Head of School Updates
August 27th, 2025
In the coming weeks, we will be sharing the full results of academic achievement data from the 2024–25 school year with our community. While there are opportunities for growth that our team is working diligently to address, there is also much to be proud of and celebrate together.
For example, Sussex Academy moved up two spots in the recent U.S. News & World Report rankings and is now the #2 high school in Delaware. We were also recognized as the 63rd best charter school in the nation and ranked among the top 300 schools across the country. Our middle school is currently ranked as the #3 in middle school Delaware, and our elementary school maintained its position as the #13 best elementary school in the state.
These achievements highlight the incredible work of our students, the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the unwavering support of our families. They demonstrate what is possible when a community comes together with a shared belief in our mission to provide accelerated learning opportunities in a smaller school setting.
Thank you for choosing to be a Seahawk and for the vital role you play in making Sussex Academy one of the premier schools in Delaware. I look forward to seeing our students and families tomorrow afternoon at our Open House and Kick-Off event at the Nest and kicking the year off together after the Holiday weekend.
Our school policy requires that we collect an activity fee from each student. As we begin the new school year, we want to share how your student’s activity fee is being used to enhance their educational experience with an increased level of transparency into what the activity fees are used for. Please see the attached budget for a detailed breakdown of how these funds are allocated.
This year, we’ve made a few thoughtful adjustments to better meet the needs of our students:
- Yearbook Purchases: In previous years, yearbooks were provided for every grade level. This year, we are focusing yearbook purchases on transition years: grades 5, 8, and 12. This change allows us to reduce costs while still celebrating important milestones.
- Technology Investments: This year, we are expecting an increase in technology-related costs (Chromebooks, iPads, licenses, and replacement parts). To ensure students continue to have access to essential devices, software, and replacement parts, we’ve allocated some of the savings realized from yearbooks toward these needs. This investment helps maintain reliable and up-to-date tools for learning across all grade levels.
- Expanded Field Trips & Experiences: We’re excited to share that we’ve also increased the budget for field trips and experiential learning opportunities. These experiences are vital for student engagement, exploration, and growth. We’re thrilled to offer more of them this year.
The activity fee remains an essential part of supporting these programs. As a reminder, the fee amounts are:
- Elementary School: $185
- Middle School: $205
- High School: $225
We’re grateful for your partnership in making these opportunities possible for all students. See below for details about how to submit payment for your activity fee.
- Submit a check payable to: Sussex Academy (note student’s name in memo)
- Cash
- We accept Visa, MasterCard, Amex & Discover.
- https://go.delaware.gov/apps/s/department-of-education/sussex-academy
- If you need to arrange a payment plan, please email Andrea Rogers: andrea.rogers@saas.k12.de.us or call 302-856-3636 ext.1004
- If you feel that you would qualify for free or reduced activity fee, you will need to fill out a meal benefit application form. The forms, in both English and Spanish, are posted on our website or can be picked up in the office. You can drop off at the school or e-mail to terry.allen@saas.k12.de.us. Note - This form needs to be submitted each school year.
Please pay no later than September 30, 2025.
Attention 6th grade families!
A huge welcome to all the incoming sixth graders and their families! Keep an eye out for an email coming to you on Thursday from one of your new teachers. The email will explain all the specifics of our first day together on Tuesday, September 2.
On that first day, we will be providing pizza for the entire class, though you may of course bring other food if you want something besides pizza for lunch. Our email home tomorrow will explain further details. We are so excited to begin the new school year with our new team of students and families. You are going to love being a Middle School Seahawk!
Driving and Parking Privileges
Permits to park on campus are required. All students, even those with a previous year’s permit, must apply via Google Form and provide documentation of license and insurance.
National Merit Scholarship
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a highly competitive scholarship opportunity for students throughout the country. To be eligible for the National Merit Scholarships, students take the College Board National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in the fall of their junior year to be considered for college scholarships in their senior year. Here is a link for the National Merit Scholarship Program https://www.nationalmerit.org/.
Sussex Academy will be offering the Qualifying Test to juniors only on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The cost is $18; students may qualify for a fee waiver. Due to the highly competitive nature of the National Merit Program, it is recommended that students have a GPA of 4.0 or higher with plans to apply to selective four-year colleges.
If you want more information or directions to sign up, please message/contact Mrs. McLaughlin through Schoology or maureen.mclaughlin@saas.k12.de.us.
The deadline for registration is Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The NMSQT should not be considered as a practice SAT. Students interested in practice SAT test can access them at https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/practice/practice-tests.
Sports Updates
📣 Sussex Academy Athletics – Registration & Physicals Now Online
We’re excited to share that all athletic registrations and DIAA physical submissions will now be completed online through Snap Manage!
👉 Snap Manage Athlete Registration & Physical Upload
📌 Need help? How to Upload Forms to Snap
📄 2025–2026 DIAA Physical Form
✅ What families need to know:
Every student-athlete must be registered in Snap Manage to participate.
Physicals must be uploaded online – paper copies will no longer be accepted.
You can register for Fall, Winter, and Spring sports at the same time.
After uploading, log back in within 1–3 days to confirm your physical has been marked “Approved.”
💡 Helpful Tips:
Registration is not complete until you receive a confirmation email from Snap Manage.
Uploads must be in PDF format (not photos).
Many parents find it easier to upload from a computer rather than a phone.
Questions Involving Physicals?
Please reach out to our Athletic Trainer:
📧 brian.huebler@saas.k12.de.us