Continuing its focus on providing an unparalleled college preparatory program, Self Development Charter School (SDCS) is bringing extraordinary enrichment to promote students’ academic growth and personal success.
Reflecting on our past achievements prepares us for our future growth. Receiving the 2010 Charter School of the Year award from the Arizona Charter Schools Association was an extraordinary way to celebrate the 10th anniversary. Throughout the years, SDCS has remained true to its vision of providing an excellent academic foundation in an atmosphere respectful and supportive of individual student needs.
SDCS is a public charter school, which encourages students of all abilities to meet the challenges of a rigorous academic curriculum. Over the years, SDCS has evolved into a thriving learning community of lifelong learners. This evolution has led to these exciting changes coming in the next year.
The school is launching a unique program, which encourages its students to tap their potential for research, creativity and innovation. The school not only encourages high academic achievement, but also cultivates a culture of creativity and curiosity among its students.
At a year-end assembly, Max Gau, a fourth-grade student, before an audience of parents and grandparents, talked about a pilot program from this year. Max initiated a program titled Self Development’s Windows of Opportunities.
The program’s purpose was to create a stronger bond between older and younger students, as well as siblings attending SDCS. The pilot program was a success, and SDCS plans on implementing the program school-wide next year. SDCS will use this program as an example to help guide future student-initiated projects. Accolades to Max for taking this initiative!
Another area of focus is on foreign languages. Students in grades three through eight will have the opportunity to participate in a foreign language course, choosing Spanish, Latin or Mandarin. For high-achieving middle school students (sixth through eighth grades), language courses at the high school level will be available.
The new technology center at the school, to be ready this fall, will facilitate hands-on technology and laboratory experiences to supplement science, math and technology curriculum. Focusing on science, technology, engineering and math, the proposed programs will work toward providing exposure to career opportunities in aeronautics, architecture and drafting, engineering, robotics and, eventually, digital video and biotechnology.
To meet the needs of its student population, SDCS’ middle school program (sixth through eighth grades) will offer varying levels of rigor in several of the subject areas. The most rigorous level in math provides the opportunity for high-achieving middle school students to take Algebra I in sixth grade and Algebra II in eighth grade. These students also can take geometry in seventh grade.
For more information regarding SDCS, please contact the school at (480) 641-2640. You also may view the school’s Web site at www.selfdevelopmentcharterschool.com.