4 of my 5 kids go to Self Development Academy (1 is currently in Preschool and 3 in higher grade levels). We've had positive experiences since our kids started here in the 2's and 3's on the preschool side. My 6 other nieces and nephews also attend this school and we've all had a great experience with SDP and SDA. This school has high rankings in academics but also has a wonderful team who all have your children's best interest at heart. Dr. Majeed, Miss Vernetta, all the teachers Miss Mickey, Miss Amber, Miss Haschke, Miss Oliver, Miss Jenn C., even all the front desk staff (Lonnie, Deena, Brittni), and especially the principal Jenn Salvatori have all been wonderful and helpful with our kids! There was recently an issue with another child was being very rude/disrespectful a couple of times and I reported it right away since my child was upset and crying. I'm happy to report that the resolution was swift. I was also kept updated about how it was being addressed both with the students and internally among their staff/teachers. SDA stresses the importance of the 4 R's Respect, Responsibility, Readiness, and Resiliency as well as academics with opportunities to advance. SDA was also very accommodating when we had to go to online school during COVID and truly care about your child's well being. My kids feel safe here, trust their teachers and administration, and have honestly thrived at this school since being here. I feel blessed to have this school so close to home and to trust my kids with a school that provides such solid support. read more

I have chosen to not post a review about SDA to stay positive and let that horrible time in my family's life go, but seeing this article in our local paper is too much. This school is focused so solely on high achievement that they will do everything possible to push out children who do not perform. My daughter went here with minimal issue, other than adjusting to the old school dictation-style teaching and an isolated situation where a stessed teacher used questionable methods to discipline the entire class for being disruptive. My son has ADHD and was put into detentions and in-school suspension over the allowable number of times per year by state law while he was in grades K-4. He was excluded from activities and field trips, put last in his kindergarten graduation despite it being alphabetical (his name should've been read 3rd - he was th only child not listed in order) and I was constantly told how I should consider medication (again - at 5 years old). They were oblivious to handling a 504 plan. My son was so deflated by his first 5 years of school that he dreaded every day. I have spoken with numerous parents who went through similar situations at this school. The goal is obviously to overwhelm the student and their parents into removal so they don't have to deal with the situation. My son is thriving now in the great public schools in NE Mesa, but still looks back on his time at SDA with trauma. On the positive side, telling his painful experience at SDA did help with legislation to prevent schools from issuing unnecessary suspension to elementary age children. This school may be wonderful for some children, but they do not "give unconditional love" for children with ADHD. If your child is trying to find their way through this complicated journey, this is NOT the school for you. read more

Self Development Academy - Article from local newspaper - Elementary Schools Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

My son attended the school about six years ago. He started in preschool for two years. We had great experiences and then he moved into kindergarten. He was continuously being punished by his teacher for being "fidgety". She would not allow him to play at recess time. She told me he was fidgeting with his pencil and tapping on the desk and distracting other kids and for that she had A five year old miss out on several recesses. He then began crying every day, saying that he hated school and didn't want to go. This is not how a five year old should feel about school. He was very excited to begin school before he was in her class. Every other day she had some complaint about my son. I felt like she was picking on him and punishing him by taking away play time. I really have no reason why she was doing to my child. I'm sure he's not the first five year old to be fidgety and to punish him by not allowing him to get some physical movement and activity seems counterproductive. We never had we had this issue in his preschool at this exact same school for the two years prior, when they were accepting my payments. My son is a very happy kid, very sweet demeanor. Would never disrespect anyone on purpose. Can we have a teacher that knows how to deal with a fidgety five-year-old? First, I asked to meet with the teacher, And the administration said that's not an option. So I wrote her a letter using professional language to advocate for my child about my concerns and I attached research articles about methods of teaching children with ADD. She was extremely offended. I've then asked to meet with administration, and they offered no interest in solutions for ways of helping us plan a more positive learning environment. They were completely on the defense about the kindergarten teacher. I hated to even leave my son in that school for one semester. As soon as I found a suitable replacement, we removed him from the school immediately. He had a very positive experience at his new kindergarten. The educational team told me our son was doing well and he was a kindergartner, and still learning how to adjust to school environment. He is now a healthy and happy kid. Maybe other peoples experiences are different. It broke my heart that my son had a negative experience at such a young age. He has never had an experience like this since then. I do not think SDA cares about children outside of the academic environment. Children are a little human beings and a teacher's actions can scar them emotionally for life. Best decision I ever made was to remove him. read more

For being so highly ranked, I can't seem to under how they can be so behind in technology and stuck in old ways of teaching. They send papers home with my child that has an important message and what happens... it gets lost in the backpack every time. They are so convinced that their "pull out program" from the regular classroom will fix all educational problems that any kid will encounter. Our kid was in it for a year and I noticed very little difference in the impact if the program. It is some how ranked very high on some website for charter schools, but it is not for every kid. It is sad that we had to switch schools cause we loved the teacher and our kid has been going the r e since pre k so she has a lot of friends there, however, as a parent I feel we have to do something to nip educational issues that I feel are there that the school is not addressing. read more

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PLEASE do not send your children here. My sweet baby boy (kindergarten) was bullied to the point of telling me he hates himself and doesn't want to be alive, because a little girl in his class was allowed to continually tell him, "you should kill yourself" among other hurtful things. He was physically hurt many times in his classroom and on the playground and administration ignored me when I brought these things-up. I didn't get phone calls even with head injuries and no one could ever give me answers. My daughter was also not only treated poorly by other misbehaved children but was also disrespected and had hands put on her by SDA/SDP staff. Again, when I called these people out there were only excuses; zero accountability, zero answers, zero resolution for my daughter. No resolution was made, with regard to the bully, until about 2 weeks before the end of the school year, and the kid was only moved to the afternoon kindergarten class, but was allowed to stay in the after care program and continued to bully my boy. When I brought it up to the after care program I was told by Vernetta that she wasn't old enough to know what she was saying and swept it right under the rug. It was at about the 8th childish response that I got from Vernetta that I finally had enough and pulled both of my kids and moved them elsewhere. I question whether Vernetta should be legally allowed to care for children. Luckily, both of my kids are back to being happy, smiling, and cuddly again in a much better learning environment. Lesson learned. WOW. Vernetta and Jennifer; you both are truly horrible at your jobs; luckily Wal-Mart is hiring...I suggest you apply there, as that is more closely matched with your skillset and capabilities. read more

I spent along time researching schools in the area before selecting this school. I saw all the reviews about bullying and thought "those are probably sensitive helicopter parents"...and I owe those people an apology. Do not put your kids in this school. SDA has excellent academics, but heaven forbid there be a real issue, they will not handle it. In a kindergarten classroom you had one little girl telling kids they should "go die and not be alive anymore", and another who will run across the room and pinch kids until they bleed, crawl under desks and stab kids in the leg with pencils, then a week later shove a much smaller child to the ground and kick them. The school only removed the child from the classroom after my second visit to principal, the child was only sent home once, and still allowed to attend after school care. On my second visit to the principal I was also told she could not see me because she was proctoring a state make up exam. So after waiting 15-20 minutes I met with the secretary who took notes because making sure a third grader follows state testing rules is more important than the safety of my kid and no other adult (the secretary included) could take over for her. This institution refused to put the safety of these kids ahead of an uncomfortable conversation with a parent, my kid was repeatedly victimized in a way that was escalating. I hate to imagine how they would handle teenage girls. Your child will be a test score here, and that's all. read more

My son absolutely hated this school, its teachers, the curriculum, even recess. They wouldn't let them run or even bounce a ball at recess. My son was bullied several times, usually girls kicking him because they "liked" him. They never did ANYTHING about it - no anti-bullying seminars, letters, etc. He's now so much happier and better at a nearby public school. read more

At the beginning of my year, I was asking the administrator of their online classes because I wasn't enjoying the teachers yelling at the students every 5 seconds. In the middle of second quarter, Ms.Salvatori and Ms.Verneda called me up and accused me of self-harm and wanting to kill myself and when I asked who said this about me, they said it doesn't matter.(this happened a second time to in the third quarter) How does the name of someone who basically tried to put on me in a mental hospital NOT MATTER. There was another time where Mrs.Salvatori took my jacket in reading class due the color being "not the right shade of red" and proceeds to lose it in the math room. I was only able to come get it at the end of the day where I had to bring my dad to get it back. This was the first in person negative conversation my Parents had with the staff. He left the school after calling her a "nut case" And the teachers... OH MY GOD THE TEACHERS. They scream whatever comes to the top of their head when they're angry at a poor student. they're discouraging, rude, unhelpful, and can't stick up for other students. They give us these unrealistic due dates and call you out in class. I remember I told my writing teacher how I wanted to be a Rapper and she said I don't stand a chance, and how it's only one in a million. SHE CRUSHED MY SOUL THAT CLASS. She also sent me to another class because my friend was behind me and asked me a question when she then yelled in the middle of class telling me to spend the rest of class in the math room. The math teacher calls you out on whatever she doesn't like about you in class. And accuses students of cheating. She accused me of looking at the back of the book for answers when I got a long multiplication problem correct. One day I asked if I could makeup a test since I was gone, I asked if lunch was a good time and she said she'd rather eat and let me take my test. The social studies always says how her last class was horrible and she hopes we can do better, however when one person gets up to get a tissue and says hi to someone, she goes up to the front of the class and yells at everyone that "we act like this everyday, and show the staff no respect" and Mrs. Salvatori came in and said the same thing. At the first quarter, the math teacher left and didn't come back until the third quarter and the substitute would not help ANYONE. She especially didn't like me because I wasn't understanding the material and often asked my friends for help. One day she made me sit at a specific seat and said I couldn't talk to anyone, later I walked up to my friend and asked if she know how to solve a problem. She soon yelled my name and told me to write a reason why I was out of my seat and it could only be one sentence. Of course all lot happened that couldn't be fit into one sentence so I listed one by one what happened and gave it to her. SHE PROCEEDED TO RIP IT UP AND THROW IT IN THE TRASH. The science teacher was snobby and had sassy remarks to everything. The reading teacher just yelled when someone accidentally asked something without raising their hand. Now to the two I couldn't stand the most... MRS.VERNEDA AND MRS.SALVATORI. during recess, my friend was being scolded and waited patiently by the side for them to finish. they told to go away which I then said I wasn't listening and just waiting. They then said no and I put my hands behind my head and walked away. After they finished, they pulled me over and said I have to drop the attitude which I then asked what "attitude". They said I was flailing my arms in the air showing disrespect to the staff.one of them then looked at my wrist where I was wearing two chakra bracelets and scolded me for breaking dress code. I had to tell them that as a biracial kid, I was just embracing my moms African culture (her culture had crystals involved in it) The lunches are horrible, a small cup of artificial tomato sauce pasta isn't going to feed anyone, and for $3.50 a day. All in all, If you are looking to transfer your kids to a new school, avoid SDA at all costs. read more

We love Self Development Academy! Four of my grandchildren have attended the school and they have received quality education in supportive and caring environment. The curriculum is advanced and challenging. The administrators (Anjum Majeed, Vernetta Madsen, Jennifer Salvatori, and Christina Harguess) are all very involved with the students and demonstrate a genuine devotion to the children and their education. I would highly recommend this school! read more

Our children attended SDA since preschool. Then we did 2 years online school with their curriculum at home during the Covid pandemic. Our experience has been that the staff are responsive, kind, and great at teaching. Whenever there's been an issue, we were contacted quickly so that the children's needs are attended to right away. Hats off to the educators and the ancillary staff at SDA. THANK YOU for all you do! read more

My daughters recently began high school and discovered how much they learned compared to other kids. They are appreciative to the school for giving them a good foundation when it comes to math, reading, and writing. My daughters were taught how to be disciplined when it comes to studying. read more

My daughter is currently in Ms Haschke's Kindergarten class at Self Development Academy off of Greenfield. She is excelling in all of her academics. I have seen her self esteem go up and her academics go up even higher. I'm excited to see what other teachers this school has for my child's future. If they're anything like Ms Haschke and her teacher aid Ms Jen, then I know my daughter will enjoy her future schooling. We need more teachers like them! read more

SDA is a great school for my son. He started since Kindergarten and he has made so much progress. He came with an IEP and they were able to help reach his goals. read more

I love this school fort the kids. It is very convenient from where we live. Education standard is good. They are pretty advance in their academics. Kids loves it here especially with new friends and classmates. I recommend this school. read more

Self Development Academy - Back pick up place. All fenced up. - Elementary Schools Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

We moved our daughter (at her request) from a local junior high and we couldn't be happier. Within a week, they realized she was behind in math and began giving her extra help. She loves every single one of her teachers and is enjoying school again. Self Development has been such a positive experience for our whole family. I can't say enough about this school. From top notch teachers who enjoy teaching and are excited to see your child 5 days a week to the caring yet efficient front office staff (Miss Jen is fantastic), we highly recommend SDA. Only wish they had a high school! We'll be sad to leave the SDA family next month when our kiddo goes on to 9th grade. read more

Self Development Academy is an amazing school. My daughter, now a junior in high school, attended SDA beginning in Kindergarten. When she began Kindergarten she was a shy child. Through the caring support of her teachers she developed a sense of confidence. This is in addition to the strong academic foundation she received. She is now taking Honors and AP classes and volunteers at a children's aftercare program. Thank you, SDA! read more

If you are considering Self Development Academy for your child's education this Fall, you may want to read this first. My son had attended their preschool from the age of three and went on to attend the primary school for Kindergarten, 1st grade and and half of 2nd grade. My son would often tell me that he hated school and his teachers were mean. I always took the side of the teachers. But this past school year was the worst yet. He told me his 2nd grade teacher was trying to kill him by making him run laps during snack time or recess. He would tell me that he felt like his lungs and heart were going to explode because she wouldn't let him stop. I only thought my son was exaggerating. He told me that she would not let him participate in special classes such as art, music, library, computers or PE. After having meetings with the teacher, administration and the principal I was assured that the teacher was not making the children run laps or losing their special classes such as art, music, PE, Library or recess. My son is a very bright, energetic child and made very good grades however the atmosphere and culture at Self Development Academy destroyed my son's love for learning and belief that teachers can be nice. I was a teacher for 16 years and this broke my heart. He begged me to homeschool him and begged me not to take him to school. I started recording my son's 2nd grade classroom. I then realized the tyranny and abuse that was taking place in the classroom. The teacher was making the children run laps if they asked to use the bathroom and they lost special classes such as art, PE, Library, etc for no apparent reason. No wonder my son never wanted to go to school. I pulled my son out of Self Development Academy mid-year and moved him to Red Mountain Ranch Elementary School where he  flourished and made new friends and loved his new 2nd grade teacher. It was the best move and the best thing I could have ever done for him. Listen to your kids. I'm sorry I didn't listen to mine sooner. He will be going into 3rd grade and now looks forward to going. If you have kids attending Self Development Academy or know someone who is. Please pass this on. read more

This is great school. Their goal is to help your child be the best they can be and you know that your child is getting the best here

My family has been fortunate to be members of the Self Development family for almost 15 years now. My kids began at the preschool and have continued on at the charter school. It has been a great experience watching my kids grow along with the school. Every time I am at the school every member of the staff is very welcoming and you can tell how much they care about every student there. My son has had some personal struggles at times and the administration and Dr. Majeed have always gone out of their way to show their love and support of him. The school communicates very well with the families by sending home the information, as well as, emailing the information. This helps ensure that everyone is able to access the information in a way they choose. My kids and I are looking forward to the new STEAM program and other new curriculum in the upcoming year. They are excited for school to start. As a mom, that excitement is a great thing to see. read more