Davidson Academy is a free accredited school serving profoundly gifted students (99.9th percentile or above) through an in-person campus in Reno, Nevada and a fully online program available nationwide.
What is Davidson Academy?
Davidson Academy serves a very specific population: profoundly gifted students who score at or above the 99.9th percentile on accepted intelligence or achievement tests (roughly IQ 145+). This represents approximately 1 in 1,000 children. The Reno campus opened in 2006 as the first public school in the United States specifically for profoundly gifted students, located on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Davidson Academy Online launched in 2017, making the program accessible to qualifying students across the U.S. and Canada. Both schools are part of the nonprofit Davidson Institute.
Key Takeaways
- Requires 99.9th percentile scores on accepted IQ or achievement tests
- Reno campus is free for Nevada residents; online program has sliding-scale tuition
- Students grouped by ability rather than age
- High school curriculum based on college-level coursework
- Nearly 90% of profoundly gifted children are homeschooled at some point
Eligibility Requirements
Qualifying for Davidson Academy requires documented scores at or above the 99.9th percentile on accepted tests administered within the past five years. Academic performance must demonstrate advanced middle school level or higher across all core subjects. Most accepted students work at least three years ahead of their age-peers. Beyond test scores, candidates must show social and emotional readiness for a rigorous environment. The thorough application process, including a two-day academic readiness assessment, ensures proper fit for both student and program.
Reno Campus vs. Online
The Reno campus requires Nevada residency and relocation to the Reno area. In exchange, tuition is completely free, covered by public education funding and private philanthropy. Davidson Academy Online serves students anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. Tuition for non-Nevada residents runs $17,000/year for high school students and $13,000/year for middle school students in 2026, though a flexible tuition model considers family circumstances. Nevada residents can attend online tuition-free with proof of residency. Both programs group students by demonstrated ability rather than age.
Connection to Homeschooling
Research shows nearly 90% of profoundly gifted children experience homeschooling at some point, often because traditional schools cannot adequately serve their needs. Davidson Academy provides a structured option when families seek peer-level instruction or specialized support beyond what home education can offer. The online program especially appeals to homeschool families who want accredited coursework and intellectual peer community while maintaining home-based flexibility. Single-course enrollment allows families to supplement their homeschool program with specific advanced courses.
The Bottom Line
Davidson Academy fills a genuine gap for families with profoundly gifted children who've often struggled to find appropriate educational options. The 99.9th percentile requirement is stringent, but for those who qualify, the program offers intellectual peers, appropriately challenging curriculum, and educators who understand asynchronous development. Homeschool families considering Davidson should weigh whether their child needs the structure and peer interaction Davidson provides versus the flexibility of continued home education.
