DaVinci Academy of Arts and Science

Why Your Contributions Make a Difference

DaVinci Academy of Arts and Science is a public charter school located in Ham Lake, Minnesota. We currently educate over 950 children in kindergarten through eighth grade. This year marks 15 years of serving our community.  

Help us reach our goal of $50,000. Online giving is now open!

Unlocking Potential: Give to the Max Day for DaVinci Academy of Arts and Science

Minnesota, known for its commitment to education, innovation, and community, is gearing up for Give to the Max Day. In this spirit of generosity, we implore you to consider supporting DaVinci Academy of Arts and Science—a beacon of learning, creativity, and excellence.

The Funding Gap: A Charter School Challenge

DaVinci Academy receives approximately $2,600 less annually per pupil than neighboring districts. This gap is not just a number on paper; it translates to real challenges in our classrooms. Despite our dedicated educators and passionate students, we find ourselves hampered by financial limitations that impact the breadth and depth of educational experiences we can offer.

A Harmonious Need: Choir Microphones and Boom Stands

As we embark on this fundraising journey, our immediate goal is to acquire choir microphones and microphone boom stands. These tools are vital for fostering a rich, dynamic learning environment for our students. By supporting our choir program, you contribute to the development of confident, expressive, and collaborative individuals who carry the essence of artistry into their lives.

Cultivating Minds Through Arts and Science

Beyond immediate needs, DaVinci Academy is dedicated to providing enriched arts and science learning opportunities throughout the school year. Your contributions will enable:

1. Artist in Residence Programs: Bringing professional artists into our classrooms to inspire creativity and passion.
2. In-school Field Trips: Elevating learning experiences through interactive and hands-on activities.
3. Middle School Environmental Learning Center Trips: Nurturing a love for science through immersive outdoor experiences.
4. Deck for our Pond: Facilitating science lessons and hands-on exploration in our outdoor learning spaces.

Empowering Efficiency: Upgrades to Technology, Facilities, and Grounds

Ensuring the efficiency and sustainability of our operations is vital to the success of DaVinci Academy. Your support will allow us to make crucial enhancements, additions, and upgrades such as:

1. Teacher Technology Upgrades: Equipping our educators with the latest tools to enhance their teaching methods.
2. New Picnic Tables: Creating a vibrant and comfortable outdoor space for our students to socialize and learn.

Teacher Recruitment and Retention:

• Challenge: Charter schools face difficulties in attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers due to budget constraints.
• Solution: Fundraising efforts can be directed toward competitive teacher salaries, professional development programs, and mentorship initiatives, ensuring a high-caliber staff committed to student success.

Join Us in Shaping Futures

Give to the Max Day is an opportunity to be part of something transformative. Your support for DaVinci Academy of Arts and Science is an investment in the future—shaping minds, fostering creativity, and empowering a new generation of leaders. Together, let's bridge the funding gap, enrich learning experiences, and ensure DaVinci Academy continues to be a beacon of excellence.

Every donation, big or small, contributes to a brighter future for our students and our community. Thank you for being a champion of education and for helping DaVinci Academy soar to new heights.

How Does Funding Work?

As a charter school, DaVinci Academy's funding is received via “per pupil funding” which is determined by the state legislature. Per pupil funding’ follows every MN student (pupil) to the public school he/she attends. Both traditional public school districts and public charter schools receive the same per-pupil funding rate.

What About School Levies?

Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools do not receive any funds from local voter-approved levies, which, for DaVinci Academy, equates to significantly less funding per year than the neighboring traditional district. Therefore, to enhance our programming, our facility, and offer a competitive compensation plan to our outstanding teachers, we must raise funds (fundraisers, capital campaigns, grants) to close this funding gap.