The Da Vinci Tree Story

Da Vinci Tree began in 2011. At that point in time, a group of people who had backgrounds in business consulting, the news industry, and engineering were all working as educators in Tucson charter schools. They saw that there was room for improvement, both in charter and district schools. As individual educators, these individuals could only do so much. They came together and began working on their own charter school.

Fast forward almost 8 years later and Da Vinci Tree was approved with the highest rated charter plan in Arizona history! Our team comes from a variety of different places and industries, and we are excited for equipping our students for what’s next in this dynamic and fast-paced world!

What does “Da Vinci Tree” mean?

In the early 1500’s, Leonardo Da Vinci wrote in his notebook that “all the branches of a tree at every stage of its height when put together are equal in thickness to the trunk.” In other words, if a tree’s branches were folded upward and squeezed together, the tree would look like one big trunk with the same thickness from top to bottom (Inside Science, 11/29/11).

This amazing insight has been tested and re-tested by modern science and it has largely held true. A tree’s cumulative branches are only as thick as its trunk. One could go on to discuss the fractal nature of trees or discuss the bio-mechanics behind why this is the case, or you could reflect on what an amazing metaphor this is for our children.

Our children learn and grow and have boundless potential. They only begin to realize their limits when their environment and education don’t live up to the dreams their minds invent. At Da Vinci Tree, we believe that we are building the trunk, or foundation, of our children’s futures. The stronger, broader, and more diverse we make it, the larger our children’s potential to achieve their dreams and make an impact in the world.

Mission and Beliefs

Da Vinci Tree’s mission is to provide students with a challenging, well-rounded learning environment with special emphasis on (STEM) Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Literacy to inspire creative, analytical thinking that prepares them for college and improves their opportunities in a global technological economy.

DaVTA holds the following foundational beliefs as the core of its philosophy for successfully educating students:

• A college degree, particularly in a STEM field, is one of the best indicators of future career success.

• Students with an educational background in the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and literacy are more competitive in the new, global economy.

• Teacher effectiveness is directly related to, and should be measured by, student growth and achievement.

• Inquiry-Based and Hands-On Learning increases higher-order thinking and an understanding of complex topics.

Keeping Kids Safe Through Discipline

In addition to caring and professional administrators, teachers and staff, a rigorous program of study, and a well thought-out system for security, Da Vinci Tree creates an honest and fair learning environment by setting firm boundaries for all students. These boundaries are put in place via our discipline system to help children grow into responsible adults. Our job is to make sure that children have the most positive and affirming learning environment possible.

We do not tolerate bullying. We have zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol. We do not allow harassment. We have a balanced system that protects our students from these things while simultaneously giving kids who are involved in them the opportunity to grow beyond these flaws. We believe our equitable discipline system has made us one of the strictest but most compassionate schools in Arizona. Watch Principal Roll’s video below if you would like to know more.

Parent Organization: STEM Arizona

The parent organization of Da Vinci Tree Academy is Science Technology Engineering and Math Arizona. It is registered under the trade name STEM Arizona. STEM AZ is a non-profit organization, legally incorporated in the State of Arizona exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. STEM AZ’s purpose is to promote, address, facilitate, educate and advise towards the interests of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics both in Arizona and elsewhere. The organization is currently actively engaged in three projects, Storybook Cottage Learning Center, Trade for the Future, and Da Vinci Tree Academy.

To learn more about Storybook Cottage (which is right down the street from Da Vinci Tree Academy), visit www.storybookaz.com.