Yes, we know. Another name change to worry about.
If you've been following our journey from DMSA (pronounced "D M S A," not "Dimsa"), to Method Sports Academy, and now to Method Summit Academy, you might be thinking we're struggling with school name indecisiveness.
We get it. It does sound like we're trying to confuse you. But we promise there鈥檚 logic behind the moves鈥攁nd it's all about giving our students the best opportunities possible.
Quick backtrack, though. Method Summit Academy is part of the broader 91短视频 system鈥攁 network of innovative public charter schools designed to support students through flexible, personalized learning. While most Method programs operate in a virtual or independent study format, MSA offers a site-based experience tailored specifically to student-athletes and students who need hands-on, in-person support. It鈥檚 a natural extension of Method鈥檚 mission to meet learners where they are, whether that鈥檚 online, on the field, or in a classroom.
But, back to the name change.
When referring to both Method Summit Academy (MSA) and Dehesa Sports Academy (DSA) together, we still use the term as a way to describe the collective work of both programs. While MSA now operates as its own classroom-based charter school under the 91短视频 umbrella, DSA functions as a program of , serving students in grades TK鈥�6. Despite their different structures, the two are closely connected by mission and origin, making DMSA a useful shorthand for the combined vision that launched them both.
That鈥檚 why, effective July 1, 2025, MSA has been approved as a site-based charter, allowing us to expand access to in-person programs, services, and opportunities that better support student-athletes and their families. This is the first classroom-based charter for 91短视频. It鈥檚 a big step, and one we鈥檙e proud to take.
Note that DSA remains Dehesa Sports Academy while MSA is Method Summit Academy. This is simply because CIF sports aren't a concern for TK-6 schools, but more on that below. While we primarily serve students in grades 7-12 at MSA, the charter accepts students from all grades TK-12.
Turns out, having the word 鈥沦辫辞谤迟蝉鈥� in your school鈥檚 legal name can be a bit of a red flag when applying to join the , the governing body for high school sports in California. It sets the rules, schedules, and eligibility standards for student-athletes across the state. If a school wants its students to compete in official league games, championships, and recognized athletic events, CIF approval is a must. Think of it as the golden ticket to legitimate high school sports competition鈥攁nd something we absolutely wanted our students at Method Summit Academy to have access to. It's important to note, however, that a high school couldn't just join on their own. The school needs to be voted in by other, already CIF-approved schools.
Why was "Method Sports Academy" a "red flag" name? Because to some schools, 鈥淪ports Academy鈥� sounds a little too elite. Like we鈥檙e building a school exclusively to dominate on the field. Even though that鈥檚 not what we鈥檙e doing. We鈥檙e building a school to help student-athletes (and future college hopefuls) thrive academically while balancing their passion for sports. With today's sports and training schedules, many students require a more flexible school option. Our school is built to help students balance school and sports.
But if the name alone could cost MSA students the chance to play CIF sports, we had to make a change.
We wanted a name that:
Still fits with the 91短视频 brand
Reflects challenge, performance, and elevation
Doesn鈥檛 scream 鈥渦nfair advantage鈥� to opposing teams during future CIF play
Still makes sense to families in San Diego鈥檚 East County
鈥淪ummit鈥� felt right. It鈥檚 aspirational. It reflects the mountainous East County landscape (drive through the gorgeous rolling hill communities of East San Diego County and it makes sense), and it represents what our students are striving for鈥攁cademically, athletically, and personally. It鈥檚 a name rooted in effort, not entitlement.
To make the name change to Method Summit Academy official鈥攁nd to align it with our evolving program model鈥攚e submitted a to our charter, which was formally approved by . This revision wasn鈥檛 just about updating the name; it was a key administrative step that allowed us to reflect the school鈥檚 shift to a site-based instructional model. With this approval, we now have the ability to offer a wider range of in-person programs, services, and CIF-aligned athletic opportunities鈥攁ll while staying true to our mission of providing flexible, student-centered learning.
Everything else about the school remains the same:
The same schedule flexibility
The same small-group, personalized learning
The same passion for supporting competitive athletes (and soon-to-be athletes)
The same staff, location, and commitment to student growth
All that鈥檚 changed is the name, because when it comes to removing barriers for our students, we鈥檒l summit whatever mountain we need to.