Doral Academy of Northern Nevada
Doral Academy of Northern Nevada (DANN)
Two statewide accolades recognizing outstanding history teaching and civic education have been awarded to Doral Academy of Northern Nevada (DANN).
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 month of recognition after garnering two statewide honors that underscore excellence in history instruction and civic education.
The academy’s string of milestones began on September 3, 2026, when DANN history educator Sophia Blair was named Nevada’s 2026 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year. This award, given by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in partnership with the Nevada Department of Education, honors outstanding K—12 history teachers who enliven the past through creativity, critical thinking, and skillful use of primary sources that help students better comprehend and investigate history.
“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 recognition carried on Friday, September 18, 2026, when Nevada State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Victor Wakefield and Christine Hull from the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement surprised the DANN K—8 campus to formally present the school with the inaugural Nevada School of Civic Excellence award. This distinction honors schools that show excellence in civic learning, foster active student engagement and healthy discourse, and cultivate a community-minded culture that prepares students to become informed, participating 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”.
The statewide recognition coincides with DANN’s broader academic accomplishments. 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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