Helping Students Thrive: A Welcoming Transition from Middle School to High School
Transitioning from middle school to high school can bring a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and nerves. Students leave behind familiar routines and step into a new environment with older peers, increased independence, and a growing focus on college and career readiness.
At Da Vinci Schools, we’re committed to making this transition smooth, welcoming, and supportive. With five high schools, a TK–8 school, and post-high school programs, Da Vinci is known for its small, close-knit communities, each with its own unique identity shaped by career pathways and school culture. Incoming students and families are introduced to our schools well before the first day of 9th grade through in-person info sessions, student-led tours, orientation events, and more. These early touchpoints not only help families determine if Da Vinci is the right fit — they lay the foundation for a sense of belonging and connection.
More than 40 years of research show that small schools are safer, more personalized, and better at fostering strong relationships and academic achievement. Da Vinci offers students the best of both worlds — small, supportive learning communities alongside big-school opportunities, including CIF sports, high-end facilities, performing arts, and hands-on, college and career-prep learning. > See Small Schools, Big Impact: Designing for Belonging & Connectedness
Each high school offers a project-based, college-prep curriculum that meets A–G requirements — the course standards needed to apply to California’s public UC and Cal State universities. Known for our mastery-based approach to learning, we remain deeply committed to preparing students for college, career and life. > See related article
A Transition That Begins Early
Da Vinci’s intentional transition supports start long before August. Here's how we welcome our newest high school students into our community:
✔ Info Meetings & Campus Tours
Before applying, students and families can explore our high schools through enrollment info nights and student-led tours. In January and February, 8th graders from Wiseburn Middle School and Da Vinci Connect participate in student-led tours while our schools are in session, giving students a real-time look at life on our campuses — from hands-on projects and career pathways to clubs and extracurriculars.
✔ Welcome Webinars
In June, each high school hosts virtual welcome webinars to help new families feel informed and prepared. These sessions cover daily schedules, lunch routines, extracurriculars, and FAQs submitted in advance.
✔ Wolf Pack Days
Da Vinci Communications, Design, and Science host “Wolf Pack Days,” half-day orientations for incoming 9th graders. Led by upperclassmen, these fun and informative events include campus tours, icebreakers, academic assessments, and small-group activities designed to help students build confidence and start making connections. Da Vinci Connect High and Da Vinci RISE also host orientation events for students in all grades.
✔ Summer Bridge
This optional four-day summer program supports a smoother academic transition, helping students brush up on core skills in math and English while building study habits and time management strategies.
✔ 9th Grade Orientation & Back-to-School Events
Right before school begins, all schools host orientation events and 9th grade welcome nights so students can get familiar with the space, meet their teachers, and ask questions. In September, Back to School Nights welcome families across all grades.
✔ 9th Grade Overnighter & Community-Building Events
At DVC, DVD and DVS, incoming students kick off the school year with the 9th Grade Overnighter trip--a beloved Da Vinci tradition--for team-building, reflection, outdoor fun, and bonding with teachers, staff, and new classmates. Phones are off, connections are on, and students leave feeling part of something truly special. Da Vinci Connect High is hosting its 1st Annual Community Day at Fulcrum Adventures in late August.
✔ RISE-Specific Supports
At Da Vinci RISE, orientation events center around its hybrid model and co-location partners, including A Place Called Home (APCH) and Richstone Family Center. New students participate in community circles and workshops tailored to their unique school community.
✔ Community Events
All Da Vinci schools welcome the broader community — including younger families — to attend Exhibition Nights, where students showcase their project-based learning and growth. Other community events include Student-Led Community Tours, Community Aviation Day, the L.A. Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, Wiseburn Middle School Movie Night, and more. In addition, Da Vinci students spend time in the Wiseburn community as volunteers supporting events such as the Wiseburn Ed Foundation's Rock Around the Block, WMS Spooktacular, Hollyglen's Multicultural Night, and more.
Student Voices: Excitement, Nerves, and New Beginnings
Incoming Da Vinci Communications freshman Baylee J., who attended Aviation Elementary and Wiseburn Middle School, shared:
“I’ve always known about Da Vinci because all of my cousins went here — and they’ve all loved their experiences at each of the campuses. I’m really excited for high school. I know it comes with a lot of responsibility, but I feel ready for it because of everything Da Vinci offers. There are so many opportunities here that make me feel supported — not just academically, but socially and emotionally too. I can’t wait to see how my time at Da Vinci shapes me.”
Incoming Da Vinci Design 9th grader Caroleena G. reflected on her Wolf Pack Day experience:
“At first, the idea of going to a new school without knowing anyone was really intimidating and scary. I’m so glad Da Vinci offers Wolf Pack Days — it gave me the chance to meet some of my peers and hear encouraging advice from upperclassmen. It gave me a glimpse into what the next four years might look like, which is super exciting.”
Staff Insights: Intentional Community Building
Korina Pailin, Assistant Principal at Da Vinci Design, shared this advice:
“My biggest piece of advice is this: Da Vinci is a safe place to learn who you are. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. What matters most is that you communicate your needs. We have a whole team of supportive adults here who are ready to listen, guide, and walk with you. When you walk up those stairs to the 4th floor, I hope you always feel seen, valued, and reminded that you matter. You’re not alone here — we're in this together.”
Andrew Daramola, Principal at Da Vinci Communications, reflected on first-day traditions:
“At DVC, we want every student to feel from the start that they’re part of something unique. From our ‘hollering hullabaloo’ welcome tunnel to our first-day assemblies, we make it fun and meaningful. Our Wolf Pack Days and Overnighter set the tone — we want students to know they can be themselves here, and that we’re excited to meet each and every one of them.”
Assistant Principal Saya Wai at Da Vinci Science added:
“At DVS, we focus intentionally on community-building and a strong sense of belonging. Through Wolf Pack Days and Summer Bridge, freshmen become familiar with staff, peers, expectations, and our campus. That familiarity changes everything — students are more confident, more curious, and more likely to ask for help.”
We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2029 and all our new and returning students to the 2025-26 school year. Let’s make it the best one yet!
