Leonardo da Vinci Health Sciences Charter School

A Chula Vista Charter School Elevating Education Through Holistic Health and Inquiry-Based Learning

At Leonardo da Vinci Charter School (LdVCS), we believe that a healthy child is a successful child. Our mission is to be a nurturing learning community that cultivates health-literate students, equipping them with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and attitudes to become influential contributors in a constantly evolving global society. We live by the wise words of Leonardo da Vinci, “You can have no dominion greater or less than that over yourself.“

What Makes LdVCS the Chula Vista Charter School for Your Child?

Personal Health

Health education isn’t just a subject at LdVCS—it’s a lifestyle. Students dedicate 30 minutes daily to Physical & Health Education Class where they set achievable goals for their social, emotional, and physical well-being. This commitment to personal health forms the backbone of our unique educational model.

Community Health

Our students not only take care of themselves but extend that care to the larger community. By immersing them in project-based learning units, we boost their awareness about pressing health issues like obesity, diabetes, and communicable diseases. They learn the power of activism through participation in health fairs, video campaigns, and other community-driven events.

Environmental Health

Environmental stewardship is crucial at LdVCS. The curriculum incorporates the California Environmental Education Initiative (EEI) to provide a comprehensive view on how personal habits can impact the environment. Our students understand that their choices can create a ripple effect, inspiring them to promote sustainable practices.

Informed Decision Making

LdVCS students are empowered to make choices rooted in reliable, health-related information. We equip them with the resources to assess the credibility of health products, services, and information.

The Power of Inquiry & Project-Based Learning (PBL)

“Just as food is eaten without appetite is a tedious nourishment, so does study without zeal damage the memory by not assimilating what it absorbs.” – Leonardo da Vinci

At LdVCS, Project Based Learning is more than a teaching methodology—it’s the framework for engaging students in authentic, meaningful learning experiences. Here’s how it benefits our students:

  • Increased Motivation: The interactive and immersive nature of PBL inspires students to show up on time, engage fully, and delve deeper into their studies.

  • Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Our curriculum places an emphasis on higher-order cognitive skills. Through challenging project-based tasks, students become adept at posing questions and solving complex problems.

  • Improved Research Skills: PBL encourages students to think beyond textbooks. They venture into authentic research, utilizing a variety of resources ranging from reliable internet sources to hands-on data collection.

  • Boosted Collaboration: With lessons focusing on the language of discourse, students practice effective communication skills in an environment that values kindness, patience, and multiple perspectives.

A Chula Vista Charter School Cultivating Habits of Mind

We aim to nurture not just academics but also the “habits of mind” that lead to lifelong success. Inspired by Art Costa, these habits include:

  1. Thinking and communicating with clarity
  2. Persisting
  3. Listening with understanding and empathy
  4. Gathering data through all the senses
  5. Creating, imagining, and innovating
  6. Thinking about your thinking (Metacognition)
  7. Responding with wonderment and awe
  8. Questioning and problem-posing
  9. Taking responsible risks
  10. Managing impulsivity
  11. Finding humor
  12. Thinking Flexibly
  13. Thinking interdependently
  14. Remaining open to continuous learning
  15. Applying past knowledge to new situations

We invite you to experience the LdVCS difference and watch your child thrive in an environment that cares for their total well-being while challenging them academically.

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact us today!

Discover why Leonardo da Vinci Charter School is the number one charter school in Chula Vista for project-based learning. Enroll now and become part of our thriving learning community!