ACDS was highlighted in the educational publication, Education Dive, as an example of a forward-thinking and innovative model that incorporated SEL, play, and communication skills in a rigorous academic program. The article, entitled, “What can public schools learn from private peers on road to School 2.0?” discusses how our thoughtful, child-centered, and innovative program addresses many of the challenges faced by public schools and provides a roadmap for school improvement.
In this article, the writer notes that ACDS “is utilizing a focus on social-emotional learning, play, and communication skills to produce students well-equipped for the challenges of some of the nation’s best high schools and higher education institutions. That approach, says Head of School Scott Baytosh, is key to fostering and maintaining students’ love of learning.” The article goes on to quote Mr. Baytosh: “I think that’s kind of the Holy Grail that schools are trying to find. How do you have a really vigorous, challenging academic program that’s going to really prepare them for the challenges of the future, and yet not burn them out?” Upon visiting ACDS, the writer commented: “One thing that really stuck out during the visit was that at no point did any student seem bored or disengaged. They all looked like they were having fun.”
