Davidson Academy is a school designed for profoundly gifted students, scoring in the 99.9th percentile. It offers both in-person and online options tailored to their unique needs.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. A peer-reviewed study published in Peabody Journal of Education found that homeschooled children are typically well-adjusted socially and score above average on measures of social skills, emotional development, and daily living skills (Richard Medlin, 2013).
What is Davidson Academy?
Davidson Academy is for profoundly gifted kids. These students score at or above the 99.9th percentile on intelligence or achievement tests, which is about 1 in 1,000 kids. The Reno campus opened in 2006. It was the first public school in the U.S. for these students, located on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. In 2017, Davidson Academy Online started, making it easier for qualifying students across the U.S. and Canada to join. Both schools are part of the nonprofit Davidson Institute.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for Davidson Academy, students need documented scores at or above the 99.9th percentile from tests taken in the last five years. They also need to show advanced performance in core subjects, usually working three years ahead of their peers. Besides test scores, students must show they’re socially and emotionally ready for a challenging environment. The application process includes a two-day academic readiness assessment to ensure a good fit.
Reno campus vs. online
The Reno campus requires students to live in Nevada and relocate to the area. The best part? Tuition is free, thanks to public funding and private donations. Davidson Academy Online is open to students across the U.S. and Canada. For non-Nevada residents, tuition costs $17,000 a year for high school and $13,000 for middle school in 2026. They do consider family circumstances for tuition. Nevada residents can attend the online program for free if they prove their residency. Both programs group students by ability, not age.
Connection to homeschooling
Research shows almost 90% of profoundly gifted kids try homeschooling because regular schools often can’t meet their needs. Davidson Academy offers a structured option for families looking for peer-level instruction or specialized support. The online program is popular with homeschool families who want accredited courses and a community of peers, all while keeping the flexibility of homeschooling. Families can even enroll in single courses to add specific advanced subjects to their homeschool program.
The bottom line
Davidson Academy fills a real need for families with profoundly gifted kids who often struggle to find the right educational options. While the 99.9th percentile requirement is strict, those who qualify gain access to intellectual peers, challenging courses, and teachers who understand asynchronous development. Homeschool families should consider if their child needs the structure and peer interaction Davidson provides or if they prefer the flexibility of homeschooling.
