The End In Mind
At San Diego’s Right to Dream Academy, we are committed to developing student-athletes who are strong in both academics and character. We aim to cultivate independent thinkers— young people who are confident in forming and expressing their own ideas. Whether analyzing a text, collaborating on a project, navigating the pressures of sport and academics, or making choices with peers in residence, our students know how to identify their values, stand in their truth, and move forward with conviction—even when their perspective is unique or challenging to the status quo.
Right to Dream student-athletes will leave high school equipped with the academic knowledge, habits of mind, and strength of character necessary to thrive in the most rigorous universities around the world. They will demonstrate achievement that accelerates their many strengths, closes opportunity gaps, and prepares them to compete at the highest levels. Our student-athletes will be empowered to author their own stories, fueled by the confidence and clarity to pursue futures of their choosing. They will know their passions and strengths, and will begin to align these with academic, career, and life pathways—ultimately positioning them to lead lives of purpose, possibility, and joy.
Right to Dream Academy’s academic vision rests on the belief that excellence in conceptual, critical, and creative thinking—developed through literacy, math, scientific inquiry, the arts, and physical development—unlocks both voice and agency. Our students will be curious learners, skilled communicators, and purposeful practitioners. In our classrooms and learning environments, you will witness a vibrant hum of collaboration, inquiry, and innovation. Whether in academic seminars, advisory circles, or athletic training, students will be pushing themselves and each other to think deeply, act in alignment to their values, and strive for excellence.
They will be bold in their pursuit of understanding, committed to self-reflection, and fearless in the face of challenge. They will know how to advocate for their learning and their growth. They will understand the relevance of what they are learning, both to their current development and to the broader world. They will not only be ready for higher education—they will be ready to lead.
We will measure our success by both internal and external benchmarks, including academic growth and readiness, personal development, feedback from our student-athletes and their families, and—ultimately—the percentage of our graduates who exit prepared for college, complete college, pursue fulfilling careers, and lead lives of purpose, joy, and impact.
The Learning Environment
In alignment with our core values, Right to Dream Academy operates from a set of beliefs about what makes an excellent learning environment. These beliefs guide our decisions, our actions, and the daily experiences of the young people entrusted to our care:
- We believe each student-athlete is unique—and should be known, celebrated, and supported as such.
- We believe education is the path to fulfilling opportunity.
- We believe academic excellence—particularly in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and communication—creates independence and opens doors.
- We believe holistic, integrated learning that includes science, the arts, physical development, and global studies prepares students to develop their identities, broaden their connection and perspective, and thrive in a complex world.
- We believe intelligence and ability are not fixed—effort, feedback, and mindset drive growth.
- We believe strong relationships with student-athletes, families, teammates, and our community are essential to deep learning and transformation.
- We believe in teaching with love and holding high expectations—because our students deserve nothing less.