Thinking about school? You probably have a lot of questions. What time does school start? Will I know anyone? What’s lunch like? Are the classes hard?
We get it. Starting at a new school is a big deal. So let’s walk through a day at Digital Arts & Technology Academy (DATA), from the moment you walk in the door to the final bell.
Here’s the short version: every day at DATA follows a schedule you can count on, but no two days feel exactly the same. You’ll learn in class, of course. You’ll also learn while filming a project outside, cheering on your house during a Friday Advisory challenge, or swapping ideas with friends at lunch.
Our week is a little different
At DATA, classes meet Tuesday through Friday. There are no classes on Mondays. That’s when our teachers and staff meet to train and plan, so you get the day off from classes. Yes, you read that right! No school on Monday. However, Monday is also a day when you can catch up on assignments or get ready for your week ahead.
A sample day at DATA
Here’s what a typical Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday looks like:
| Time | What’s Happening |
| 7:20 a.m. | Doors open |
| 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. | Flex time |
| 8:00 to 9:10 a.m. | 1st Period |
| 9:14 to 10:24 a.m. | 2nd Period |
| 10:28 to 11:38 a.m. | 3rd Period |
| 11:38 a.m. to 12:13 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:17 to 1:27 p.m. | 4th Period |
| 1:31 to 2:16 p.m. | Advisory (5th Period) |
| 2:20 to 3:30 p.m. | 6th Period |
Now let’s take a closer look at each part of your day.
Ease into your morning with flex time
The building opens at 7:20 a.m., and flex time runs from 7:30 until your first period starts at 8:00. Flex time is your chance to start the day at your own pace. You can use it to:
- Eat breakfast
- Catch up on classwork
- Ask a teacher a question
- Check in with your advisor
- Hang out with friends
- Take a few quiet minutes to get ready for the day
A school where people know your name
As you walk into school, staff are outside waiting to welcome you and check in with you. We believe that when you feel known and supported, it’s easier to focus, work hard, and get creative.
At DATA, you won’t get lost in the crowd. Our teachers know every student by name. They also pay attention to how you’re doing. If something is making school harder for you, whether it’s a tough class or something going on with friends, your teachers will notice and help.
What your classes are like
You’ll take five core classes, and each one is 70 minutes long. That might be longer than you’re used to, but the extra time is a good thing. It means you have room to ask questions, make sure you understand the material, and really dig into what you’re learning.
Our classes are small, so you’ll get to work in groups, brainstorm ideas, and have real conversations with your classmates and teachers.
As you move through high school, you can also take:
- Electives: digital arts, theater, animation, printmaking, photography, and moreAP (Advanced Placement) classes: college-level courses where a good score on the AP exam can earn you college credit
- Dual Credit classes: college classes you take while you’re still in high school, so you can earn credit for both
Advisory: your home base at DATA
Every day includes a 45-minute Advisory period. In Advisory, you’ll be part of a small group of students from different grades, led by a teacher who is your Advisor. Your Advisor gets to know you, and you get to know them, so you always have someone in your corner.
Advisory classes are grouped into houses, and each house has its own personality and identity. Since houses mix grades together, older students mentor younger ones. That means even on your first day, you’ll have people who know their way around and are happy to help you out.
Friday challenges
Houses also go head to head in friendly competitions. Every Friday, your house can earn points in challenges like:
- Scavenger Hunt
- Game Show Challenge
- Meme Challenge
- Trivia Challenge
- Poster Competition
- Video Competition
- “Make an Admin Laugh” Competition
At the end of each quarter, the house with the most points wins a prize, like a special lunch or breakfast, a trip to the movies, or a field trip. It’s a fun way to blow off steam, show off your talents, and bond with your house.
Meet Pippa, our therapy dog
One of the most popular members of the DATA family has four paws. Pippa is a rescue dog and a proud member of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Her job is to bring comfort and smiles to everyone she meets, and she’s really good at it. If you’re having a rough day, a visit with Pippa can make it a lot better.
Lunch: time to recharge
Lunch is 35 minutes, and it’s a chance to take a break, relax, and catch up with friends. Students can eat anywhere on campus. You can bring your lunch from home or pre-order from our lunch partner, Rhubarb & Elliott. There are also microwaves, filtered water stations, and a snack bar on campus. A local food truck is parked right at the edge of campus and many students take advantage of this option as well.
During lunch, you’ll also see our community spirit in action right away. One day, you might find students clapping for staff and for each other as they walk into the building. Another day you might find the Dungeons and Dragons club playing a game in the lobby. Some students spend the time hanging out with friends while others play video games.
Room to create
If you visit DATA, you might see students working on their own around campus, snapping photos or filming a project. Because DATA focuses on digital arts and technology, you’ll get to take what you learn in class and turn it into something creative. Your ideas and your way of seeing the world matter here.
Questions you might have
Will I know anyone?
Maybe not on the first day, but that changes fast. Small classes, Advisory, and your house make it easy to meet people in your grade and in other grades too.
What if I need help with schoolwork?
You have lots of options. You can use flex time to meet with a teacher or catch up on work, ask questions during class, or talk with your Advisor.
Is DATA only for artists?
Not at all. DATA offers a full academic program in subjects like English, math, science, and social studies. The digital arts and technology focus simply gives you more ways to be creative with what you learn.
What can I wear?
DATA encourages you to express yourself through what you wear. Just make sure your clothes are respectful of others. Clothing that is offensive or promotes things like violence, drugs, alcohol, or hate isn’t allowed.
A place to grow into yourself
DATA is a safe, supportive school for students in grades 7 through 12. It’s a place to explore who you are, try new things, and figure out what you care about. Between challenging classes, creative projects, and a community that has your back, every day at DATA is a chance to grow and understand yourself, your classmates, and the world around you.
We’d love to have you join us. Come by for a tour or click the link to apply.