A student’s path to academic success begins with the kindergarten program at Self Development Academy (SDA).
Parent and elementary school faculty member Jessie Christensen happily voices her thoughts regarding the kindergarten program at SDA. “I have two daughters attending kindergarten at SDA,” she stated. “I am amazed every day with the work my children are doing and the level at which they are performing. They both already were reading within the first month of school and doing addition and subtraction facts,” Jessie continued. “They love coming to school. Their teachers, as well as all the staff, truly care for my daughters and want them to succeed.” Similar comments and testimonies are heard over and over again from SDA parents.
SDA
SDA, a public charter school, serving students from kindergarten through grade eight, is known in the local community and statewide for its outstanding academic programs. Now in its 17th year, SDA consistently has been ranked among the top five elementary and junior high schools in the state. The success of SDA students is due to Dr. Anjum Majeed, its visionary leader. Dedicated faculty and staff, as well as supportive parents and hardworking, diligent students all play an important role in the school’s continued success.
The SDA Core Curriculum
SDA offers an accelerated curriculum, with students learning a minimum of one grade level ahead of the Arizona Department of Education Standards. The SDA kindergarten curriculum emphasizes the two main areas of language arts and mathematics. The language arts curriculum focuses on phonemic awareness, reading fluency, reading comprehension, handwriting and grammar.
At the end of the kindergarten year, students are reading fluently at the grade one level and writing complete sentences. They even are creating their own storybooks. Number sense, addition and subtraction, fractions, patterns and the basics of time and money are components of the mathematics curriculum. During the kindergarten year, students master the concept of addition and subtraction and memorize math facts. By the end of the kindergarten year, SDA students are well prepared to continue with the accelerated curriculum as grade-one students.
Specials at SDA
In addition to laying a strong language arts and mathematics foundation, SDA offers weekly specials, including physical education, music and art classes. For more than fives years, Mrs. Christy Porter, the music and violin teacher at SDA, has led the music class. The students showcase their musical talents twice a year at the Winter Program and Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony.
Each classroom at SDA has an interactive computer board allowing technology to be woven into curriculum, as well. Through specials, the kindergarten students develop other important skills, such as gross and fine motor and social skills.
The SDA Kindergarten Team
The success of the kindergarten program is due in large part to the SDA Kindergarten Team. This team is made up of Mrs. Kathi Haschke, Mrs. Lori Redivo, Mrs. Linda Steiner and Mrs. Kelli Wolfe. Kindergarten aides and other school personnel support the kindergarten program and students, too. The teachers and staff foster the high academic and personal standards of the program in a nurturing environment. The Kindergarten Team is passionate about educating children, many serving the SDA community for more than five years. The team is dedicated to being a special part of the educational experiences of students.
Enroll now. Limited spaces are available for the 2017 – 2018 school year. For more information regarding SDA, or to arrange a tour, please contact the front office at (480) 641-2640.