Welcome to Sapolu Destined Academy

a private middle school with elite sports training combined with traditional in-person academics in Orange County, California

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Sapolu Destined Academy Achieves WASC Accreditation!

What Our Families Say About Sapolu Destined Academy

At Sapolu Destined Academy, we pride ourselves on the positive impact we have on both our students and their families. Our unique blend of middle school academics and elite sports training has helped countless students achieve their full potential, both in the classroom and on the field. But don’t just take our word for it—hear from the families who have experienced firsthand what makes SDA a special place for their child’s education and athletic development.

Read through some of our testimonials to see how Sapolu Destined Academy has shaped the lives of students and helped them succeed.

The best decision we made this year was enrolling Brady at SDA. In just a couple of months, we have seen his confidence grow in every aspect of his life.
Academically, the small classes and passionate teachers set SDA apart from other schools. Our son is able to talk to his teachers in class, during office hours, and has utilized the study hall time to get extra help before tests.
Communication from teachers to parents is quick and thorough.
We know that the teachers want the students to excel academically, but also want them to feel comfortable coming to them when the students are struggling. That is a very difficult task for many middle school students and the teachers at SDA nurture a welcoming environment to help ease that stress.
Athletically, the training is top tier. Our son is so excited to tell us what Jesse taught him that day or the lifting Coach Steele had them doing. He was thrilled to see a “2 pack” from his training. (That’s a big deal to a middle school lineman).
We love that the training is in the morning before academics because it helps get their mind and body ready to learn.
Everyone who works at SDA is welcoming, caring, hard working, and you can tell their purpose in life is to help shape the overall people these student athletes will become."
As a first generation Samoan-American, born and raised in the city of Compton, California, the odds were stacked against me but each…day that my mom would take me to…training sessions, I learned something new about the game but more importantly what it really meant to be a man.
By the end of my high school career, I received a Division 1, full ride scholarship to play at Delaware State University…Now I’m the first in my family to play football, graduate high school and the first to move across the state to attend and graduate college.
My oldest son was destined to be an average high school football player. After spending five years of off season training with Coach Jesse and the team of excellent coaches…my son was subsequently awarded a full athletic scholarship to the University of Washington.
Coach Jesse helped prepare him for life after football as he was made well aware of the fact that most players after college are finished. My son took this thinking to heart, and wanting to give back, proceeded into the world of coaching. He is currently an assistant coach, as well as the Recruiting Coordinator, at the college level a mere five years after his playing days ended.
Coach Sapolu was not only the first coach to see potential in me for football but also helped me believe in my own potential. This led to me working harder and aspiring to greater heights ultimately resulting in walking on at UCLA when my only goal was to be a high school starter.
The positive yet straightforward training/guidance my son received…propelled him to a great High School career. Ultimately earning himself a DIV 1 football scholarship to The University of Southern California (USC).
Our experience with Coach Jesse and his entire staff beyond exceeded any expectations. The pride in culture, respect, and hard work are embodied by all members of the staff. High level quality coaching is unmatched. There is a perfect balance between fundamental training and effective feedback from the coaches no matter your current skill level. Coach Jesse uses a proven system to take your kid to the next level. You can tell this is where his heart is. Looking forward to next year.
Coach Jesse, the…coaches & staff have always taught more than football. They're always happy, supportive, & encouraging…Having my two boys grow up in MITT, Coach Jesse & coaches/staff are more than "just coaches", they are an extension to our family. Attending my boys' games & family events. That's a great foundation & example of positivity and support.
The coaches were patient with me and provided good coaching…I hope to attend more camps in the future. Thank you so much Coach Jesse and the entire coaching staff. I greatly appreciate your time, dedication, knowledge and love shown at the camps. Definitely a great experience and would highly recommend to other athletes.

​We understand that academics for your child are as important as their development on the field or court. Our middle school, we combine a strong focus on academic excellence with elite sports training to provide a comprehensive education that prepares students for both their academic and athletic futures.

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We take pride in offering the best of both worlds: a challenging academic environment paired with top-tier coaching. Our goal is to prepare your child to excel in the classroom, pursue higher education, and become a standout athlete. We’ll work with you to create a personalized pathway for them to achieve their full potential.

Our institution has officially received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), marking a significant milestone in our commitment to providing exceptional education in sports and academics.

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Advantages of Studying at Our Private Middle School: SDA

When it comes to studying at a middle school, Sapolu Destined Academy stands out by providing a comprehensive experience tailored to the unique needs of student-athletes.

Our academy offers a multitude of advantages that go beyond academics and athletics, making us a top choice for parents and students alike.

Student-Athlete Focused Curriculum in a Modern High-Tech Facility

At Sapolu Destined Academy, students benefit from studying in a modern, high-tech facility designed to enhance both academic and athletic performance. With access to the latest educational technologies, including e-books and digital resources, our learning environment is fully equipped to support the demands of today’s student-athletes. While we offer cutting-edge tools for learning, we maintain a traditional, on-site approach that provides structure and focus, ideal for students balancing rigorous academic standards with their athletic training. This ensures a seamless integration of sports into the daily curriculum, allowing students to excel in both areas without compromise.​

Elite Sports Training

Our academy provides elite sports training led by experienced coaches who understand the demands of competitive sports. Students at SDA receive personalized attention and specialized training to help them excel in their chosen sport while balancing their academic responsibilities. Whether your child is focused on football, basketball, volleyball, or another sport, SDA’s tailored programs ensure they reach their full athletic potential.

Small Class Sizes & Individualized Attention

One of the key advantages of Sapolu Destined Academy is our commitment to maintaining small class sizes. This allows for individualized attention from our teachers, who are dedicated to each student’s academic and personal growth. With fewer students per class, we ensure that every child receives the support and guidance they need to succeed in both academics and athletics.

Comprehensive Character Development​

At SDA, we believe that success isn’t just measured by academic performance or athletic achievements. We focus on the holistic development of each student, instilling important life skills such as discipline, leadership, teamwork, and time management. Our program helps students build the resilience and character needed to thrive in high-pressure environments, whether on the field or in the classroom.

Real-World College Preparation

SDA’s unique balance of academic rigor and elite sports training mirrors the daily life of a college student-athlete, giving students a head start in preparing for higher education. Our graduates are equipped to pursue college scholarships and continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level, all while excelling academically.

Expert Faculty & Coaches

Our faculty and coaching staff bring a wealth of expertise to SDA. With a blend of academic professionals and seasoned athletic coaches, our team is dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential. Our teachers provide personalized instruction, while our coaches deliver elite-level training, preparing students for success both in the classroom and in sports.

Sapolu Destined Academy currently serves students in grades 6-8, providing comprehensive middle school education alongside elite athletic training. We’re excited to announce our upcoming expansion to include 9th grade, furthering our commitment to academic and athletic excellence.

For middle school students, we offer specialized reclassification opportunities, allowing each student to develop at their optimal pace. This flexible approach ensures that every student can maximize their potential both in the classroom and on the field.

Contact our admissions team to learn more about our current middle school programs or to discuss our upcoming 9th-grade offerings.

Comprehensive Programs for Academic and Athletic Excellence at SDA​

At Sapolu Destined Academy, a leading middle school, we offer comprehensive programs that balance academic achievement with elite sports training. Our private middle school provides students with an education tailored to their needs as both scholars and athletes, ensuring they excel in all areas.

Sports Programs

At Sapolu Destined Academy, sports are an integral part of the learning experience. We offer elite sports training, ensuring that each student-athlete receives specialized coaching in their chosen field. Our sports programs include:

Boys | Girls

FOOTBALL

FLAG FOOTBALL

SOCCER

SOCCER

BASKETBALL

BASKETBALL

BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

VOLLEYBALL

VOLLEYBALL

These programs are designed to foster discipline, leadership, and teamwork while maintaining a focus on sports training integrated with education. SDA is committed to helping student-athletes balance their academic and athletic commitments, preparing them for future success in both areas.

Have a sport in mind that’s not currently listed? Contact us to learn more about current and upcoming athletic programs, and how our experienced coaching staff can help advance your student’s skills in their chosen sport. them for future success in both areas.

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Academic Programs​

Our academic programs are centered around a rigorous, relevant, and coherent curriculum that prepares students for real-world challenges. At Sapolu Destined Academy, we offer a variety of subjects designed to provide a well-rounded education for our student-athletes:

English​

Focusing on communication, critical thinking, and literary analysis.

Electives

Allowing students to explore interests and discover new talents.

Laboratory Science

Encouraging students to engage in hands-on experiments and scientific inquiry.

 

Foreign Language (Samoan Class 101)

Introducing students to the Samoan language and culture for a broader world view

History/Social Science

Helping students understand history and social dynamics that shape our world.

Career Technical Education (CTE)

Equipping students with practical skills for today’s evolving job market.

Mathematics

Developing problem-solving and analytical skills to ensure academic success.

Visual/Performing Arts

Nurturing creativity through various forms of artistic expression.

At Sapolu Destined Academy, students study in a modern, high-tech learning environment that incorporates ebooks and other digital tools to support their academic growth. This traditional, on-site learning environment is perfectly suited to the unique needs of student-athletes, allowing them to succeed both in their studies and in their sports.

By choosing Sapolu Destined Academy, you’re providing your child with the best of both worlds—a robust academic foundation and elite sports training—in a learning environment that prioritizes their growth as both students and athletes.

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