What began as a small preschool built on creativity, curiosity, and care has grown into one of Arizona’s highest-performing school communities. Now, Self Development Academy is expanding that legacy into high school education. For Joann Pierson, the story began when her three-yearold daughter first walked into Self Development Preschool.
“We chose Self Development because when we toured the facility, my daughter saw Monet and Picasso art prints hanging in the hallway and immediately fell in love with them,” she recalled. “Right then, we knew this was the school for her.”
What Joann discovered was far more than preschool. She found a community that nurtured inquisitiveness, confidence, and a genuine love for learning. As kindergarten approached, Joann worried that a traditional school setting would not provide enough challenge for her daughter.
Together with other preschool parents, she approached the founder, Dr. Anjum Majeed, with a request to consider opening a charter school. “She agreed to do it,” Joann said. What began as one determined group of families soon became Self Development Academy, now nationally recognized among the top public schools in America.
Years later, as students approached middle school, families once again asked SDA to continue growing with their children. The school expanded again, becoming a premier kindergarten through eighth-grade charter school community known for rigorous academics, strong character development, and a deeply supportive environment where every student is known.
Now, the story has come full circle. Joann’s daughter, once the preschool student inspired by the artwork in the hallway, is now a language arts teacher at Self Development Academy. And once again, Joann Pierson, 26 years later, is instrumental in supporting parental efforts for SDA’s newest chapter: the launch of its high school program beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
It is a reflection of something deeper than academic success. It is a true community of families who continue believing in the mission, values, and opportunities SDA provides for students. “At SDA, every student is known,” said Dr. Anjum Majeed. “Students thrive when they are challenged academically, supported personally, and encouraged to discover their fullest potential.”
The new high school program will continue SDA’s longstanding tradition of rigor and excellence while creating even greater opportunities for students to succeed, adding one grade each year.
Students will have opportunities to pursue pathways in health sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the humanities. Through dual enrollment and dual credit opportunities, students may earn college credit and even an associate degree while still completing high school. Students will also have the option of graduating with either a standard diploma or an advanced diploma.
Beyond academics, students will engage in original research, leadership development, community service, and career-related volunteer opportunities. Students will also build confidence and communication skills through speech and debate, drama and theatre, clubs, competitions, and athletics, including basketball, volleyball, and tennis.
“SDA is one of Arizona’s highest performing schools for good reason,” shares former parent Rebecca Gau, executive director of Stand for Children. “The curriculum is accelerated and intentional, and the leadership of Dr. Majeed ensures that every child’s full potential is reached.”
As Self Development Academy expands once again, its mission remains unchanged: to provide students with an education rooted in excellence, opportunity, character, and care.
Because when students are truly known, nurtured, and inspired, there is no limit to what they can achieve. To learn more about Self Development Academy, call (480) 641-2640.