Head of School Updates

Our mission to create a supportive school environment with accelerated learning opportunities that prepare students to explore, experience, and excel is rooted in the purpose of our public charter school. While we believe strongly in a well-rounded education that includes opportunities in the arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities, academics remain at the center of our work at Sussex Academy. For the past three years, we have shared our achievement data publicly because we have much to celebrate as well as areas where we must continue to improve.

There are several accomplishments worth celebrating in our 2026 data. For example, our SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing proficiency was 81%, the second highest in the State of Delaware. In Advanced Placement courses, 75% of exams earned a score of 3 or higher, reflecting the strong performance of our students in rigorous, college-level coursework. We also saw 6% growth in 7th grade math proficiency year over year for the Class of 2031.

At the same time, I want to be equally transparent about where we have work to do. Overall ELA proficiency decreased by 5 percentage points, from 70% to 65%, while math proficiency decreased by 3 percentage points, from 55% to 52%. SAT Math proficiency was 28%, which remained above the state average but does not meet the expectations we have established for student achievement at Sussex Academy. While these are individual examples, they are consistent with broader trends we have observed in our achievement data over the past five years and reinforce the need for a continued focus on improvement.

We know that neither our students nor our school can be defined by a standardized test score. However, our responsibility to the students we serve is to study the results, celebrate progress, identify areas of concern, and adjust our practices accordingly. As we respond to these trends, our instructional focus remains centered on excellent daily instruction in every classroom, strong K–12 systems of support for students, and writing across content areas.

Thank you to our families for your continued partnership and for the important role you play at home in supporting our students. As always, I am happy to answer any questions about our achievement data or the work underway this year as we continue building on our strengths and addressing the areas where we need to improve together.

As previously communicated, Sussex Academy policy requires an annual activity fee for each student.

These funds directly support student programs, resources, and experiences throughout the school year. To provide ongoing transparency, we have included a detailed activity fee budget showing how these funds are used.

For the upcoming school year, activity fees will continue to support technology, field trips and experiential learning, student activities, and yearbooks for students in grades 5, 8, and 12, along with other student related expenses.

Activity Fees

• Elementary School: $185

• Middle School: $205

• High School: $225

Payment Options

Payments may be made by:

• Check payable to Sussex Academy (include the student's name in the memo)

• Cash

• Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover through our online payment system

Families who need to arrange a payment plan may contact Mrs. Calli Horsey at calli.horsey@saas.k12.de.us or (302) 856-3636 ext. 1004. Families who may qualify for a free or reduced activity fee must complete a meal benefit application each school year. The form can be found on our website by clicking here.

Please submit activity fee payments by September 30.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in providing meaningful opportunities and experiences for our students.

We’ve already had a great response to our call for alumni! Please help us spread the word with the Sussex Academy graduates you know by asking them to fill out the contact form at this link so we can keep in touch!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRDq5NAlj8k2mhZ4qNUtcCtAq63ms-OGm4sR2vUFFKNqdrrw/viewform

Homecoming sweatshirts are now available to purchase for children and parents!

This year’s theme is “Black Out.” Purchase your sweatshirt today to support Homecoming! Adult and child sizes are available – orders must be received by Oct. 6.

All proceeds benefit Sussex Academy Sports Boosters. Order via the QR code or at https://hoco26.itemorder.com/shop/home/.

Just a reminder that Homecoming is the weekend of October 23rd!

Our families have been so helpful in helping us spread the word about our students’ accomplishments! Please keep the story ideas coming by emailing Ellen Driscoll at ellen.driscoll@saas.k12.de.us.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and continue to check our website for our most recent news releases.

We have several exciting events and opportunities coming up at Sussex Academy Elementary! Please take a moment to review these important dates and updates for our Seahawk families.

This week is Child Passenger Safety Week, a great opportunity for families to review safe riding habits. Remember to make sure children are riding in an age- and size-appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt and that everyone buckles up for every ride. Families can review the attached Safe Kids flyer for helpful car seat, booster seat, and seat belt safety reminders.

Get ready to gear up for an exciting school year! Our first Parent Volunteer Zoom Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 24, from 7:00–7:30 PM. We know weeknights are busy, so we're keeping it fast, fun, and strictly 30 minutes!

Whether you're a returning volunteer or looking to get involved for the first time, we'd love to have you join us as we begin planning events such as Literacy Night, the Walk-A-Thon, Book Fair, and more. We'll also discuss volunteer opportunities and background check processing.

🗓 Thursday, September 24 | ⏰ 7:00–7:30 PM

Let’s help us make this a wonderful year for our Seahawks! 💙

Get those smiles ready! Elementary Picture Day is Thursday, October 1. JostensPIX uses a green screen for photographs, so please avoid wearing green clothing on Picture Day.

Picture Day: Thursday, October 1

We have exciting news! We are nearing completion of the licensing process for the Sussex YMCA Aftercare Program at Sussex Academy Elementary School and expect the program to begin within the next couple of weeks. Registration is now open, and applications are being accepted!

Families interested in participating can complete the YMCA aftercare application here. Before enrollment can be finalized, families will need a current Health Appraisal, immunization record, proof of lead and TB risk screening, and their child's IEP if applicable.

Already applied? You can request an update on your application status here.

The program will run from the end of the school day until 5:30 PM. The introductory rate for the 2026–27 school year is $245 per month, and a $50 non-refundable application fee applies. Once the YMCA receives final licensing approval, families will receive additional communication with the official start date.

Please see the attached YMCA Frequently Asked Questions flyer for additional details. We are excited to welcome the YMCA to Sussex Academy and provide our students with a safe, engaging, and enriching after-school experience!

We are excited to launch the Middle School Science Club, led by Sussex Academy junior Eva Navitskaya! This is a great opportunity for middle school students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to explore their interests, collaborate with peers, and participate in exciting competitions.

Students may participate in the Sussex County Science Fair, join Sussex Academy’s Division B Science Olympiad Team, or participate in both! Through these experiences, students will have opportunities to conduct their own scientific research, design and build solutions, test their knowledge, and represent Sussex Academy in competition.

📅 Begins: Friday, October 2

Eva brings significant experience to the club as a three-year Science Olympiad participant and four-year Sussex County Science Fair participant, earning recognition in both competitions. We are excited to see her demonstrate student leadership by sharing her passion for STEM with our middle school students!

Questions? Contact Eva at eva.navitskaya@sussexacademy.org

• Capture all the memories from this school year with a Sussex Academy Middle School Yearbook! 💜

• Yearbooks are currently $37.00 when ordered by October 2, 2026.

• Families can order through Jostens using the information on the flyer or this link (Click Here). Students and families can also share photos from throughout the year for possible inclusion in the yearbook. Don’t miss out on the memories — order yours early!

• Just a reminder that all 8th grade students receive a yearbook at no cost to families. During this transition year, all students receive a yearbook from school activity fees.

Our talented students are creating a mini docuseries that takes viewers behind the scenes of Sussex Academy’s production of SIX! In the first episode, follow the cast through callbacks and initial rehearsals, and hear from students and Mr. Decker, our director, as they share their experiences bringing the show to life.

Check out Episode 1 by clicking on the link below and stay tuned for more updates as the production progresses!

Order Your 2026–2027 High School Yearbook!

• Capture all the special memories from the 2026–2027 school year!
• High School yearbooks are now on sale for $60.00 when ordered by September 24, 2026. Don’t miss out on the memories—order yours early!
• Senior Families: As a reminder, all senior students will receive a yearbook at no cost to families. School activity fees will cover the cost of a yearbook for every senior student, so senior families do not need to purchase a yearbook.

ONE-ON-ONE SENIOR MEETINGS

Our College & Career Advisor Mrs. Bobby is wrapping up one-on-one senior meetings this week. Students can find their 15-minute individual meeting time and location on the second tab of this schedule. Students who are marked in green attended their meeting; students in red did not and should reach out to Mrs. Bobby to reschedule.

GROUP MEETINGS WITH JUNIORS

Starting Monday (9/28), Mrs. Bobby will be hosting group meetings for juniors about college and career planning. The schedule for these meetings is here. Students do NOT need to check in with their teachers before attending; an attendance report will be shared with teachers immediately following the meetings.

COLLEGE APPLICATION REMINDERS

Please encourage your student to complete the following tasks as soon as possible:

• College Letter of Recommendation Form: Students should have completed the College Letter of Recommendation Form and shared it with their two teacher recommenders and erin.bobby@sussexacademy.org

• Common App and Naviance: Students applying to college should create or begin working on their Common App account and connect it to Naviance. They should also request teacher recommendations through Naviance and complete the FERPA waiver. This step-by-step guide explains the process. Students who cannot access Naviance should email me.

COLLEGE VISITS AT SUSSEX ACADEMY - Week of 9/28

Throughout the fall, representatives from colleges and universities will host 30-minute information sessions at Sussex Academy. Juniors and Seniors may miss class to attend these sessions.

We will host representatives Mary Baldwin University (VA) on 9/29, Goldey-Beacom College (DE) on 9/30, and University of Chicago (IL) on 10/2.

To view upcoming visits and register, students should:

1. Log in to Naviance.

2. Select Colleges.

3. Under Research Colleges, select College Visits.

4. Click Register Now beside any school they are interested in learning about.

5. Record the visit’s date and time in their planner.

6. Notify their teacher at least one day in advance.

7. Check in with their teacher on the day of the visit for attendance and information about missed instruction or assignments.

New visits are added throughout the fall, so students should check Naviance regularly.

STAND BY ME FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION SESSION: PAYING FOR COLLEGE

On Monday, October 5th at 7pm (in Room 102), the Stand By Me Organization will host a Paying for College Workshop geared toward Parents/Guardians and their senior students. This presentation provides an overview of the many options available to families to pay for college. The goal is to inform students and parents about government grants, scholarships, loans, FAFSA application procedures, and additional services and programs provided by Stand by Me. Register HERE.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Some localized scholarship opportunities have been sent our way! See our Scholarship Spreadsheet to stay up to date on all scholarship opportunities in our area.

LAUNCH INTO YOUR FUTURE WEEK: OCTOBER 26–30

Launch Into Your Future Week will take place October 26–30 in the library. During the week, students will have opportunities to sign out of class to work on college and career-related tasks and attend special information sessions. Additional details and sign-out instructions will be shared in October.

COMMUNICATION

Contact erin.bobby@sussexacademy.org with any questions.