A Joyful Start to Our 18th Year
What a joyful start to the 2026-27 school year, our 18th 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 are helping students feel seen, supported, and connected, laying the foundation for caring, close-knit communities. Across our schools and programs, 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 kicked off the year with a Family Action Network (FAN) Welcome Back Party. Da Vinci Connect High and Da Vinci RISE Above welcomed students with team-building activities and shared experiences designed to help new and returning students connect. At The Levitt Lab, students are exploring new ideas and perspectives through Open Exchange and other learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and meaningful dialogue. To kick off the school year, students also had the opportunity to meet with economist and Freakonomics co-author Steven Levitt, the namesake of The Levitt Lab.
Da Vinci Communications, Design, Science, Connect High, and The Levitt Lab are each launching the new school year with Overnighters for freshmen—creating lasting memories, new friendships, and tight-knit communities. These experiences celebrate students’ strengths, spark curiosity about one another, and foster authentic connections.
LifeLaunchers got to know one another while practicing two important professional skills: introducing themselves and receiving feedback. Our FUTURES and FUTURES Plus students are practicing functional life skills both in the classroom and out in the community.
Voices from Da Vinci Students
To capture the spirit of the new year, we asked students what they’re looking forward to in 2026-27:
“I’m most looking forward to making new friends.”
“I can’t wait to get to know my teachers more.”
“I’m looking forward to my new teachers and new environment. I’m excited to learn more about my new classes. I’m excited for History and Spanish 2.”
“The thing I’m most excited about this year is to discover all the new Open Exchange topics and change my perspective.”
“I’m looking forward to theatre and making bonds with theatre people.”
“I’m looking forward to college field trips and high school sports to support my friends across all the schools.”
“I’m excited for sports, and I’m really looking forward to seminars like weightlifting.”
We are excited for the year ahead and all the opportunities it will bring for our students to learn, grow, connect, and discover what is possible. Here’s to a wonderful 2026–27 school year!
