Da Vinci Learning

Da Vinci Curriculum

Our unique core curriculum is an interdisciplinary course of studies designed by Gailer faculty. It is both inspired by and named after Leonardo da Vinci, the eclectic 15th century artist-scientist-inventor who intuitively understood the relationship among different disciplines and bodies of knowledge. It is designed to help students synthesize the various facts and ideas they encounter during their studies.

Teaching and Learning

Instruction at Gailer emphasizes inductive reasoning and interdisciplinary learning. The format may include seminar-based discussions, lectures, student presentations, field work or group projects. Teachers often start class discussions with a museum artifact, primary source document or laboratory experiment. Students observe carefully, make inferences, develop hypotheses and form value statements. These 'basics' are but the foundation for further intellectual work. The Da Vinci program challenges students to synthesize information from the humanities, sciences and social sciences into a comprehensive body of knowledge. Students often express these ideas through a variety of media.

Outcomes of a Gailer Education

The Gailer School graduates young adults who demonstrate readiness for the rigors of college.

• Understanding of both local and global communities in which they live.
• Commitment to community service.
• Respect for self, others and the environment.
• Thoughtfulness and Humility.
• Independence and Curiosity.