Annual Impact Report
2024
Welcome from CEO/Superintendent
Matthew Wunder, Ed.D
It is my pleasure to share this year’s Da Vinci Schools Impact Report.
The highlights within reflect the dedication of our students, families, staff, and partners who together make learning come alive and create meaningful opportunities for our entire community. From new partnerships that open doors for students, to accelerating opportunities in the arts, and new initiatives that connect college, career, and community, this report captures the ongoing work of preparing young people for their futures with purpose and possibility.
ABOUT DA VINCI SCHOOLS
2,691 Students
6 Schools
Student Ethnicity:
Asian/Pacific Islander - 5%
Black or African American - 19%
Hispanic or Latino - 51%
Two or More Races - 7%
White - 13%
Other - 5%
1 College & Career Program
126 Zip Codes Served
Located 2 miles from LAX and
minutes away from leading tech,
aerospace and creative neighbors.
3,967 Alumni
365 Faculty & Staff
$43.0MM Annual Operating Budget
OUR MISSION
Da Vinci Schools seeks to improve the quality of life for our students by cultivating a caring culture, building future-ready skills, developing meaningful partnerships, and creating impact in our work to solve complex educational problems.
People First
We put people first in everything we do.
Collaboration
We are better together.
Belonging
We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome, and understood.
Possibility
We strive to build a better tomorrow.
Signature Practices
Small Schools with Unique Identities
Caring & Compassionate School Cultures
College & Career Ready - At the Same Time
Real-World, Project-Based Learning
Extensive Industry & Higher Ed Partnerships
Mastery-Based Grading
Presentations of Learning & Exhibition
CIF Sports, Performing Arts, Clubs & More
Models that Bridge K12-College-Career
Computer Science
Multimedia Journalism
Marketing
Media Production
Entrepreneurship
Architecture
Graphic Design
Entrepreneurship
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Hybrid
Da Vinci Connect
Grades TK-8: Homeschool and on-campus instruction using project-based and social emotional learning.
Grades 9-12+:
Connect students earn a high school diploma while taking free college courses starting in 9th grade on a flexible hybrid schedule. Through our college partners, they can also work toward an AA or Bachelor’s degree—while exploring career pathways in Aviation and Entrepreneurship.
Da Vinci RISE
Personalized learning that meets the academic and social emotional needs of youth navigating disruptions in their academic journeys.
Rivet School with
Da Vinci
Da Vinci seniors can continue their path toward earning a Bachelor's degree, for free, with Rivet School and Southern New Hampshire University in Business, Communications, or Healthcare Management. Work with motivated peers and a 1:1 personal coach.
"Da Vinci Schools are among the finest I've seen." -Dr. David Brown, former Executive Director of Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
COLLEGE & CAREER
Aligning Graduation Requirements with
A-G Completion
At Da Vinci Schools, 94% of graduates meet the entrance requirements for UC and Cal State admission — far surpassing the statewide average. By comparison, EdSource’s analysis of 2023 A-G requirement records from the California Department of Education found that more than half of high school seniors across California are shut out from applying to UC and Cal State universities.
Strengthening the Path to College & Beyond
When Milissa Sutton and Leo Millot chose Da Vinci Connect High School, they knew the idea of earning a college degree, and/or taking college classes, while in high school intrigued them, but they didn’t realize all the other life-changing benefits they would receive in addition to those college credits and college degrees.
Training for the Future of Work
Da Vinci continues to expand opportunities for young people to build employable skill sets through hands-on, real world learning experiences that are aligned with workforce needs. Surrounded by tech, aerospace and creative neighbors, Da Vinci offers 11 career technical education (CTE) pathways to equip students with the skills, knowledge and training they need to succeed in high-demand careers across a wide range of industry sectors. A newly reconfigured 8,200 square foot CTE Lab on the Douglas campus houses a growing skilled trades assembly/fabrication workshop.
Preparing Students for Real-World Impact
In 2023–24, Da Vinci students partnered with industry professionals for hands-on, project-based learning—from creating augmented reality filters with Snap and social campaigns with Portal Learning, to producing murals with Judy Baca and simulating medical diagnostics with PIH Health, Scan Health Plan, and Free Clinic Doctor. RISE students also turned personal stories into films with USC's Belonging as Legacy Festival.
Advancing Student Outcomes through Strategic Data Analysis
Over the past year, the Da Vinci Schools Data Team has played a crucial role in supporting all school sites through comprehensive data analysis. The team provided essential data sets for the WASC self-study, helping schools assess progress and drive continuous improvement. Their work with the Short-Term Independent Study (STIS) program has resulted in over $100,000 in recovered attendance funding, ensuring greater student engagement and financial sustainability. Looking ahead, the team is excited to support all Da Vinci schools in refining their Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), using data to strengthen interventions and ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive.
STUDENT LIFE
Spotlighting WDV Athletics
WDV Athletics had a record-breaking 2023–24 season with 599 student-athletes on 29 teams across 16 sports. Five students signed letters of intent to play in college! Both Boys Varsity and JV Basketball won Pioneer League titles for the first time, with Varsity moving up to the Bay League for 2024–25. Boys Varsity Volleyball also moved up a division and won the CIF-SS Division 5 Championship, finishing third in CIF State Division 3. So many incredible team and individual accomplishments to celebrate! > Read more
Expanded Performing Arts Opportunities and Partnerships
We expanded Wiseburn Da Vinci Performing Arts to serve all TK–12 students, adding new theatre and choir programs, instruments, and tech tools. In 2023–24, over 550 students participated in the performing arts, with 4,200+ in the audience. With our key partners—Da Vinci Schools Fund, Wiseburn USD, and Wiseburn Ed Foundation—we’re shaping a unified, articulated, inclusive TK–12 vision for 2024–25 and beyond.
INNOVATION
Advancing Career-Connected Learning with Education Leaders Across the Country
Da Vinci Schools brought together 60 leading educators, higher education partners, and innovation change agents from 40 different schools and organizations for a gathering on career-connected learning, in partnership with Transcend Education and Da Vinci Institute. The 3-day conference included Da Vinci school tours and 30+ workshops focused on project-based learning, using AI to personalize projects, helping students find their purpose and pick a career path, and more. Conference participants came from across the country, including New York, Indiana, here in the South Bay, and beyond. > Read more
Da Vinci Schools Invited to Contribute Career Education Policy Recommendations
Da Vinci Schools strives to continue to spark innovation in schools and communities. In response to Governor Newsom’s Freedom to Succeed Executive Order, Da Vinci brought together a diverse group of policy partners to submit bold recommendations for a new Master Plan for Career Education aimed at creating more flexible career and college programming within California’s K-12 schools.
PARTNERSHIPS
Summer in Wiseburn Camp Programs & Partnership
Our first-ever youth athletics camps—launched with Wiseburn USD, Wiseburn Education Foundation, and DV Schools Fund—helped make Summer 2024 unforgettable. A record 1,151 youth joined athletics, enrichment, and career training programs across Wiseburn!
COMMUNITY
Building Wiseburn
Da Vinci Community Connection
Nearly 500 Da Vinci high school students volunteered at Wiseburn schools and Wiseburn community events throughout the 2023-24 school year, including at PTA events held at each of the elementary schools and two events at Wiseburn Middle School. Our high school student volunteers helped with running games, face painting, robotics events, gift wrapping, craft making, story time, and so much more.
Community
Aviation Day
Our first-ever Community Aviation Day on March 23, 2024 was a beautiful time of connection across our community and across generations. More than 400 attendees and 12 community aviation organizations participated with fantastic activities for kids of all ages, including flight simulation experiences, building model airplanes, and more.
Community Tours
This year, we opened up our doors and launched new student-led community tours at Da Vinci’s campus at 201 N. Douglas Street. Tours take place twice per month. Join us to see our real-world, project-based curriculum in action!
Culture Matters
1
Da Vinci Schools have caring and compassionate school cultures. We survey staff, students and families annually to solicit critical feedback and to assess how we are doing.
2
Our Fall 2024 Net Promoter Score (NPS) is 73.4*
(Excellent Range).
By comparison, Zoom has a NPS of 60, Honda is 57, Amazon is 49, and Airbnb is 38.
3
Student and parent/guardian surveys went out in the Fall and feedback revealed students and families think we’re awesome!
*Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a measure used to gauge customer loyalty, satisfaction, and enthusiasm with a company that’s calculated by asking customers one question: “On a scale from 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend this product/company to a friend or colleague?” Industry NPS benchmark for the education & training sector is 60.
People Matter
Da Vinci Schools continue to attract some of the best and brightest educators in the region, driven by our organization-wide commitment to creating a strong sense of belonging for all students and staff. While more than 60% of California’s public school students are Black or Latino, only 20% of school administrators reflect these demographics. At Da Vinci, 69% of our administrators are people of color — reflecting the rich identities of the students we serve.
Come As You Are
We believe all people should feel safe, welcome, and understood, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS, FAMILIES, AND STAFF ARE SAYING
“Da Vinci is a great school to be at. I feel comfortable and I feel that I belong.”
“I’m truly grateful for
Da Vinci and all that it offers. My child feels heard, safe, supported, and encouraged–everything a learning environment should provide.”
“I LOVE this place. I value the reflective practices and the way everyone strives to be their best. I share my experience with friends, family, and former colleagues hoping to help others find the same happiness I have here. Thank you for all that you do.”
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS
DV Connect ‘24
Melissa Sutton
is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies at UC Berkeley on a full-ride scholarship. While at Da Vinci, she earned her A.A. degree for free alongside her high school diploma. At Berkeley, Milissa serves as an intern for the Black Recruitment and Retention Center (BRRC), co-hosts the Black v. Board of Education podcast, creates content for AfroLA, and is a published poet.
DV Design '16
Jonathan Kidd
earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from UCLA, where he first discovered his passion for understanding human behavior and cultural trends. Currently, he works as a Brand Strategist and serves as the BLK-LA Lead at Spotify, helping shape impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. In addition to his role at Spotify, Jonathan is a Strategist in the AI startup space, focused on enhancing creative effectiveness through emerging technologies.
See below to watch a video of Jonathan Kidd’s testimony on how Da Vinci helped shape him for life post-graduation.
DV Communications ‘22
Leilani Dexter
is pursuing a Computer Science major at Howard University. She was selected to be part of the Fall 2024 Women's Business Enterprise National Council Women of Color Incubator to further her entrepreneurial journey. She was a finalist for the Black Girl Ventures (BGV) NextGen Pitch Competition as part of the 2024 NextGen Accelerator (view her 3-minute virtual pitch here). She is currently a student teacher at Howard University’s Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy (RITA), delivering hands-on robotics classes twice per week in connection with its university affiliated research centers.
DV Communications ‘22
Jaylon Jones
is studying Political Science and History at Stanford University. He serves as a Research Assistant in the History Department and was recently selected as one of 20 students to participate in the Stanford Law Scholars Institute for underrepresented students interested in exploring careers in the legal field. He also serves as the 2024-25 Dean of Membership for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. In addition to his academic pursuits, he is the founder and president of The United Afro Student Organizations, a network of student groups that promote cultural awareness, social justice, and community engagement among African American students and allies.
DV RISE ‘24
Isaac Milsap
was recently hired at DV RISE to support the Creative Wisdom Tools and Indivisible Arts program. He also will be leading the launch of RISE’s first peer-to-peer program to provide peer-based mentorship and mental health supports to students. Isacc also works at Better Youth Inc., where he is focused on founding a new program to support young adults with the professional skills needed to succeed in the working world.
DV Design ‘13
Christine Omotayo
received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government and a MBA – both from UC Riverside. She also did post-graduate work in Public Policy Analysis at The University of Edinburgh. Christine is a certified HR professional and currently works as a Human Resources Coordinator for NBCUniversal.
DV Design '13
Agustin Quinones
earned his Bachelor's degree in Biology from UC Santa Cruz in 2017. In January 2018, he founded Golden State Seed Co., an online marketplace specializing in California Native seeds and aquaponically grown house plants. Agustin is also an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, where he applies his expertise in environmental health to support public safety initiatives.
DV Science '15
Eileen J. Olivares
received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Loyola Marymount University, graduating Summa Cum Laude and earning a spot on the Dean's List for 8 semesters. She went on to earn a M.S. in Healthcare Systems Engineering from Loyola Marymount University before pursuing graduate studies at UCLA, where she completed a M.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology. Eileen is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology at UCLA, conducting research in the Loo Lab. Her academic achievements include prestigious fellowships such as the NIH T32 CMB Trainee, the Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship, and the Graduate Dean Scholar Award. She also serves as Treasurer for the Graduate Biochemistry Student Association (gBSA) and mentors in the IGNITE Mentorship Program.
DV Science ‘13
Brian Vallelunga
raised more than $20 million in start-up funding from venture capitalists and angel investors to launch Doppler, a developer-first secrets management platform, before he was 25. A software engineer and technologist who is the CEO and Founder of Doppler, Brian was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2021. He attended UC Santa Cruz where he studied Computer Science, completed business certificates in Strategy and Leadership from Harvard Business School Online, and startup business training from Y Combinator.
PARTNERSHIPS MATTER
At Da Vinci, community partners play a vital role in providing hands-on, career-connected learning experiences, mentoring, internships, exposure to careers, project planning support, direct funding, in-kind support, and much more.
We are extremely grateful to work in partnership with dozens of industry, higher education, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners who are on the leading edge of innovation in their respective fields.
...and many more!
ALUMNI OUTCOME DATA
94% of Da Vinci graduates completed the A-G college entrance requirements, a rate 50% higher than the 2023 state average
71% four-year college acceptance rate (2012-2023)
82% of Da Vinci graduates enroll in college immediately after high school, 20% above the most recent state and national averages
91% of Da Vinci students persist in second year of college, 15% above the national average
38 A.A. degrees and 6 Bachelor degrees attained to date, debt-free, at Da Vinci Connect and Rivet School with Da Vinci
73 Certificates, 382 A.A. degrees, 592 Bachelor degrees, 38 Master degrees, and 1 PhD earned by Da Vinci grads since our inception
WHERE DO DA VINCI GRADUATES GO?
Da Vinci’s 496 graduates from the Class of 2024 were accepted to a wide range of right-fit colleges and universities across the nation, including: UC Berkeley, UCLA, Stanford University, Boston University, USC, Loyola Marymount University, Howard University, Berklee College of Music, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, West Point, El Camino College, and many more! For a complete list, click here.
Many thanks to Dr. Jo Webber and our friends at Pod.io for the awesome college acceptance map. Use ctrl + scroll to zoom the map.
Awards & Recognition
Top Charter School
Da Vinci Design was recognized as a Top 10 Charter School in California for Boosting College and Career Success by the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA).
WASC Accreditation
Da Vinci Connect and Da Vinci RISE were granted 6-year terms of accreditation in 2023-24 by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). The 6-year accreditation is the highest accreditation level granted by WASC, reaffirming
Da Vinci’s dedication to providing high quality education and fostering student success.
CA Distinguished Schools
Da Vinci Connect TK-8 and
Da Vinci Science each were recognized as California Distinguished Schools for 2023-24 for their outstanding work in closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance.
Purple Star Schools
Da Vinci Communications, Da Vinci Design, and Da Vinci Science each earned the 2024 California Purple Star distinction, joining a select group of just 127 schools throughout California to receive the honor for going above and beyond to support military-connected students and their families. Col. Mia Walsh, commander of the Los Angeles Air Force Base, presented Purple Star School Awards to the Da Vinci Schools Board of Trustees on Feb. 28, 2024. > Read more
CA Honor Roll
Da Vinci Communications and
Da Vinci Science were each named to the Educational Results Partnership’s 2024 California Honor Roll list of top performing schools and school districts, which recognizes top public schools, school districts, and charter schools that have outperformed their peers in closing achievement gaps.
IN THE MEDIA
Da Vinci Schools received media coverage for its thought leadership and innovative programs and practices throughout the year.
Life @ DV Newsletter
In November 2023, Da Vinci launched a new monthly newsletter,
Life @ DV, dedicated to highlighting the latest news, collaborations, innovations, alumni accomplishments, and much more.
Da Vinci Schools practices sound financial policies that support the long term overall health of the organization. Philanthropic contributions help support services and opportunities that we cannot provide with public funding alone. The 2023-24 overall operating budget was $39.8 million.
Fiscal Responsibility Matters
Partnering for Progress ($25K+)
We are so grateful to have a community of funding partners that continue to give so generously. Thank you to all of our donors!
The Boeing Company
Chevron Products Company
The Collins Foundation
CTE Incentive Grant
Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program
Golden State Pathways Program
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools
K12 Strong Workforce Program
Learning Innovation Fund
Northrop Grumman Foundation
The Pipkin Family Foundation
Da Vinci Champions
2023-2024
Da Vinci Schools is governed by an independent Board of Trustees comprised of distinguished community leaders. We are deeply grateful for the leadership, expertise and commitment of all our board members:
Da Vinci Board of Trustees
Jo Webber
Board President
Ray Santiago
Board Vice President
Brian Meath
Board Treasurer
Derrick Boston
Board Trustee
Founder & CEO
Pod Network LLC
Principal
Nigro Karlin Segal & Feldstein
Chief Administrative Officer
& General Counsel
Raul Ochoa
Board Trustee
Leslie Heimov
Board Trustee
Chief Engineer for Thermal Products
The Boeing Company
Manager of Mechanical Engineering
Teledyne Controls
Executive Director
Children’s Law Center of California
Da Vinci RISE Board Members
The Board of Directors is the governing body for Da Vinci Schools:
LA County known as Da Vinci RISE High.
Lida Jennings
Board President
Tom Johnstone
Member
Christopher Taylor
Member
Dr. Carla McCullough
Member
Executive Director
Teach for America
Los Angeles
Retired Superintendent Wiseburn Unified
School District
Engineering Director
Northrop Grumman
Aerospace Systems
Efficiency and Operations Consultant
U.N.A. Consulting
Da Vinci Schools Fund Board of Directors
The Da Vinci Schools Fund (DVSF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit operating as an Education Foundation for all Da Vinci Schools and programs. The Fund's main focus areas are Education Innovation, Community Engagement, and Fundraising & Financial Services.
Gary Wayland
Board President
Cindy Smet
Board Vice President
Don Brann
Director
Nick Galano
Director
Principal
Wayland & Vukadinovich
Independent Philanthropy Professional
Retired Superintendent
Director, Starlink Sales SpaceX
Chet Pipkin
Director
Ilia Terrazas-Dickey
Director
Founder and Executive Chairman
Belkin
Founder/CEO
Centerpeace
Jo Webber
Director
Founder & CEO
Pod Network LLC
Nichol Whiteman
Director
Chief Executive Officer
Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation