Skip to main content

Da Vinci Connect, Hawthorne, CA

Early college programs, hybrid learning, student-centered teaching, social-emotional learning, and real world learning are the tenets of Da Vinci Connect High School. Students attending Connect have the opportunity to earn their two- or four-year college degree while in high school, completely free. As a K-12 model, students connect learning through pathways from an early age and find unique ways to make learning personal for them. The culture of engagement and student voice and choice guide the complexity of the meaningful projects that motivate students. The leaders and teachers are ruthlessly committed to innovation, deeper learning, and preparing students for postsecondary experiences.

School Type

Charter/Magnet

School Context

Early College

Dimensions

  • Outcomes: Bachelor's degree along with high school diploma (alternatively, some students will earn two years of transferable credit to local universities if desired)
  • Learner Experience: 3 x 3 schedule; Synchronous and asynchronous coursework; Real world learning; Hybrid options
  • Competency & Credentialing: 9th grade college coursework; Transferable credits to community college; University high school extension program; Narrative-based report card/transcript
  • Wellness: Relationship first culture; Counselors focused on SEL and college/career readiness; Advisory curriculum
  • Equity: Culturally responsive pedagogy and professional development; Multi-tiered systems of support; Competency-based college access
  • Professional Learning: Focus on culture and individual accountability; Promotion of agency and distributive leadership for staff; Teacher-driven curriculum
  • Strategy: Adding 125 students per year for another 3 years
  • Partnerships: Southern New Hampshire University; El Camino College; UCLA Extension; New Schools Venture Fund; Da Vinci Schools
  • Technology: Google Classroom and Google Suite for Education; NWEA MAP assessments

Submit Your Feedback and Recommendations

These resources have been vetted by the project’s partner organizations. While this list highlights a diverse set of models, we know there are more innovative models around the nation. We’d love to hear about yours!

Email info@txlx.org with your suggestions!

"Texas Rural Education Association supports and collaborates with school districts in order to promote positive public education efforts. We are appreciative for these services that benefit and advocate for rural schools."

Bill Tarleton, Executive Director, Texas Rural Education Association

"Friends of Texas Public Schools know that great things happen in Texas public schools, every single day; even in a pandemic! We are thankful for resources like this that help public schools prepare for whatever the future holds."

Jennifer Storm, Executive Director, Friends of Texas Public Schools

"TABSE supports the TxLx initiative which focuses on equity and provides access to all learners."

Dr. David Harris, President of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators