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 kindergarten through grade eight students 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, students that 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 Young Scholars, Math Counts or Science Olympiad.
During the 2017-2018 school year, SDA piloted the Young Scholars Program, a unique gifted and talented program. Young Scholars participants are outstanding elementary school-aged 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, hands-on activities. The assignments require research, application of science, mathematics, English language arts 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.
Each week, the Young Scholars group could be found excitedly explaining and demonstrating their creations and inventions. The Young Scholars Program was a huge success. The program will continue this upcoming school year. The school community is anxiously awaiting the many discoveries and creations from next year’s program participants.
Mrs. Annemarie Rivera and Mrs. Jamie Smith, a pair of veteran teachers, spearheaded the Young Scholars Program. 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. The upcoming school year marks Mrs. Smith’s ninth 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 located at 1709 N. Greenfield Road, at Brown and McKellips roads. For more information regarding enrollment and/or to arrange a tour, please contact the Front Office at (480) 641-2640.