What is a charter school?

A charter school is a public school.  A “charter” is a bit like a business plan; it details all aspects of how the school is designed and managed.  This allows charter schools to create programs that differ from traditional schools, thereby providing students with that most American of concepts–a choice!

Is there a tuition charge for attending SDS?

No!  As a public school, SDS offers a free public education to any 14-21 year old student.

Is SDS a “for-profit” school?

No! SDS is a non-profit organization.  While charters can be “for-profit” or “non-profit,” our non-profit status reflects our belief that a public school should not feature private profit as its primary motivation.

Is SDS accredited?

Yes! SDS is accredited by the North Central Association.

What is special about the SDS program?

  • Our program is accelerated–students can finish classes in half the time by working at a pace that reflects individual abilities rather than an arbitrary schedule.
  • Our teachers are certified–all teachers have degrees in their fields and are certified to provide educational services in the state of AZ.
  • Our instruction is individualized–students can get extended one-on-one instruction and customized feedback to help them complete their course requirements.
  • Our technology is accessible–students can log on to a computer at any time to surf the web, create a presentation, or write a report.

Who can benefit from SDS?

Because of its flexibility and emphasis on content mastery, the SDS program can particularly benefit students who are either behind in their academic credits or students who have the ability and desire to complete their high school credits at an accelerated pace.

Where are open meeting notices displayed?

Public notices for meetings of the Sonoran Desert School Governing Board are posted electronically on the Sonoran Desert School website; public notices for meetings are also posted in the front lobby at Sonoran Desert School.

Why wasn’t this around when I was a kid?

Amazingly, some people can still ask the same question about indoor plumbing.  Isn’t progress great?