Self Development Academy (SDA) is well known within the local community and statewide as a top-ranked elementary and middle public charter school.
SDA provides students from kindergarten through grade eight with an accelerated curriculum within a nurturing and supportive environment. All students learn a minimum of one grade level ahead of the Arizona Department of Education Mathematics and English Language Arts standards.
Year after year, SDA students have proven they can achieve high levels of academic learning and success. One factor contributing to student academic success is the close monitoring of each student’s learning process and the provision of support and enrichment on an individual and as-needed student basis.
How does SDA meet the needs of exceptional students, those students who are gifted and are seeking more challenging academic experiences? First, some students are recommended to sit a higher grade level, skipping one to two grade levels. Second, students participate in enrichment programs and afterschool activities, such as Math Counts, First Lego League or Science Olympiad.
During the 2017-2018 school year, SDA has piloted a unique gifted and talented program, the Young Scholars Program. Young Scholar participants are outstanding students. Teachers have identified them as students who have high personal and academic standards, consistently exhibiting a passion for learning and dedication to success. They often are leaders in the classroom and school community.
The Young Scholars Program challenges students by engaging them in various project-based activities. The assignments require research, application of mathematical concepts, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills and in-depth discussions.
For particular projects, some students fulfill the role of project manager, further enhancing their leadership skills. Participation in this program allows students to reach their highest potential. The school community anxiously is awaiting the many discoveries and creations from the program participants.
The Young Scholars Program is spearheaded by two veteran teachers, Mrs. Annmarie Rivera and Mrs. Jamie Smith. Mrs. Rivera has been an employee of SDA since 2006. In addition to her role as an elementary and middle school teacher, Mrs. Rivera has been a member of the site-based management team. This school year marks Mrs. Smith’s eighth year as an elementary education teacher with SDA. Both teachers are passionate about education, dedicated to their students, and have an amazing ability to assist students to reach their highest potential.
SDA is a kindergarten through grade eight public charter school. For more information regarding enrollment and/or to arrange a tour, please contact the Front Office at (480) 641-2640.