Self Development Charter School

Some of the accelerated curriculum is completed before the end of the year. However, SDCS goes to extraordinary efforts to establish focus groups. In their groups, students review extensive instruction to build upon individual student strengths and weaknesses. Because of the accelerated curriculum, teachers want to ensure students have retained both grade level and advanced material.
--Submitted by a teacher

Self Development Charter School (SDCS) focuses on student learning and growth throughout all grade levels. It is unfortunate that the school s philosophy would be portrayed differently. Students continue to grow and learn through diverse strategies and activities during the 180 days of every school year. Memorization, comprehension, critical thinking and knowledge appreciation are valued instructional learning strategies at the school. Although memorization may be mistakenly viewed as a low level skill, it is the foundation for many higher level skills. Memorizing math facts allows students to move forward to more complex math without being forced to focus on the basics. Teachers assess daily for comprehension and build upon the strengths and weaknesses of each student. Higher level thinking can only be achieved when information is learned and retained. This is an ongoing learning and growth process at the end of the school. These methods and focusing on student growth have proven to be successful as SDCS ranks as a top performing school in Arizona.
--Submitted by a teacher

My kids are so excited to enter the 4th and 6th grades. As parents we have been so happy to see how our kids have grown academically. is comforting to have found a school where our kids are not only learning a grade level above Arizona state standards but doing so in a safe and nuturing environment.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I am fortunate to have found Self Development Charter School for my children. The teaches, staff, and administration are quick to address any concerns. They work to ensure that my children are taught in a nurturing environment k-8 grade. The teachers work the entire school year to ensure students receive the maximum instruction necessary for the students to learn one grade level ahead of state standards. I believe this school has taught my children the skills they need to be lifelong learners.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so grateful to have found a school where my children are receiving a top level education. My students love going to school each day. The school is definitely centered around each individual student and ensuring their needs are met. The teachers in all grade levels enjoy what they are doing and you can see it on their smiling faces. The administration and office staff are always available to answer any questions you may have. I have been at SDCS for 4 years and will remain until my kids enter high school.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have been at SDCS since preschool and I have seen the school decline in many areas. I chose SDCS based on reviews that I read from this site. Overall, SDCS is the best choice, of schools for K-3, in the area. At 3rd grade the school's focus changes from providing an excellent education to getting the best AIMS test scores. The school basically focuses on getting kids to memorize vesus comprehend. The school finishes most of the core work (math, science, etc.) by mid year then spends the next couple of months just focusing on AIMS preparation. After AIMS testing, there continues to be a lack of learning. The students receive minimal classroom instruction. This year has also seen a huge increase in bullying. SDCS refuses to take a proactive approach to dealing with the situation. The teachers of grade 4 and higher are also known to be rude and disrespectful to the students. They do not know how to control their classes without excessive yelling and some have attempted to use demeaning methods in dealing with the students. The school faces mass withdrawals every year after the 3rd and 4th grades because there are better options after those grades.
--Submitted by a parent

Love the school, my daugher has been going since preschool and she is pushed every year to learn to her full potential. If you do not have time to help your child learn then this school wll not work for you. Its about learning and not about drama.Yes there test scores are the best. Look for yourself and compare.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I am looking forward to my child entering fourth grade at SDCS! Each year, my child has grown academically and socially. The school truly implements a program that is based on student learning and progress. My child always feels welcomed and nurtured by the school staff and falculty. Although the school receives only state funds, resources are visually allocated to ensure the learning of the students. SDCS is an excellent model of successful education!
--Submitted by a parent

i am so grateful to have found a school where my children are getting a top education. The principal Mrs. Majeed is very involved in the children's learning and how they are doing. The front office is very caring and helpful. Thank you SDCS for giving my children a top education in a caring, nurturing and safe environment.
--Submitted by a parent

Parental involvement is a must! I was compelled to do a review, because there are a few parents that comment that there is no communication between staff and parents! What???!!!! Before we even begin school we get a hand book with rules and regulations, the teacher also gives rules and regulations. Every class has a weekly progress report to be signed by the PARENT! I am always called even if my son falls and scrapes his knee! What more communication do you need!! Wow you must be very busy not to hear any feed back! You have to do YOUR part to stay connected as well!!!
--Submitted by a parent