The DaVinci Science and Math program is a vital tool used to attract students with potential to Cardozo High

School. It is imperative to maintain this program's original high standards.

What are we looking for?

 Level 4 on standardized Math and ELA exams

 92+ in Math class grades
 92+ in Science class grades
 Good attendance

Science Guidelines:

 Grade 9: Student must be enrolled in DaVinci Living Environment and any one of three research
classes (physical science research, bio-research or math research).
 Grade 10: DaVinci Chemistry and possibly Siemens-WestingHouse/Intel Research.
 Grade 11: DaVinci Physics and any one of Advanced Placement Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, or
Environmental Science.
 Grade 12: Choice of Advanced Placement Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, or Environmental
Science

General Guidelines:

 DaVinci Students must maintain a grade average of 92+ in science and math.
 Must have science and math each year.
 Teachers of DaVinci classes teach and assign for study as many extended topics as possible. DaVinci
students are encouraged to take the SAT II exam upon completion of the class.
 DaVinci classes are assigned an additional 5% weight for purposes of calculating a student’s GPA and
ranking.
 Whether individually or in groups, DaVinci students are expected to produce a small research project
each year. This may comprise a portion of their class grade.
 DaVinci students are encouraged to participate in Siemens-WestingHouse and Intel research projects.
Successful completion of a research project along with good results on Advanced Placement exams
are two of the most important factors for college admission.

Frequenty Asked Questions

1. How do I get into a DaVinci Science Class?

By recommendation from your Science teacher. If your grades in Science are 92+, then ask your
teacher to recommend you into DaVinci. You should do this during the spring term, usually around
March.
2. Why should I try to take a DaVinci class and/or Advanced Placement (AP) class?
We live in a competitive world. By taking such classes you are demonstrating that you are a serious
student able to handle challenging Classes. Colleges want to see that. Also with DaVinci and AP
classes, you are better prepared for SAT II subject exams. Finally, DaVinci and AP classes are
weighted more in calculating your GPA and ranking, 5% for DaVinci and 10% for AP.
3. What is a DaVinci Diploma?
It is the usual high school diploma but distinguished by having a DaVinci seal on it.
4. What are the minimum requirements for a DaVinci diploma?

There are 2 components to the Da Vinci dimploma: Science and Math

Minimum Science Requirements - 4 years of Science, one of which must be Physics and 2 which must
be DaVinci level, 1 AP Science, and 1 research class (can be any one of the following: Physical
science research, Bio-research, Intel research, or Math research).

Minimum Math Requirements - 4 years of Math including 1 AP Math (either Calculus AB, Calculus BC,
or Statistics)

What if I did not complete all of the above requirements?

In that case you do not receive the DaVinci seal. But your transcript and GPA which is actually what
the colleges see, will reflect the proper credit and weighting for any DaVinci and/or AP classes you
may have taken.