The Da Vinci Academy School in Colorado Springs

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	6/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) data from Colorado Department of Education.

Posted: May 14, 2026

Our familys experience with Da Vinci Academy in the D20 district was deeply disappointing and honestly heartbreaking.

After our sons school choice application was accepted, my wife and I were excited about the opportunity for him to attend. Because our son has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, we simply reached out early to ask about support services and whether an evaluation process could begin ahead of the school year so we could properly plan for his needs.

Communication from the school was extremely poor from the beginning. Emails often went unanswered, and when we finally secured a Zoom meeting with staff, the interaction felt cold and unwelcoming. Rather than discussing solutions, collaboration, or learning more about our child, the atmosphere felt dismissive and negative from the start.

What happened next shocked us. Only about a week later, we received a call informing us that the school was revoking our sons registration because they allegedly did not have the staffing to support his autism-related needs as a choice student. This decision was made without ever meeting our son in person, without conducting an evaluation, and without any meaningful attempt to understand who he is as a child.

As parents, it felt like our son was judged based solely on the mention of autism rather than being treated as an individual deserving of consideration, dignity, and opportunity. We were not asking for extraordinary treatment only to begin a conversation early and advocate responsibly for our child.

The entire experience left us feeling misled, excluded, and deeply concerned about how families with special-needs children are viewed when they seek support proactively.

I sincerely hope the district reevaluates how these situations are handled in the future, because no family should feel pushed away simply for asking questions about services their child may need. Autistic children are not welcome at The Da Vinci Academy.

Posted: September 17, 2025

Our daughter has attended Da Vinci Academy since Kindergarten and is now thriving in second grade. From the very beginning, we have been continuously impressed by the level of care, professionalism, and dedication shown by everyone involved in making this school such a wonderful place.
The teaching staff are incredibly thoughtful, nurturing, and attentive to each child's unique needs. They go above and beyond not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well, creating a safe and inspiring environment for learning.
The office staff and support team are equally amazingalways warm, responsive, and helpful. Communication is clear and timely, and its obvious that the entire school works in harmony to ensure every family feels seen and supported.
There is a genuine love and passion that radiates from every corner of Da Vinci Academy. The attention to detail, the consistent outreach, and the strong sense of community make it feel like so much more than just a schoolit truly feels like an extended family.
We couldnt be happier with our experience, and we wholeheartedly recommend Da Vinci Academy to any family looking for a nurturing, high-quality educational environment. It's been a gift to watch our daughter grow here.

Posted: September 17, 2025

Posted: June 7, 2025

During my three years at Da Vinci Academy as a new special education teacher, I received little to no proper support. A typical day involved juggling an overloaded caseload, managing complex processes without guidance, and navigating a work environment that became increasingly toxic and disrespectfulespecially from administration, MTSS, and some service providers.

As someone with an anxiety disorder, the lack of support and constant pressure triggered daily panic attacks. I felt isolated, overwhelmed, and deeply discouraged. Mistakes that any new special educator might make were met with harsh criticism instead of mentorship. It was an emotionally draining experience that took a toll on my mental health.

The one bright spot was the general education teachers and paraprofessionals. They were consistently kind, supportive, and collaborative, offering moments of hope in an otherwise difficult environment.

After leaving the district, I joined a school with strong leadership, respectful culture, and actual resources. For the first time, I felt seen, supported, and able to thriveand the difference has been life-changing.

Posted: June 7, 2025

Posted: February 13, 2023

I have loved working at the da Vinci Academy for the last three years. I am a military spouse and I have worked in three states (6 schools) during my husband's career. The da Vinci Academy staff is loving, kind, and caring like no other school I've had the privilege to work in. If you are considering coming here please know what we DO and DO NOT do.
We do NOT teach exclusively art. This is not an ART school. It's an Arts Integration school. We offer a rigorous curriculum that aligns with state and district standards. We teach normal math, reading, science, social studies, etc. Your student will have tests, homework, and other "normal" school experiences. However, we teach with an art integration focus. That means that your child can engage in art in three ways. The first is art just for the sake of art. This happens in the Encores, which some people call our extracurriculars. The second is art-enhanced teaching. This is going to be adding an art component to core instruction like painting your spelling words with watercolors. The third way is true arts- integration. This is when your student will display what they have learned using an art standard. For example, my students recently used drama and movement standards to create a dance showing the movement of objects in space (rotation and revolution of the sun, moon, and stars.
We DO offer a communication and sensory department. This department specialized in incorporating students with communication and sensory needs into the classroom. These are usually kids on the autism spectrum. I consider it an amazing bonus that we get to have this program at our school. The people who work in this department are so kind and bend over backward looking for ways to meet the individual needs of neurodivergent kids.
We are NOT a behavior school. We do not have the programming or staff to support students with severe behavioral needs. If your student struggles in this way this is NOT the best fit for them. Our district has three schools on the elementary level that can support those needs we are just not it.
We DO offer both resources and a gifted and talented program. At this time we only have one of each so although we can support most resource needs we only pull out of class for 3-5th gifted and talented needs.
I hope that this gives you a better insight into what we are about. I hope to see you here if this is the best fit for your student.

Posted: February 10, 2023

This is our first year at The Da Vinci Academy and my 1st grade daughter absolutely LOVES the school and the friends she has made there. Her teacher is amazing and communicates with parents on a weekly basis so I know what my daughter is learning and can help her at home. My daughter comes home talking about all of the different things she gets to do at school outside of her classroom including drama, music, movement, world language, art and more. She is also involved in one of the many before and after school clubs available at the school. M daughter is always asking to have school lunch so it must be good :) We picked The Da Vinci Academy because of the opportunity for our child to be in an integrated arts school but we will stay because of the staff and community at the school. I am also very happy with her educational growth since being at The Da Vinci Academy. I would highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a school that is inclusive school that cares about their students growth and development in all areas.

Posted: February 10, 2023

Posted: February 9, 2023

The students are driven to succeed and have the opportunity to show what they know in many different ways! The TAG (talented and gifted program) helps build intrinsic motivation and help them build and extend on the skills they are learning in class! They have a variety of wonderful specials called encore classes. World language, music, movement, dram, and STEAM. This is an amazing place for bright minds to grow and achieve!

Posted: February 9, 2023

I have been an educator at The Da Vinci Academy for 12 years. I can hardly believe I work here-- it's a dream school. I have never known a more welcoming, warm and caring environment for both students and staff. This place truly cherishes the whole child and grows students in every capacity!

Posted: February 9, 2023

My kids love attending The da Vinci Academy! They are learning and growing academically but also enjoy the arts lessons and activities. The teachers are kind and really get to know each child.

Posted: February 9, 2023

Posted: January 20, 2023

We love TDVA. We came from a d49 school and we are so glad we did! we'll never go back. d20 and TDVA is such a great district and school. the communication is spot on, the teachers are great, the curriculum is solid and the school does an awesome job with staying up to date with data to make sure their programs are effective and progressing all students at all levels. Made the switch and don't regret it.

Posted: January 20, 2023

Posted: April 3, 2022

The Da Vinci Academy is amazing. I can't sing its praises enough! The principal takes the time to get to know the students. The teachers have great communication with parents and truly care about each of their students. I love the sense of community I feel at this school. I love that they're an arts-based school and that my son has had the opportunity to learn more about world cultures and languages. This school is fantastic!

Posted: March 1, 2022

We are rounding out our third year at The da Vinci Academy and I can't express how much we love this school. We moved here from southern CA where it is rare to find any arts and music programs and what TdVA provides is incredible! There is a full time art, music, language arts and I'm sure other staff members that I believe make school much more enriching than the traditional math, ela science worksheets and books alone. The students are encouraged to express what they've learned in many ways such as giving speech presentations and illustrating what they've learned in ways that are helpful to life rather than just a written book report. The facility itself is vibrant and state of the art, whenever I have the opportunity to visit I find myself wishing i went to a school like this! It is inclusive and promotes the gifts each student have. The students honestly watch out for one another in a way I haven't seen before.
I have to also shout out the principal Mrs Molina and the administrative staff for all that they did to get the school through the difficulties of COVID. We arrived just before it started and I feel that they way that everyone handled this incredibly trying situation was truly incredible. If you have the chance to send your student, you'll be really thankful you did!

Posted: February 17, 2022

The da Vinci Academy is a unique and special place for students to learn and grow. The staff are committed to seeing each child succeed and meeting their individual needs. Through a variety of programs, ESL, Talented and Gifted, CSD (Autism), Resource, Preschool, Dyslexia and many more, the school touches the lives of learners from a variety of backgrounds and with a diverse spectrum of needs. Their approach to learning through the arts, as well as being child-centered makes them ideal for students who may not "fit" in other schools. They are committed to all students belonging and succeeding. Their dedication to the overall well-being, including social/emotional wellness, has helped to address the significant impact the pandemic has had on both children and families. I am proud to teach at the da Vinci Academy and to recommend them to anyone looking for their child to have a quality education where they will be loved and supported as they go through elementary school.

Posted: February 10, 2022

I am a new staff member to da Vinci this year. I am so happy to have found this school. The teachers and staff are so empathetic and warm. I teach all grade levels as an encore teacher and the students have been so welcoming. They are eager to learn and try new things. I am so proud to be a teacher here.

Posted: February 10, 2022

My son, who is on the Autism Spectrum went all the way through da Vinci, from Kindergarten through 5th grade. He is a 7th grader now and frequently refers to da Vinci as his school and his people. It is extremely important for any student to feel that connection to a school, but even more so for students with special needs.

I cant say enough about the staff and people associated with da Vinci. I can honestly say that these connections are not simply ones that exist only while a student is enrolled, but long after. My son still reaches out to various teachers to share his successes and to help with obstacles.

We all think back to those teachers in our past who made a positive impact. Those we think of always revolve around how they made us feel or how they supported us through tough times. There is no more important quality a school can demonstrate that the ability to care for, connect and support a student even after they are no longer enrolled.

The da Vinci Academy strives to meet all students where they are regardless of the students needs and goes above and beyond for each child.

Posted: January 30, 2022

As a teacher at The da Vinci Academy, I feel grateful everyday to be a part of such an amazing group of people! The staff is dedicated and caring, always putting kids first! The students, and their families, are very supportive and always willing to donate their time and resources. There is truly a sense of community at TdVA! Through our Arts Integration approach to learning, students are able to participate in a variety of authentic learning experiences! I have seen so many students thrive at da Vinci, because they find their niche in a specific area, such as art, movement, music, or drama. Students feel comfortable expressing themselves, thus building confidence and learning skills for future success! TdVA also offers differentiated learning opportunities to meet the needs of all students, both academically and socially/emotionally. It has truly been my dream job! I love being able to incorporate art, music, and dancing into our daily lessons! This year we even learned pantomime! TdVA is a great place to be! I wish my own children could have experienced a school like TdVA!

Posted: January 30, 2022

Posted: January 13, 2022

This is a unique and wonderful place for students to feel included and creative. The emphasis on the arts makes learning enjoyable and engaging for all students. My daughter thrives as a student here. The school offers a small community feel and makes learning memorable.

Posted: January 13, 2022

Posted: January 3, 2022

My student is in the talented and gifted program. He started out at another asd20 school that was closer to home. However, they weren't pulling him for services and he was becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of differentiation. He was so bored that he started to pull his hair out. He had several bald spots that were very upsetting. I am also a TDVA staff member and after seeing what our program was doing I transferred him over. My student began being pulled for TAG services immediately. His classroom teacher and his TAG teacher differentiate in such a way that they are challenging him without frustrating him. He is absolutely thriving at TDVA. They even have my very introverted son participating in tableaus and plays. I highly recommend TDVA .

Posted: January 3, 2022

Posted: September 3, 2021

The simple fact that the school district won't impose a mask mandate kills this and other schools around here for us. Within the first two weeks of school, there are already some 800 kids and staff in quarantine in our district alone. It's a failure to protect our kids and quite frankly, the school and the school district have robbed us of our ability to protect our own children. Most of the kids here are attending school without masks when every reliable study and expert, including the Epidemiologist here in Colorado is saying that K-12 students and staff should be masked indoors at all times and outside in small groups. The Delta variant is getting to kids and the number of citizens in our community who are crying about masks is astonishing. How about respect other kids and just have your kid wear a mask. It's only an issue for them if their parents make it an issue. No one wants to wear a mask, including me. It's our civic duty to protect one another. We're failing as a community. Shame on our school board, our principal won't fight for what is right. They say the number 1 priority is to protect our children and their safety. Right.... actions speak louder than words. You're all a disgrace Thanks to this selfish school community, my child is covid positive now.

Posted: June 26, 2021

I am both a past parent and current staff member. Both of my children were with TDVA from kindergarten-5th grade. My youngest is on an IEP which was started at TDVA in 2nd grade for dyslexia and dysgraphia as well as ADHD. The staff has always been supportive of both my kids. We have loved the arts piece of the learning process. My youngest especially benefited from this as there were classes that gave him an opportunity to feel successful without the extra pressure from his learning challenges. But dont worry, there is a focus on core skills like mathematics and language arts. Resource/sped is outstanding and counseling is wonderful. The paras were invaluable in my childs success. We also have a CSD program in place with wonderful staff active in those students daily routines. There are reasonable expectations based on age which are encouraged through the SOAR program (safety, own it, attitude, respect). This rewards good choices, positive behavior and improved behavior with an emphasis on character. Both of my kids had fantastic teachers through every grade. I truly have no complaints. The positivity in the building is contagious and really inspired me to pursue a job here. I could not ask for better co-workers or leadership. My children were very successful and happy and I love being a part of the daVinci family.

Posted: January 26, 2021

I have taught in Academy District # 20 for eleven years and this is my first year at The da Vinci Academy. I was warmly welcomed by the administration, office staff, and teachers. The staff here goes out of their way to make sure you have whatever you need to be successful. The atmosphere is positive and focused on the well being of each student. Academic standards are high and the Arts integration further enriches content.

Posted: January 26, 2021

Posted: January 18, 2021

My daughter has attended TdVA since kindergarten and she is in 3rd grade this year. She struggled a little academically and behaviorally but with the support of the dedicated teachers, intervention team, and counselor she is reading, writing, completing math and all other academic subjects at grade level. She loves going to school. Making friends didn't come easy but the positive school climate and friendly community helped her build great relationships with her peers and teachers. We LOVE this school!!!

Posted: January 18, 2021

I am relatively new to the da Vinci Academy, but the devotion and attention the teachers provide to their students is remarkable! This was especially demonstrated during the pandemic and online learning! Everyone I have met from the office staff to the teachers to the support staff genuinely cares and is very supportive! Dont let the name of the school fool you-yes they incorporate arts into their learning but they also teach all the standards your child needs to be successful in school! Its a fun place to learn and one I hope you choose!

Posted: January 18, 2021

I have two children who attend this school and can say nothing but great things! The art integration is fantastic and the communication with administration and teachers are very professional and comfortable. Any concerns I have ever had as a parent (my oldest is in 5th) has been quickly resolved. The teachers are all so fantastic, you really cant go wrong with any of them!

Posted: January 18, 2021

Posted: January 14, 2021

I highly recommend The da Vinci Academy to anyone who is seeking an outstanding school for their children. I feel honored to teach here because of our remarkable students and devoted staff. One of the main draws for me is to partner with our amazing Principal, Victory Molina and Assistant Principal, Jennifer Landon. These competent administrators consistently communicate with staff, parents, students and district leaders to keep us all informed as we meet the needs of each child. My experience as a certified teacher (26 years) has granted me the good fortune of teaching in various Academy District 20 schools. Teaching side-by-side with dedicated professionals has given me the opportunity to compare teaching styles and our school shines above all others.

Posted: January 14, 2021

Posted: January 8, 2021

I am lucky enough to be a teacher at The da Vinci Academy. Since we are an Arts Integration School we have a unique focus and goal of teaching the core subject areas through the arts. We make sure that we are meeting the standards of both to make learning engaging. It is truly a wonderful community and one that is a great fit for students who are seeking a creative, collaborative environment.

Posted: January 8, 2021

Posted: December 18, 2020

As a newer staff member, I have found that the da Vinci Academy teachers, administrators, and staff always put the safety, happiness and growth of the students above all else. The Principal...Victory Molina is a fine leader, and a kind person, and the rest of the office crew are amazing as well. The schools focus in on STEAM integrated curriculum. The Arts Integration program is a standard of excellent. I would highly recommend this beautiful school to any family trying to find a new school in Colorado Springs.

Posted: December 18, 2020

Posted: December 17, 2020

I am lucky enough to be a parent and a teacher at The Da Vinci Academy and I am so thankful for the experience both my son's and myself have had here. The teachers go above and beyond. They are truly one of a kind! We have a wonderfully diverse population and since we are an Arts Integration school we have programs other schools don't. I truly cannot imagine teaching or having my children at any other school.

Posted: December 17, 2020

Posted: December 16, 2020

My experience at this school has been wonderful. The staff give 100% to their students. They treat students as if they are family, and they form connections with the parents too. The classrooms are warm and inviting. There are not too many students in the classes, and students get the attention they need. Learning differences are respected at this school, and every effort is reached to teach students in a variety of ways to reach each learning style. The school uses the RULER curriculum to help teach character, compassion, respect, and integrity. The teachers at the school a phenomenal. They are talented, excellent at their craft, work tirelessly to support students, give generously to their students and parents, and they work together as a staff to collaborate and teach all students. This is a school for the arts (visual, drama, music, and dance / movement (physical education). Students experience all of these classes throughout the week, and this exposure helps to create a well rounded appreciation for all of the places creativity can take a person in life. Teachers at this school collaborate and integrate the arts in the classroom and in the arts classes as well. Students are offered a wide range of extra curricular clubs, and music classes also. The school is beautiful and located on a spot with the most beautiful views you have ever seen from a playground. The parent community is very supportive and active at the school as well. It's a happy place for a child. Students that graduate from this school will have confidence. They will be ready to perform. They will have a wide range of experiences that will serve them well in life. It's an amazing school.

Posted: December 16, 2020

Posted: December 15, 2020

My da Vinci journey began in 2006 when my daughter was in 2nd grade. She went there from 2nd to 5th and received an amazing foundation academically and artistically. I became involved in PTO as a parent then and began substitute teaching, as well. In 2011, I had the amazing opportunity to become the school librarian! I have seen the school go through many changes over the years. I think most of the changes are in keeping with our commitment to being a dynamic place that strives to meet students where they are and move them to the next level. One thing that has not changed at da Vinci is the staff! They are truly the most caring, conscientious, and dedicated people I know. I think that we continue to improve each year because we are always learning and growing as professionals and as people. I love the da Vinci staff and the families that have chosen our school. I certainly hope that we can welcome more families into the fold!

Posted: December 15, 2020

Posted: January 16, 2020

Its been a great experience for my two kids. We will soon enroll our third child going into kindergarten. My kids love it and have always had wonderful teachers.

Posted: January 16, 2020

Posted: September 22, 2018

They always did their best to find the best way to keep my Aspergers son focused, supported, and supplied him with the tools necessary for him to thrive, not just survive the elementary school environment.

Posted: September 22, 2018

I think the parents have done wonderful jobs with my children. Always have been supportive when needed for my children and talked about concerns if things needed to be addressed.

Posted: September 22, 2018

They teach the kids to SOAR!
Safety
Own it
Attitude
Respect
It really shows! The kids here are friendly and like to support each other and boost each other up. Havent had bullying issues and my oldest has Aspergers.

Posted: September 22, 2018

All four of my children have attended/are attending and we love the feel. Kids feel supported, families and teachers know each other, and it really fosters a good environment for learning.

Posted: September 22, 2018

Reasonable amounts of homework. Not hours. They encourage reading every night. I dont think that is more than what kids should be doing. Its enough to keep things fresh in their brains.

Posted: September 17, 2018

Every teacher we have had k-5 has worked along side us parents to find solutions that work for both of my children.

Posted: September 17, 2018

My children are happy at a school for the first time since they started attending public school. This school has changed our lives.

Posted: September 17, 2018

Posted: September 16, 2018

For the 3 years our daughter has attended we have had nothing but great experiences!

Posted: September 16, 2018