The Academy of Civic Engagement and Advanced Studies
The Academy of Civic Engagement and Advanced Studies
at Sandra Day O'Connor High School
Follow us on Instagram! @TheAcademy_OC
Who We Are
The Academy is a 4-year program that focuses on civic engagement and college readiness through a variety of courses, guest speakers, field trips, and interactive learning. Students who are accepted into the Academy automatically become part of the Advanced Academics program, which includes Honors/Pre-AP/AP courses.
Academy students are grouped together in their Social Studies and English courses, which means that you'll travel through high school with a group of friends and classmates you can lean on. Academy teachers are all certified for Honors and AP courses, and have some of the highest success rates for students taking the AP College Board exams.
Seal of Civic Literacy
Academy students have the opportunity to graduate with the State of Arizona's Seal of Civic Literacy.
Summer Travel Opportunities
We offer an optional trip every summer the week after school gets out. Each trip is focused on a specific theme of American history and/or civic engagement.
Where We've Been:
- Philadelphia, PA (2023)
- Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, Cortez, CO (2024)
Summer Trip 2025
Civil Rights Tour:
Atlanta
Birmingham
Selma
Montgomery
More information is coming soon!
US II and IV Courses
US II (Sophomore Year) - Focuses on American History viewed in the scope of world events, with a focus on historical research. This is an online course consisting of long-term projects.
US IV (Senior Year) - Year-long internship on a community-focused project. Students connect with civic duty, history, and career-oriented skills.
Ready to Apply?
Apply during your 8th grade year.
Click here to download the 2025-2026 Academy Application.
Return your completed application to the SDOHS front office or email it to SO_DirAcademy@dvusd.org.
Questions?
Contact Mr. Uriah Cross and Mrs. Amanda Schlueter, Academy Co-Directors, at SO_DirAcademy@dvusd.org.
Required Classes
Freshman Year
- AP Human Geography
- ELA 1-2 H
- Biology H
Sophomore Year
- World History AP
- ELA 3-4 H
- Chemistry H
- US II Online / Hybrid
Junior Year
- AP U.S. History
- AP Language & Composition
Senior Year
- AP U.S. Government
- AP Economics
- AP Literature & Composition
- US IV Online / Hybrid (includes internship)