Welcome Back, Da Vincians!

What a joyful start to the 2025–26 school year—our 17th Anniversary! These first weeks have been filled with laughter, excitement, team building, and learning as we welcomed back our returning students and staff, along with our newest Da Vincians.

Our signature practices have helped students feel seen, supported, and connected, laying the foundation for caring, close-knit communities. Back on our campuses, teachers cheered students’ arrival, and friends reunited with hugs and high-fives. The opening of school is always marked by warmth, belonging, and togetherness—and this year has been no exception.

Signature Kick-Off Traditions

Across our campuses, each school builds community in unique ways. Da Vinci Connect TK-8 hosted a Family Action Network (FAN) Welcome Back Party. Da Vinci Connect High held its first Fulcrum Community Climbing Day for 9th graders at the Culver City ropes course. Da Vinci Communications, Design, and Science are each launching the year with Overnighter field trips for freshmen—creating lasting memories, new friendships, and tight-knit communities. At RISE, advisory team building included an “Interest Wall” where students shared their identities, passions, and curiosities. These experiences celebrate students’ strengths, spark curiosity about one another, and foster authentic connections. At LifeLaunch, Da Vinci's new college and career program, students explored this question together in a discussion circle: "What is the one challenge you think people your age will face as you step into adulthood?"

Voices from Da Vinci Students and Families

To capture the spirit of the new year, we asked students and families to share what they’re looking forward to in 2025-26:

• “I’m looking forward to making new friends this school year and doing lots of fun stuff.”
• “I’m looking forward to the classes. I’m very big on chemistry so I’m excited to take the class and hopefully get into honors, and make new friends.”
• “Junior year is supposed to be the hardest, so I’m a little anxious.”
• “Over the summer, I had an internship through Da Vinci’s Real World Learning program with a nonprofit called Linc. I learned about insurance and participated in workshops where I built a resume, practiced interviewing, explored different careers, and gained financial literacy skills. That experience helped me see a clear path for my future—I know I want to major in finance and become a financial advisor. This year, I’m looking forward to building on those skills and finding more opportunities to prepare for my career.”
• “I’m looking forward to senior pictures, graduation, Senior Sunrise, and prom.”
• “I’m most excited about getting to learn more about the students and community at DVC. As a sophomore, I’m just very excited to see what the future holds for me and my friends.”
• “I’m excited to meet all the new people coming into the (musical theatre) program. I’m stage managing this year which is a new experience for me. It’s a lot of stress, but I’m excited for it.”
• "I am most looking forward to watching all of the sports this year and taking photos of my friends for their social media platforms."
• A parent of a Da Vinci Connect TK-8 middle schooler, with two more children entering 2nd and 4th grade, shared: “I’m looking forward to each of my children having a personalized educational plan. They each have their own needs.  The hybrid model is a perfect fit for our family because my children are pursuing acting and modeling alongside school.”

Stay Connected with Da Vinci

We invite you to stay connected throughout the year by following us on our organizational social channels—Instagram @davincischools_org and Facebook @dvschools—and don’t forget to follow your school’s channels as well!

Play the video below to watch our Back to School reel!