On Feb. 11, Self Development Charter School (SDCS) hosted its Middle School and High School Information Night for parents and students.
Among the presenters were the school leaders from four of Mesa’s high schools, i9 Sports’ representatives, as well as SDCS administration and faculty members. With a wonderful turnout, the event was a huge success.
Several local high school administrators attended the event. Among the school leaders present were Brian Snoddy, Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center; Greg Milbrandt, Mountain View High School (School of the Champs); Dr. Catherine McDaniel, Red Mountain High School (Cambridge International Examination School); and Nina Johnston of Westwood High School (International Bachelorette Program).
These administrators presented valuable insight into choosing an appropriate school to meet students’ specific needs, and discussed the programs offered at their schools. Presenters included Mr. Snoddy, Mr. Milbrandt, Dr. McDaniel and Ms. Johnston. Parents and students were given the opportunity to meet individual high school leaders to discuss their programs.
During the information session, SDCS faculty provided an overview of the academic program, which includes Language Arts (grammar and writing) and Literature (high school level), Social Studies, Science (i.e., Life, Physical, Biology, AP Biology), Math (i.e. Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) and Foreign Language (Latin and Spanish). The Foreign Language courses are hybrid classes, offered through Middlebury College. Students have the opportunity to enroll in various electives as well, including computers, journalism, art, SAT prep, Math Counts and Science Bowl.
A student’s SDCS middle school years begin with grade six. Many students transition from SDCS’s elementary program (kindergarten through grade five) directly into the middle school. However, students are welcome at any grade level. SDCS’s middle school program continues the tradition of an accelerated curriculum, which begins during the elementary school years.
The SDCS 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 SDCS have the reputation for being self-disciplined, motivated learners who tend to be highly successful in high school. SDCS coordinates with local high schools to facilitate a smooth transition to high school and ensure student success.
“The commitment to academic excellence Self Development Charter School provides to my son is preparing him for a seamless transition from junior high to high school,” shared Dr. Alysha Bundy, a parent of a middle school child at Self Development Charter School. “The integral role of the teachers and staff in my son’s development is far and beyond what I expect of a school,” Dr. Bundy added. “Thank you for your perseverance and dedication not only to students, but also to the future of our youth.”
Another parent of a student at SDCS also expressed her appreciation for the quality education her child is receiving. “It was fascinating to hear how far an individual, motivated student may progress through a custom-tailored curriculum at SDCS,” said AnnElise Makin. “It is amazing to think students could achieve such high school levels in math. It is never too soon to think about that next step,” AnnElise continued. “The presentations by AAEC, Mountain View, Red Mountain, and Westwood—all excellent schools—were so varied and interesting.”
In its commitment to develop well-rounded students, SDCS offers various extracurricular activities, including violin and percussion classes. The school also offers clubs, such as dance, foreign language and sports.
Next year, SDCS will partner with i9 Sports to provide students with athletic skills instruction and competitive opportunities. Sports may include soccer, basketball, volleyball and flag football. Also, the school is preparing to start a robotics program for the 2014-2015 school year. Again, given the academic and extracurricular opportunities, students are well prepared to transfer to high school.
For more information regarding Self Development Charter School, please contact the front office at (480) 641-2640.