Doral Academy of Northern Nevada
Doral Academy of Northern Nevada (DANN)
Doral Academy of Northern Nevada (DANN) earned two statewide distinctions that underscore exceptional history teaching and civic education.
Doral Academy, every student in every grade level, K-8, enjoys regular lessons history, geography, and civics, and every student learns how
important it is to use their voice”— Angela Orr, Principal at Doral Academy of Norther NevadaRENO, NV, UNITED STATES, October 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Doral Academy of Northern Nevada (DANN) is marking a notable period of accolades following the receipt of two statewide awards that spotlight excellence in history instruction and civic education.
The academy’s series of achievements began on September 3, 2026, when DANN history teacher Sophia Blair was named Nevada’s 2026 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year. Presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in partnership with the Nevada Department of Education, the prize recognizes outstanding K—12 history educators who enliven history through creativity, critical thinking, and skillful use of primary sources that enable students to better comprehend and explore the past.
“Sophia demonstrates the kind of history instruction we want students to experience at Doral Academy,” said Amanda Jo Hughes, Education Programs Professional for Social Studies at the Nevada Department of Education. “Her students are learning to think critically, examine evidence, ask meaningful questions, and engage with different perspectives as they build their own understanding of the past.”
The honors continued on Friday, September 18, 2026, when Nevada State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Victor Wakefield and Christine Hull of the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement surprised the DANN K—8 campus to officially bestow the inaugural Nevada School of Civic Excellence award. This accolade recognizes schools that demonstrate excellence in civic learning, promote active student engagement and respectful dialogue, and cultivate a community-oriented atmosphere that readies students to become informed, active citizens.
“As educators, we share one of the greatest responsibilities in the republic—we are collectively responsible for ensuring that the next generation understands the tenets of democracy and their high responsibility to maintain it and expand it further,” said Angela Orr, Principal at Doral Academy of Norther Nevada. “For this reason, at Doral Academy, every student in every grade level, K-8, enjoys regular lessons history, geography, and civics, and every student learns how important it is to use their voice”.
These statewide honors accompany DANN’s broader academic successes. The academy’s middle school is currently ranked No. 8 among middle schools in Nevada, with a 93.3 Index Score.
About Doral Academy of Northern Nevada:
Doral Academy of Northern Nevada (DANN) is an award-winning, tuition-free, K—8 public charter school in Reno committed to academic excellence, whole-child development, and innovative learning. Through rigorous academics, an arts-integrated curriculum, and hands-on STEM opportunities, DANN inspires students to become confident decision-makers, creative problem solvers, and engaged citizens. The academy fosters a culture of kindness, community involvement, and student voice while preparing young learners to lead with curiosity, compassion, and purpose.
To learn more about Doral Academy of Northern Nevada, please visit
www.doralnorthernnevada.org
Courtney Meredith
Design on Edge
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