SDS offers a free high school education to any 14-21 year old student. But what is unique about SDS? The following describes some of the innovative characteristics of our school:

Accelerated Curriculum
Whether a student needs to catch up on credits or simply wants to earn credits faster, the SDS curriculum is designed to accelerate student progress. Course completion at SDS is based on mastery of course content. Students complete a class by following the instructions on a detailed Course Plan. Once the course requirements are met, the class is completed, and students can move on immediately to their next classes.

Flexible Attendance
Students can choose when they attend school. Students must attend a minimum of 20 hours per week, but they can adjust their schedule according to personal preference, transportation issues, or work schedules. Students “clock in” and “clock out” from school to keep track of their hours each week.

Individualized Instruction
Students receive one-on-one assistance from their instructors. None of the classes at SDS uses a lecture format. Instead, our classrooms are set up to provide students with individual guidance as they work through their classes. Teachers will also work with students to modify course activities and tailor them to individual needs.

Structured Learning plus Independent Learning
To gradually guide students toward greater independence, responsibility, and motivation, SDS offers Structured Learning classes in which students attend scheduled class sessions twice weekly as a supplement to their individualized studies. Scheduled weekly meetings provide students with clear deadlines and planned instructional activities to assist them in reaching their academic goals. Our program of Independent Learning is still an option for qualifying students.

Certified Instructors
All SDS instructors are certified to teach in the state of Arizona. Teacher certification is important because it ensures that instructors have specific training regarding learning styles, behavior modification, developmental psychology, instructional design, and many other specialties that impact the classroom each day.

Small School Environment
SDS is a small school of less than 100 students. This allows us to maintain a safe, family-style learning environment where everyone knows everyone. Being small helps us avoid some of the problems experienced in large schools where most people are strangers to one another and interpersonal conflicts are common.

Integrated Technology
Students have daily access to computer technology and the Internet in our classrooms with over 30 networked computers on site. This is important because students will use computers to research information, type papers, deliver presentations, and create artwork for many of their classes. SDS also offers a laptop checkout program that allows students to extend educational technology into their homes.

Innovative Partnerships
SDS works with several institutions within the community who offer excellent services that complement our program. For example, qualifying students can complete concurrent credits at Mesa Community College–the credits count for both college and high school, and SDS pays for tuition. Students can also activities at other locations. At the Red Mountain Multigenerational Center, students can participate in weight training and receive physical education credit.