Continuing its focus on providing an unparalleled college preparatory program, Self Development Charter School (SDCS) is bringing extraordinary enrichment to promote students’  academic growth and personal success.

Reflecting on our past achievements prepares us for our future growth.  Receiving the 2010 Charter School of the Year award from the Arizona Charter Schools Association was an extraordinary way to celebrate the 10^th anniversary. Throughout the years, SDCS has remained true to its vision of providing an excellent academic foundation in an atmosphere that respects and supports the individual needs of students.

SDCS is public charter school that encourages students of all abilities to meet the challenges of a rigorous academic curriculum. Over the years SDCS has evolved into a thriving learning community of lifelong learners. This evolution has led to these exciting changes coming in the next year.

The school is launching a unique program that encourages its students to tap their potential for research, creativity, and innovation. The school not only encourages high academic achievement but also cultivates a culture of creativity and curiosity among its students.

At a year-end assembly, Max Gau, a fourth grade student, shared with the audience of parents and grandparents about a program that was piloted this year. Max initiated a program titled “Self Development’s Windows of Opportunities.”  The program’s purpose was to create a stronger bond between older and younger students, as well as siblings attending SDCS. The pilot program was a success and SDCS plans on implementing the program school wide next year. SDCS will use this program as an example to help guide future student initiated projects. Accolades to Max Gau for taking this initiative!

Another area of focus is on foreign languages. Students in grades 3-8 will have the opportunity to participate in a foreign language course in Spanish, Latin, or Mandarin. For high achieving middle school students (6-8 grades), high school level language courses will be available.

The new technology center at the school, to be ready this fall, will facilitate hands-on technology and laboratory experiences to supplement science, math, and technology curriculum. Focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math, the proposed programs will work toward providing exposure to career opportunities in aeronautics, architecture and drafting, engineering, robotics, and eventually digital video and biotechnology.

To meet the needs of its student population, SDCS’ middle school program (6^th-8^th grades) will offer varying levels of rigor in several of the subject areas. The most rigorous level in math provides the opportunity for high achieving middle school students to take algebra I in sixth grade, geometry in seventh grade, and algebra II in eighth grade.

 For more information regarding SDCS, please contact the school at 480-641-2640.  You may also view the school’s website at www.selfdevelopmentcharterschool.com.