The Fargo Public Schools Self-Directed Academy opened in August 2024 serving middle school grades in the Agassiz building. Beginning in the fall of 2026, Self-Directed Academy will serve students in grades 6-8 at the Self-Directed Academy at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School and students in grades 9-10 at the Self-Directed Academy at South High School through a school-within-a-school model.

The SDA Experience
Our instructional model is built on the principle that learning should be self-directed, competency-based, and not restricted by the traditional time, place, path and pace constraints. We emphasize mastery of concepts through project based learning and personalized learning. Motivated, independent learners who are driven to excel academically and seeking an academic challenge will find the learning experience at Self-Directed Academy to be a good fit.

SDA Middle School
Self-Directed Academy at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School is a 6-8 grade project-based, interdisciplinary learning community designed for students who are ready to take ownership of their education by designing real projects that matter, moving through content with flexible pacing, and showing what they know in ways that reflect their strengths and interests.

Students progress across fluid multi-age groups with educators serving as advisors who co-design learning experiences, provide targeted instruction and guide inquiry. Students take core academic courses (math, ELA, science, and social studies) as well as one project based learning elective in the Self-Directed Academy. Through these SDA courses, students engage with the community and find a sense of purpose through the project based learning work they do. Students also participate in traditional elective classes with grade-level peers, providing a balanced middle school experience. 

This instructional blend prepares students for high school by giving students voice and choice, while further developing their skills to take initiative, work responsibly, think critically and communicate their learning. 

SDA High School
Self-Directed Academy at South High School is a 9- 10 grade program that offers students a personalized, project-based, choice ready pathway that reimagines how high school learning and credit are earned. SDA studios replace traditional seat-time models with six-week learning cycles where students earn credit by demonstrating mastery of academic standards through real-world projects. In the SDA studio model, learning is co-designed by students and their advisors. Students identify standards, conduct independent research, and work with community experts to demonstrate learning through authentic products and presentations. Educators act as advisors or coaches - actively guiding students, challenging their thinking, and ensuring rigor and accountability.

Students take two project-based courses, beginning with English and social studies, forming a shared cohort that builds trust, collaboration and a strong sense of belonging. At the same time, students maintain access to a more flexible full high school experience including traditional courses, Advanced Placement courses, Career and Technical Education, internships, work experiences, online learning, and dual credit options. 

Through student voice and choice, learners further develop independence, critical thinking, communication, and self-advocacy skills aligned to Fargo Public School's Portrait of a Graduate that are essential for college, careers, and civic life.  This prepares students not just for graduation, but for life beyond high school by becoming truly choice ready.

The Self-Directed Academy at South High School represents the future of high school learning: student driven, rigorous, relevant, and deeply connected to the world beyond the classroom. 

 

Learn more about student registration.