Greetings from the Principal: Claudia Castañón
It is with great pride and excitement that I introduce myself as the new principal of Da Vinci School for Science and the Arts. My journey in the district began right here five years ago, and I am truly honored to return to Da Vinci, a place where creativity, innovation, and academic excellence come together in powerful and inspiring ways.
Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in leadership roles at several of our elementary feeder schools. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the academic and social foundations our students need to thrive in a dynamic learning environment like Da Vinci’s.
Throughout my time in the district, I’ve been guided by a passion for student-centered learning, inclusive practices, and building strong, meaningful relationships with families and staff. I wholeheartedly believe in Da Vinci’s unique mission of blending science, the arts, and real-world learning. I am committed to honoring the school’s tradition of excellence, while working collaboratively to shape an even brighter future.
I look forward to partnering with our talented staff, engaged families, and curious driven students to make this school year one of growth, exploration, and achievement.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Claudia Castañón
Da Vinci Principal
Welcome Letter from the Middle School Principal: Joshua Colby
Dear Da Vinci Students, Families, and Community,
I am incredibly excited to begin this school year as the Middle School Principal of Da Vinci School for Science and the Arts. After nearly two decades in education and eight years with Burnham Wood Charter Schools, it is an honor to continue serving a school and community that has become such an important part of my life.
During my eight years with the district, I have had the opportunity to serve Da Vinci in several different roles, first as an English teacher and English Department Head, then as Assistant Principal, and now as Principal of the Middle School. Each of those experiences has given me the opportunity to work closely with our students, teachers, and families and has strengthened my appreciation for what makes Da Vinci such a unique place to learn and grow.
As Middle School Principal, I am especially excited to work with our seventh and eighth grade students during such an important time in their lives. Middle school should be a place where students are challenged academically, encouraged to discover who they are, and given opportunities to explore their interests and talents. Just as importantly, I want every student who walks through our doors to know that they belong here. Every Dragon should feel known, valued, supported, and proud to be part of the Da Vinci community.
I believe great schools are built on strong relationships, high expectations, and a genuine commitment to helping students thrive. Our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Quality of Work, and Quality of Self reflect the kind of students and community we hope to develop. I look forward to partnering with our teachers, staff, and families to create an environment where our students can learn, grow, take chances, make mistakes, celebrate successes, and prepare for everything that comes next.
I am proud to call Da Vinci home, and I could not be more excited about the year ahead. I look forward to seeing our seventh and eighth graders thrive and to making their middle school experience one they will remember for all the right reasons.
Joshua Colby
Middle School Principal
Da Vinci School for Science and the Arts