Overview of Academics at SDA
Overview of Academics at SDA
Our traditional, in-person academic programs
At Sapolu Destined Academy, we pride ourselves on delivering a comprehensive and balanced approach to middle school academics. Our academic programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in both academics and athletics. As a private middle school, we create an academic environment that is conducive to the rigorous schedule of student-athletes, ensuring that each student can excel in their studies while also pursuing their athletic goals.
Our academics are built around a rigorous, relevant, and coherent curriculum, tailored to prepare students for the challenges of high school and beyond. We offer a wide range of core subjects and electives that allow students to explore their interests while building a strong academic foundation. At SDA, we emphasize the importance of balancing academic achievement with personal growth, helping students develop critical thinking, time management, and leadership skills that will serve them well in the future.
Whether your child is focused on middle school academics or pursuing elite sports training, Sapolu Destined Academy ensures they have the support and resources to succeed in all areas.
Our Rigorous and Relevant Curriculum at SDA
At Sapolu Destined Academy, we are proud to offer a student-athlete centered approach to education, ensuring that our students excel both academically and athletically. We follow all Department of Education guidelines, adhere to Common Core Standards, and meet the A-G requirements to ensure our students are fully prepared for high school and beyond. You can learn more about these guidelines by visiting the Department of Education.
Our curriculum is designed to be flexible and supportive, providing the perfect balance for student-athletes to succeed. We emphasize the integration of sports within the curriculum, creating a learning environment where students can thrive in the classroom without compromising their athletic training. By offering a rigorous and relevant academic foundation, we ensure that students develop critical thinking, leadership, and time management skills that serve them well in all areas of life.
In additional to core subjects like and develop important Sports Leadership leadership qualities in our Sports-specific Training course, and and gain essential knowledge in nutrition, meal planning, and kitchen safety in our Nutrition course.
English
Mathematics
Science
History
We offer exciting electives to broaden our students’ educational experiences. Students can explore new passions and cultural knowledge through courses like Samoan Language, and develop important leadership qualities in our Leadership course. These electives provide students with unique opportunities to enrich their academic experience and develop skills that will benefit them in both school and sports.
At SDA, we prioritize a curriculum that prepares students for success by combining academic excellence with elite sports training. Whether through rigorous academics or athletics, we provide the tools and environment necessary for each student to reach their full potential.
Student Resources from SDA
At Sapolu Destined Academy, we provide a wide range of resources to help our students succeed in both academics and athletics. Here’s a snapshot of the key resources available to our students:
Our student-athletes benefit from personalized training programs that focus on enhancing athletic performance in their specific sport.
We understand the importance of nutrition. That’s why we provide delicious, affordable, and nutrient dense meals to our students.
Our unique electives, like Samoan Language Class, provide students with the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and develop valuable skills.
SDA offers after-school tutoring to support students in their academic growth, ensuring they stay on track and succeed in their studies.
Teachers are available during office hours to provide additional academic support, answer questions, and guide students in their academic journey.
We believe in learning beyond the classroom, and our students regularly participate in educational field trips and other extracurricular activities that connect their academic lessons to real-world experiences.
To ensure academic progress, students undergo bi-weekly grade checks, providing timely feedback to help them stay focused on their academic goals.
Our students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills through student government, fostering responsibility, teamwork, and civic engagement
SDA provides every student with laptops to facilitate both digital and on-ground learning. Students have access to digital (e-books) and traditional textbooks, which complement our traditional learning environment and support their academic success.
We foster a sense of community and pride through our school spirit uniforms, helping students feel connected and engaged in our vibrant school life.
Beyond academics and sports, SDA offers an exciting student life filled with extracurricular activities, school events, and social opportunities, creating a well-rounded and memorable middle school experience.
At Sapolu Destined Academy, we provide the tools, support, and resources needed to ensure every student thrives in their academic and athletic pursuits.
2024-2025 Academic Calendar:
School Holidays and Key Dates
At Sapolu Destined Academy, we prioritize a balanced academic and athletic schedule. Below are the key holidays and important dates for the 2024-2025 school year. Please note that dates are subject to change.
Trimester 1:
August 20, 2024 – November 15, 2024
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Trimester 2:
November 18, 2024 – March 5, 2025
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Trimester 3:
March 6, 2025 – June 6, 2025
Trimester 1: November 12-14, 2024
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Trimester 2: TBD
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Trimester 3: TBD
July 4, 2024 – Independence Day
(School Offices Closed)
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
July 29, 2024
School Offices Open
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
August 5, 2024
Teachers Return
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
August 20, 2024
First Day of Classes / Trimester 1 Begins
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
September 2, 2024 – Labor Day
(No Classes)
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
September 4, 2024
Back to School Night (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm)
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
October 14, 2024 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day
(No Classes)
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
November 11, 2024 – Veterans Day
(No Classes)
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
November 15, 2024
Trimester 1 Ends
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
November 18, 2024
Non-Student Day / Trimester 2 Begins
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
November 25-29, 2024 – Fall Break / Thanksgiving Holiday
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
December 20, 2024
Last Day of Classes for Winter Break
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
December 23, 2024 – January 3, 2025 – Winter Break
January 6, 2025
Classes Resume
January 20, 2025 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
(No Classes)
February 10, 2025 – Lincoln Day
(No Classes)
February 17, 2025 – Presidents’ Day
(No Classes)
March 5, 2025
Trimester 2 Ends
March 6, 2025
Trimester 3 Begins
March 31 – April 4, 2025 – Spring Break
April 17 or April 24, 2025
Open House (Tentative, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm)
May 26, 2025 – Memorial Day
(No Classes)
June 6, 2025
Last Day of School / Trimester 3 Ends
Modified/Minimum Days:
Every Friday, class ends at 1:01 p.m.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Parent-Teacher Meetings:
scheduled as needed
SDA’s Elite Sports and Academic Bell Schedule
At Sapolu Destined Academy, we understand the importance of balancing academics and athletics for our student-athletes. Our elite sports training and middle school academics are structured into a carefully designed bell schedule that allows students to excel in both areas without compromising on their development. The schedule is tailored to provide ample time for academics, middle school athletics, and personalized training.
To ensure that parents and students stay organized, we offer the full SDA Bell Schedule as a downloadable PDF. This resource helps families plan ahead, ensuring that students can effectively manage their time between the classroom and the field.
Download the Bell Schedule PDF to see how we structure our sports middle school day and provide the best environment for both academic and athletic excellence.