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 $125,000. Online giving is now open!

Why participate in Give To The Max Day? 

Fundraising is critical for public charter schools because they receive considerably less government funding than traditional district schools. In fact, we receive $2,600 (18%) less per student than our neighboring district to provide an exceptional education to each student. 

This year during Give to the Max, we are asking for funds to support our arts and science programming, including making much-needed improvements to the audio equipment in the Performing Arts Center. This includes purchasing items such as:

• Wireless microphones
• Wired microphones
• Audio transmitters & receivers 
• Protective cases

Additionally, providing enriched arts and science learning opportunities throughout the school year cultivates and supports our focus across the curriculum to help students understand and appreciate the significance of these two disciplines in everyday life. These learning experiences include: 

• Artist in Residence
• In-school field trips
• Robotics Lab
• Middle School Environmental Learning Center Trips
• Deck for the pond to facilitate science lessons

Lastly, needed enhancements, additions, and upgrades to our technology equipment, facilities, and grounds ensure the efficiency and sustainability of school operations.   

• Upgrades to Teacher Technology
• New picnic tables for the playground area
• Storage garage for outdoor activity materials, drama department supplies, and outdoor maintenance equipment

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.