During mid-March, schools across the state, including Self Development Academy (SDA), scrambled to develop distance learning opportunities so the education of Arizona’s children could continue during the COVID-19 global pandemic — a truly unexpected, alarming, and unprecedented situation.
SDA administration and faculty members rose to the challenge, exceeding families’ expectations for the continuation of education during this time.
SDA, a public charter school serving kindergarten through eighth-grade students, is a pillar in Mesa and the surrounding communities. SDA and Self Development Preschool (SDP), located adjacent to SDA, are known not only for their outstanding academic programs but for the care and compassion shown to their children, students, families, and the greater community.
Here’s one of the many positive comments made by SDA family members regarding the school’s response to the recent school closure:
“A great big thank you! As the grandmother and the caregiver of one of your sixth-grade students, we cannot thank you enough for the amazing work you and your staff are doing at keeping up with Ryan’s education. A special thanks to the middle school teachers. These teachers must be working round the clock to be able to keep in touch with us and helping with the questions we have had. These teachers have more than met the need; please know we cannot possibly thank you enough. From the assignments to the timely feedback, you have made this time much easier than we could have ever believed possible. Know you are appreciated. We will see you in August.”
During the school closure, administration team members made countless phone calls to school community members to simply check-in and provide any needed assistance with the distance learning transition. Other members of the administration organized community swaps of scarce resources for any member of the community to participate.
One reason for the students’ consistent high level of academic performance is the administration’s commitment to continuous school improvement and enhancement, and the ability to adapt in an ever-changing world, as witnessed especially over the past few months.
Once schools were officially closed for the year, SDA transitioned from a brick and mortar educational environment to an online learning platform in a week’s time! The provision of education was seamless, and meaningful virtual classes were held throughout each week. Teachers and students really enjoyed the online lessons and being able to connect with one another.
Now entering its 21st year, SDA has consistently been ranked among the top elementary and middle schools in the state and nation. SDA offers an accelerated academic program, ensuring students obtain a strong foundation in each core subject area: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
At the same time, students have ample opportunities to develop higher level thinking abilities, such as problem solving and critical thinking skills through the Logic and Reasoning (grades 1–5) and Philosophy (grades 6–8) curricula. SDA is committed to developing well-rounded students and offers Foreign Language, Technology, Art, Sports, Dance, and Music classes to name just a few.
Self Development schools, having been a staple in the community for over three decades, are experiencing second generation children enrolling at SDP and SDA. Former students, some now parents of students, share the impact SDA has had on their personal, educational, and vocational journeys. Year after year, they return and share that the accelerated learning environment and emphasis on organizational and study skills well prepared them for high school and beyond.
The opportunity to complete higher level classes in middle school such as Algebra I and II and Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and Advanced Literature set the stage for Honors and AP classes in high school, and acceptance at prestigious colleges and universities. Equally as important, former students and family members regularly stop in and visit their teachers because of the family feeling at SDA.
If you are looking for a school that offers a rigorous academic program in a nurturing environment, then look no further than SDA. In the wake of the pandemic and in preparation for the reopening, SDA is continuously toiling to develop plans for the 2020-2021 school year. SDA administration and faculty wish for a normal start to the new school year, however, will be prepared for any scenario.
Enroll now. There are limited spaces for the 2020-2021 school year. For more information regarding SDA, or to arrange a tour, please contact the Front Office at (480) 641-2640. Social distancing practices are in place.