course enrollment for online gifted English and math courses.
Additional Resources:
Here are additional resources you may find helpful while looking further into our online gifted curriculum. If you have additional questions, feel free to browse our Academics FAQ or contact us.
Assessment
The academic readiness assessment is a crucial part of how we determine whether the Davidson Academy Online will be a good fit.
Courses
Designed specifically for profoundly gifted students based on courses originally taught at the Davidson Academy's day school in Reno.
Faculty
Davidson Academy Online instructors and staff have years of experience working with profoundly gifted students and are experts in their content areas.
Graduation Requirements
Davidson Academy Online awards advanced high school diplomas to students who successfully complete all 24 required credits as outlined on this page.
Teaching Methods
Davidson Academy Online's dynamic and rigorous approach to teaching profoundly gifted learners in an online environment.
Live Sessions
Learn about Synchronous Live Sessions, and get insight on what an average day as a student looks like.
Accredited Online Academy for Gifted Students
Ongoing accreditation is a testament to Davidson Academy Online's mission to provide profoundly gifted young people with an advanced educational opportunity matched to their abilities, strengths, and interests.