Academics

The End In Mind

At San Diego FC’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.

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.

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, the 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:

1. We believe each student-athlete is unique—and should be known, celebrated, and supported as such.
2. We believe education is the path to fulfilling opportunity.
3. We believe academic excellence—particularly in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and communication—creates independence and opens doors.
4. 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.
5. We believe intelligence and ability are not fixed—effort, feedback, and mindset drive growth.
6. We believe strong relationships with student-athletes, families, teammates, and our community are essential to deep learning and transformation.
7. We believe in teaching with love and holding high expectations—because our students deserve nothing less.

How Learning Best Occurs

To move beyond vision and into reality, we ground our academic approach in the following instructional commitments:

1. Rigorous Standards-Based Instruction
   We deliver a challenging academic program that blends college-preparatory content with authentic application. Literacy and conceptual mathematical and scientific reasoning are infused throughout the curriculum, and students engage in multidisciplinary projects that demand deep thought, teamwork, and independence. Learning is scaffolded for rigor over time and assessed through multiple measures, including writing, speaking, and performance-based tasks.

2. Individualized Exploration through Differentiation
   We believe each student deserves a personalized pathway to mastery. Through the use of real-time data, skilled differentiation, and purposeful technology, educators tailor instruction to meet diverse needs. Students learn to track their progress, reflect on their goals, and own their learning. Collaboration between educators, advisors, coaches, and specialists ensures every student is supported and stretched.

3. Risk Taking and Growth Mindset
   We create a culture where curiosity, experimentation, and failure are embraced as essential parts of learning. We explicitly teach students how to think about learning, and how to bounce back from setbacks. Our classrooms are spaces of inquiry and resilience—where tough problems are welcomed and students are empowered to ask bold questions and share their evolving thinking.

4. Family and Community Partnership
   We see families and community members as essential partners in our students’ journeys. We maintain open lines of communication, offer meaningful opportunities for involvement, and work collaboratively to ensure every child is known, loved, and supported. Together, we are building something powerful—on and off the field.

5. Whole-Child Development
   We believe students learn best when their full selves are nurtured. Our program integrates movement, the arts, world languages, and enrichment opportunities to foster creativity, health, and global awareness. We aim to spark joy and curiosity—and to prepare students not just for school, but for life.

Where Passion Meets Purpose

Beyond the Box – From eSports to martial arts, social media to sports medicine, students explore bold, real-world electives that spark creativity and innovation.
STEAM & Storytelling – Hands-on coding, robotics, visual/performing arts, and cross-disciplinary projects bring science, math, and imagination to life.Global Fluency – Through world languages and cultural exchange, students build the confidence and competence to thrive in a diverse, connected world. The World is Our Classroom – Field lessons, college visits, and service projects create immersive, purpose-driven learning experiences. Whole-Student Growth – With individual development plans (IDPs), mental health supports, and joyful traditions, we nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Future-Ready Pathways – Personalized support, college and career planning, and flexible academic options prepare students for any road they choose. Athletics & Academics in Harmony – World-class coaching fuels classroom excellence, while teaching reinforces discipline, focus, and character on the field. Values in Action – Through social-emotional learning, advisory programs, and restorative justice, we build strong communities rooted in respect, voice, and collective accountability.