To meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, Self Development Academy (SDA) is pursuing becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
The IB education focuses on teaching students how to learn, a skill necessary for success in the present world where innovation is rapid. SDA is prepared to implement the IB program during the upcoming school year, while continuing SDA’s commitment to a rigorous curriculum.
The IB program plays a significant role in the administration’s dedication to continuous school enhancement, which is a key reason for the students’ consistent high level of academic performance.
Over the years, SDA, a public charter school educating children for more than 19 years, and a pillar in the Mesa community, has grown from a student body of 37 to 500. The campus has grown, too, from one building, to several facilities, including the Science and Technology Center.
As the SDA community and campus transformed, the commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience to each student by the school’s leader and now superintendent, Dr. Anjum Majeed, has never wavered. Under her direction, the school has been consistently ranked among the top elementary and middle school programs in the local community and in the state.
At SDA, a student’s middle school years begin with grade six. Many students transition from SDA’s elementary program (kindergarten through grade five) directly into middle school. However, students are welcome at any grade level. SDA’s middle school program continues the tradition of an accelerated curriculum, which begins during the elementary school years.
By the time SDA students reach middle school, many are prepared to enroll in Algebra I, Advanced Literature and Advanced Science. During middle school, students have the opportunity to complete Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II, Advanced Literature, Science, including Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Technology, Latin and Spanish.
Many of these courses are not offered until high school. Students completing eighth grade at SDA are enrolled in Honors and Advanced Placement courses upon entering high school. Additionally, many students receive high school credit for courses completed at SDA. This enhances their grade point averages, and makes them highly competitive students when applying to colleges and universities.
The SDA curriculum is designed to instill study skills and academic knowledge for success in high school. Students who complete the kindergarten through grade eight program at SDA have the reputation for being self-disciplined, motivated learners who tend to be highly successful in high school. SDA coordinates with local high schools to facilitate a smooth transition to high school and ensure student success.
Besides the academic focus, students have opportunities to develop other skills, such as public speaking, sports and performance skills. Class plays, winter performances and Science Fair are just a few of the many annual in-house activities. Afterschool activities include Sports Club, Science Olympiad (a competitive team), Dance Club, Choir Club and Student Government. SDA is committed to developing well-rounded students who are well prepared for high school and beyond.
For more information, and/or to schedule a tour, please contact the Front Office at (480) 641-2640. SDA is located at 1709 N. Greenfield Road. Enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year opens on Nov. 1.