One of the greatest joys for me as an education leader is to connect with our students and observe how they learn. Last week, I was in a third-grade class to read a familiar story, The Stone Soup. Recognizing the title of the book, a student commented that it was a European story. Another student immediately added that it was a French folktale that was narrated orally and was more than 100 years old. A third student, who was actually in second grade attending the third-grade class, said he had visited France, and when I asked if he knew French, he responded, “Oui, oui.”
The reference to European folklore expanded the discussion to the folktales of other continents besides Europe. The discussion included Asia, Africa, and North and South America. Students excitedly shared about their grandparents and their migrations from different continents. Students’ conversations and their world views took a life of their own, much beyond the third-grade level, past the planned curriculum on the genre and the elements of a story. What an enriching experience!
Self Development Academy (SDA) was established in 2001 in Mesa with the mission to recognize and maximize the inherent talent of students. In planning for the school year 2024-25, the school leaders are proud to share SDA’s ongoing commitment to high academic achievement, a foundation of success to develop skills in research, leadership, and community service, and support for interest in music, art, and athletics.
EMPHASIZING HIGH ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
SDA is one of the top-performing K-8 schools in Arizona as well as nationally. SDA’s leadership recognizes the needs of talented students who thrive in a challenging environment, requiring opportunities for advanced academics. The design of our curriculum takes into consideration the specific components necessary to help maximize the potential of students. Students take accelerated coursework, which is at least one grade level higher. Many students with specific subject area strengths can attend the next higher grades without officially enrolling in the higher grades.
Talented and high-achieving students also have opportunities to join small group pull-outs for enrichment and deeper understanding. By the time SDA’s talented students reach 5th grade, they can take courses that are one to three grade levels higher, including Algebra 2, high school literature, biology, chemistry, and physics in middle school.
SDA students enter high school well-prepared to take Honors and Advanced Placement classes. The ability to take these more challenging and weighted classes allows them to graduate with a high grade-point average and positions them well for college scholarships and admissions in competitive colleges. Many of our former students have attended elite colleges including Ivy League universities.
DEVELOPING ABILITIES IN RESEARCH, LEADERSHIP, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
For the coming year, plans are underway to help students hone skills in research, develop leadership qualities, and undertake community service.
We believe that research is the heart of knowledge acquisition. For our high-achieving students, we are laying the foundation to think critically, ask specific questions, and investigate laboriously to find the answers to their questions. Research skills are specifically taught, and talented students are to work collaboratively to research topics of interest.
Leadership and community service are about relationship building and becoming responsible citizens. Self-awareness and self-management are at the core of the philosophy of Self Development Academy and necessary skills for leadership. Students learn about kindness, respect, and compassion. Students will undertake projects during the school year and focus on a major annual project serving the community.
SUPPORTING THE ARTS, MUSIC, AND ATHLETICS
An important aspect for students at SDA is the emphasis on class plays, an appreciation for the arts, and helping develop an interest in choir and music. Research indicates that kids who are involved in the arts perform better academically. Self-discipline and hard work required to practice a musical instrument help in understanding that effort leads to success.
To learn more about Self Development Preschool, please contact (480) 396-3522, and for the accelerated K-8 program, Self Development Academy, call Self Development Academy at (480) 641-2640.