We are thrilled to announce that both Da Vinci Design and Da Vinci Communications have been awarded six-year accreditations—the highest level possible—by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). This recognition reaffirms Da Vinci’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality education and promoting long-term success for all students.
Last year, Da Vinci Connect and Da Vinci RISE also earned full six-year accreditations. Next week, WASC will be visiting Da Vinci Science as part of its ongoing accreditation process.
WASC accreditation is a voluntary process through which schools demonstrate that they meet rigorous standards of educational quality and excellence. This well-respected accreditation can impact important factors such as credit transferability, eligibility for federal financial aid, and overall institutional credibility.
The Commission granted accreditation for Da Vinci Design and Da Vinci Communications through June 30, 2031. Each school underwent a rigorous evaluation process that included a comprehensive self-study, peer review, and the successful completion of an on-site, three-day accreditation visit by a team of experienced educators.
“We are incredibly proud of Da Vinci Design and Da Vinci Communications for earning this highest level of accreditation,” said Dr. Matthew Wunder, Da Vinci’s CEO/Superintendent. “This achievement reflects the dedication of so many team members who contributed to this outstanding result and who work every day to ensure the quality and impact of Da Vinci’s programs and services.”
“I wish to extend my deep appreciation to all the staff, faculty, and student leaders at Da Vinci Design and Da Vinci Communications, and especially to the Da Vinci leaders who led the WASC accreditation process, including DVD Principal Russell Stoll, DVC Principal Erin D’Souza, and Michelle Rainey, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction,” Dr. Wunder continued.
Visiting team members identified the following strengths about Da Vinci Design, including:
- Da Vinci Design has a welcoming environment that gives access to opportunity through real world experiences, industry collaborations, and a focus on collaboration and presentation skills.
- Project-Based Learning engages students and connects them to real-world ideas and the outside community.
- DVD students feel prepared for adulthood.
- Da Vinci Design is fostering a culture of inclusivity, providing robust counseling support, implementing positive behavioral interventions and supports and restorative practices, and high behavioral and academic expectations for all students.
- All staff genuinely care about students and students feel the support.
- Presentations of Learning and other performance-based assessments allow for students to be self-reflecting learners and provide a real world element of professionalism.
- Staff are passionate about the ability to be creative and innovative in their instruction.
Visiting team members identified the following strengths about Da Vinci Communications, including:
- DVC provides a safe, inclusive environment that offers an opportunity for students to engage in a diverse, rigorous curriculum designed to help them succeed in life beyond high school.
- DVC’s culture prioritizes student well-being, academic success, collaboration, and respect to create a positive learning experience for all and make it a happy place.
- DVC has positive, supportive student-to-student and student-to-teacher interactions that support student success.
- The staff at DVC is diverse, welcoming and collaborative.
- DVC does an outstanding job communicating to its families.
- Students feel that DVC is a safe environment where teachers really care about their success.
- Project-Based Learning creates meaningful, real world-learning experiences that engage students and prepare them for post-secondary success.
We are so proud of our school communities!