From the moment I started at Davidson Academy Online, the supportive community of classmates and staff made me feel at home—even during technical difficulties. DAO’s focus on learning for the sake of learning and grouping students by ability has made every class rewarding. I’ve explored new subjects and found a place where my individuality is celebrated. DAO isn’t just a school; it’s a community that inspires and accepts me. -Olivia
The rigorous academics challenged me in every subject while the supportive teachers and close-knit community fostered my independence and growth. DAO’s unique courses and ability-based grouping kept me engaged and allowed me to explore new interests. Despite being online, the strong community, clubs, and in-person retreats made me feel connected and inspired. Choosing DAO was the best decision I made for my education and personal development. -Cooper
From the moment I joined, I knew this was no ordinary school. DAO’s challenging classes focus on deep understanding, and every teacher and classmate shows genuine dedication. Despite being online, the vibrant community feels real—with lively discussions, fun events, and friendships that go beyond the screen. DAO has made me excited for school every day, and I’m grateful for the kindest and most curious friends I’ve met here. If you’re unsure about online school, give DAO a chance—you might be surprised by what you find. -Sequoia
DAO’s Writing Center and other mentoring resources have helped me grow, even leading me to become the Writing Center’s student leader. The school’s flexibility lets me earn science credit working in a university lab and pursue diverse interests like aikido. What I appreciate most is DAO’s joyful, supportive community—group projects are enjoyable because everyone genuinely wants to contribute. DAO is a special place where I’ve found great friends and a fulfilling high school experience." -Lucia
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 isolated as a kid in quarantine. -Nir
Davidson Academy Online celebrates and challenges gifted learners like me. I’ve thrived studying Classical Greek and discovered new passions such as British epics and philosophy through rigorous coursework. DAO’s challenging classes pushed me from struggling to earning straight A’s by dedicating myself fully. The supportive community, including mentors and friends who share my interests, has been invaluable. DAO is a place of discovery, care, and connection that has helped me grow academically and personally. - Peter
DAO’s flexible, ability-based courses challenged me academically, while small classes provided personal attention from passionate teachers. The rigorous curriculum prepared me well for college, and the supportive staff helped me map my unique learning path. Beyond academics, DAO offers a caring community where competition takes a backseat to personal growth, and every student is valued. I leave DAO more confident and ready for the future. If you feel drawn to this kind of school, I encourage you to apply—you might find a wonderful new home here. - Ethan
Coming to the Davidson Academy online campus has turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I learned early on that it took hard work, organization, and a genuine desire to learn in order to succeed. So I worked on it. I grew to appreciate how much each one of my courses pushed me to be the best I could be. - Jasmine
The thing that I enjoy the most about being a student at Davidson is the community. We are like a family; I genuinely believe that all of the administration, teachers, counselors, staff and other students care about me. Also, the classes really put the learner in a position where they can move at a rapid pace and build their own knowledge. Rather than just internalizing information, we actively create it. - Keegan
It’s insane how easy it is to connect and relate to the people around you at DAO. When you think about it, it is pretty crazy, as the students who attend are from all over the country are from various educational backgrounds, and have a wide variety of hobbies and interests among them. Despite all these differences, DAO has pulled all of us together, and it’s nearly effortless to find something in common with every student here. - Maggie
While there are many benefits to Davidson Academy Online, my favorite part of the program has been meeting new friends that live all across the country. I talk in group chats and host calls to talk with my friends on a daily basis. We all feel very closely connected, as there is a sense of real, genuine community in our school. - Nate
In public school, I just had to sit in class and do work that was below my level. I finally feel like I am learning in an environment fit for me. Along with a stimulating curriculum, I’m finally surrounded by like-minded peers. Because of this, I’ve made strong friendships and connections throughout my two years. Davidson has helped me become a successful student too . . . The school is meant for gifted kids and it shows in everything they do. Thanks to Davidson I finally feel at home at school. - Caroline
My favorite part about Davidson Academy Online is being in classes with my intellectual peers. Doing work with my classmates is no longer busywork; instead, it is an time for learning and sharing ideas. I have made many friends during my time so far here. - Anne
Despite the online aspect, I've met some of my closest friends from DAO, frequently speaking to them outside of class. I've met some of them in person due to the summer and winter retreats DAO hosts, and whenever I visit a city with a friend of mine from DAO, we always meet up. I hope you consider applying to DAO and can't wait to meet you! - Juhi
Though classes are amazing, what I really love about DAO is sitting in a breakout room working with my classmates. I am surrounded by these brilliant, kind, funny, wacky, creative people who can make me laugh so hard that I feel like I am going to cry, but can also help me see a new perspective on the subjects that I had never considered. - Graham