Da Vinci Schools
Eric Marintsch is an experienced educator specializing in computer science and mathematics. Currently serving as a Computer Science Teacher at Da Vinci Schools since 2015, Eric emphasizes project-based learning to enhance students' computational thinking and project management skills. As a Master Teacher Fellow in Computer Science at Math for America Los Angeles since 2018, Eric focuses on professional development and initiatives related to the AP CS Principles exam and Career Technical Education programs. Previous roles include teaching mathematics at Nelson Mandela School and Urban Action Academy, where Eric employed inquiry-based methods to foster problem-solving and mathematical discourse. Eric holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master's degree in Science for Teachers from Pace University.
Da Vinci Schools
Da Vinci Schools is a TK-College public charter school network located in Los Angeles, California, United States. Da Vinci Schools are dedicated to preparing students for college completion and 21st century jobs through an interdisciplinary project-based, real-world curriculum. Ninety-eight (98%) of Da Vinci graduates have successfully completed the A-G subject requirements for admission to a University of California or Cal State campus (a rate 51% higher than the State Average). Da Vinci graduates have been accepted to every UC and CSU, and to Stanford, MIT, Yale, Columbia, Brown, Princeton, Dartmouth, Purdue, USC, LMU, and many other prestigious private and public universities across the nation. Da Vinci signature programs and practices include: project-based, real-world learning; career pathways: a small and personalized learning environment where every student is known, seen and valued; strategic public-private partnerships with many innovative industry, higher-ed, and nonprofit leaders; an Internship and Work Experience Program in which high school students gain on-the-job, work experience; and an Early College Program in which students take college classes for credit (at no cost to families) while they simultaneously earn their high school diploma. Dr. David Brown, the former executive director of the WASC Accrediting Commission, said "Da Vinci Schools are among the very finest I've seen." Former CA State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, said "Da Vinci Schools should be a model for other public schools in the state." The Los Angeles Times reported that Da Vinci Schools offer a teaching model that would make Leonardo da Vinci proud.