Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to frequently asked questions as well as other general information about our school. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, please call us at (763) 754-6577 or utilize our online contact form to send us a message and we’ll answer your questions!
General School Information
What is a charter school?
Minnesota charter schools are independent public schools started, governed and operated jointly by licensed teachers, parents, community members and an elected board of directors. They are part of the state public school system, but operate independently, as a separate school district. All charter schools in Minneosta are tuition‐free and are open to and welcome all students, no matter ability or need.
Minnesota was the birthplace of the charter movement. In 1991, the Minnesota Legislature passed the first charter school law in the nation. It was the beginning of a unique public school option that has grown steadily over the past two decades. As of August 2015, there are 165 charter schools in operation in the state. While over 60% of charters are located in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area, there are charters in communities across the state.
Charter schools are non-profit organizations funded by state general education revenues. However, unlike traditional school districts, charter schools cannot initiate tax levies to generate additional funding. Charter schools are open to all students, and do not charge tuition.
Every charter school in Minnesota must be approved by the Minnesota Department of Education and have a sponsoring Authorizer, who is responsible for oversight of all school operations. Both of these entities monitor the charter school’s performance in meeting both academic and non-academic charter contract goals the school has established and they have approved. DaVinci Academy’s Authorizer is Friends of Education.
Charter schools offer a unique educational choice in terms of curriculum, instructional methodology and an overall learning experience focused on results. An effective charter school is designed to increase student achievement above the levels experienced in a traditional public school.
Charter School Basics
- Charter schools are tuition free public schools.
- Charter schools may not require entrance exams or requirements.
- Charter schools may not limit the admission of pupils on the basis of intellectual ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, or athletic ability.
- Charter schools must accept all students up to capacity. If there are more students than slots, the school must conduct a lottery.
- Charter schools are normally smaller in size than traditional public schools and usually have smaller class sizes.
- Charter schools receive less per pupil funding than traditional public schools; they may not levy property taxes, and receive no funding from local property taxes.
- Charter schools are formed and operate as Minnesota non‐profit corporations.
- Charter schools boards enter into a legally binding charter contract with an authorizer.
- Charter school teachers must hold a valid Minnesota teaching license.
Learn more about Minnesota Charter Schools:
Minnesota Department of Education
MN Association of Charter Schools
What makes DaVinci Academy different from other schools?
Our focus on the Core Knowledge Sequence and differentiated instruction, together with a small community environment, where parents have the opportunity to become true partners in their child’s education, is only part of what sets DaVinci Academy apart from other schools. A curriculum that focuses on art and science and positive reinforcement strategies add to the unique attributes of our school. DaVinci Academy also provides students with opportunities to connect with the community by hosting annual science and art fairs and through group service projects.Where is DaVinci Academy located?
DaVinci Academy is located at 532 Bunker Lake Blvd, Ham Lake, MN 55304. Visit our Contact page for a map and additional contact information.What are DaVinci Academy’s hours and school calendar?
DaVinci Academy’s school day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. We utilize a modified year-round schedule such that students start school the second week in August and continue through the third week of June each year, with approximately 6 weeks for a summer break. This schedule assures that students retain more over the summer break and it limits the time in the fall for gearing up and re-teaching before moving forward in the curriculum. The school provides shorter, more frequent breaks during the school year; and, these breaks benefit students as they allow time for administration and teachers to review data, refresh lesson plans based on that data, and prepare for the next unit of instruction. Students and teachers alike are rejuvenated by the regular breaks. We also offer an Intersession week each year school year. View our Academic Calendar for dates.Who to contact for specific requests
Please contact your child’s classroom teacher first for specific requests. For additional needs you can contact the administration as follows.
Terry Moffatt
Director of Academics, K-5 Program Coordinator
View Bio
(763) 754-6577 ext. 1102
email Terry Moffatt
- Curriculum
- Title IX Coordinator
- Grading
- Assessments
- Academic Counseling
- After School Sports/Gym Schedule
Jack Shields
K-8 Dean of Students and Middle School Program Director
View Bio
(763) 754-6577 ext. 1315
email Jack Shields
- Discipline
- PBIS/Student Culture
- Student Safety
Holly Fischer
Director of Operations
View Bio
(763) 754-6577 ext. 1103
email Holly Fischer
- Facilities
- Transportation
- Bus Safety
Jenny Kopecky
Human Resource Manager
View Bio
(763) 754-6577 ext. 1106
email Jenny Kopecky
- Human Resources
- STAR Coordinator
Kathy Falkowski
Administrative Assistant
View Bio
(763) 754-6577 ext. 1101
email School Office
- Receptionist
- Volunteer Coordinator
- General Questions
Debi Walter
Finance Specialist
View Bio
(763)754-6577 ext. 1108
email Debi Walter
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Expense Management
Cassandra Anderson
Food Service/Recess Coordinator
View Bio
(763) 754-6577 ext. 1143
email Cassy Anderson
- Lunch Accounts Coordinator
- Food Service Coordinator
- Recess Coordinator
Julie Kresh
After School Program Coordinator
View Bio
(763) 754-6577 ext. 1134
email Julie Kresh
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DaVinci Den
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Extracurricular Activities
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Intersession
What are the class sizes at DaVinci Academy?
Kindergarten classes are currently limited to a maximum of 20 students each. First grade through fifth grade classes currently have a maximum of 26 students each classroom. In sixth through eighth grades the class sizes are capped at 25 students. The ability groups for the reading and math classes are typically smaller.Do DaVinci Academy students wear uniforms?
DaVinci Academy students are required to wear uniforms. The Student Uniform Policy (Policy 504) is functional. It focuses students’ attention on their school work rather than on their or other’s attire. It also encourages impartiality and assists in establishing a school climate of increased academic and character performance. Does DaVinci Academy offer school lunch?
DaVinci Academy provides students with the opportunity to purchase catered hot lunches, cold breakfast, and milk at school. View the current menus and order forms on our Food Service page. Families may apply for free/reduced meals anytime during the school year using the Free and Reduced Form found on our Food Service page.Does DaVinci Academy provide busing for students?
DaVinci Academy has set up bus routes to best serve the majority of our students. Stops are coordinated in central locations throughout the school’s bus service area. That service area currently includes the cities of Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids, East Bethel, Oak Grove, Ham Lake, Spring Lake Park, Circle Pines and Lino Lakes. See more details under Transportation on our School Information page.How can parents become involved at DaVinci Academy?
Parental involvement is essential to the success of DaVinci Academy. More information about volunteering and opportunities can be found on our Volunteering page. There are also opportunities to join the School Board or various Board Committees; both play key roles in the managing and ongoing development of our school. Additionally, we have a very active PTO — visit the PTO website for information about events, fundraisers and upcoming meetings!How do I give to DaVinci Academy?
There are many ways to give on our Donate page! You can donate by check, online through our secure giving form or through www.GiveMN.org, with a Company Match Program, or through United Way's "Donor Choice" Contributions.Admissions
Who may apply to DaVinci Academy?
DaVinci Academy is open to any interested students entering kindergarten through eighth grade. The school district does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation or age. Students entering kindergarten must be five years old prior to September 1 of the enrollment year. Please reference the School Policies page for forms and more information regarding early admissions.Are there any admission requirements to attend DaVinci Academy?
There are no academic or geographic requirements to attend our school. Any student application form we receive will be processed in accordance with our Admissions Policy (Policy 535) established by DaVinci Academy’s school board.Are there any registration or tuition fees assessed to attend DaVinci Academy?
DaVinci Academy is a public school and as such we do not charge any registration or tuition fees.How do I schedule a tour of DaVinci Academy?
We hold information nights in the fall and winter for prospective families to visit and tour the school. Families can view and sign-up for upcoming sessions online, or see more information on our Visit Our School page. Please reference our Academic Calendar for dates and times.Academics
Why does DaVinci Academy follow a modified year-round calendar?
DaVinci Academy follows a “ modified year-round” school calendar: students start school the second week of August and continue through the third week of June each year, with approximately 6 weeks for a summer break. The rationale for this calendar is that students retain more over the short break, and it reduces the time spent gearing up and re-teaching each fall. We take more frequent breaks during the school year and find that the breaks are good for both students and teachers as they help keep both from burning out during the year. Breaks also provide teachers and administrators time to review data, refresh lesson plans based on that data, and prepare for the next unit of instruction.How does DaVinci Academy compare to other schools?
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) tracks and lists data and results for all schools in Minnesota. View DaVinci Academy's School Report Card to see information about our school demographics, test results, academic progress and performance and more.
In 2016, DaVinci Academy was named a Reward School for the 6th year in a row. DaVinci Academy is one of only 3 Minnesota charter schools that have received the Reward School designation for all six years since the Multiple Measurement rating (MMR) system was introduced in 2011-12.
Also in 2016, DaVinci Academy was one of the eight schools in Minnesota to be nominated by the Commissioner of Education to apply to be a National Blue Ribbon School. In 2015, out of the 335 Blue Ribbon Schools nationwide, only 15 were charter schools.
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