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School that moves with your student.
A tuition-free school designed for East San Diego student athletes. Students attend onsite in Dehesa (El Cajon) for small-group instruction and personalized, sport-specific training — every day.
A great fit for all students.
Student athletes need flexibility to reach their full academic and athletic potential. We focus on small classes and personalized coursework to create deeper learning experiences. Summit students don't have to choose between the podium and the diploma — they receive a premier, WASC-accredited education that moves at the pace of their passion.
In-person learning + athletic training
Small-group classroom instruction combined with daily, sport-specific training on campus in El Cajon.
Flexible Fridays for competition & travel
Online learning on Fridays gives students the freedom to travel, compete, and stay on track academically.
Academics + athletics aligned
One coordinated program that connects school, training, and daily schedule in a single place.
Personal support for every student
Small-group instruction, one-on-one support, and flexible pacing help students stay on track — or get ahead.
Sport-specific programs.
Summit students train daily with professional coaches in their sport — not generic PE. Our current training programs cover five sports, with each athlete following a plan built around their position, goals, and season.
🏈 Football
🏀 Basketball
⚽ Soccer
⚾ Baseball
🥎 Softball
What is DMSA?
Dehesa Method Sports Academies (DMSA) is a partnership between Dehesa School District and Method Schools — not a single school, but a collaboration between a traditional public school district and a public charter school. The two schools share athletic trainers, some operational overhead, and the SmartFox curriculum, but maintain separate academic programs and governance.
A partnership between Dehesa School District & Method Schools
Shared athletic trainers
SmartFox curriculum
Shared facilities & transportation
Two independent schools
Dehesa Sports Academy
Grades TK–5
A traditional public school under Dehesa School District, serving elementary student-athletes.
Method Summit Academy
Grades 6–12
A tuition-free, classroom-based public charter school under Method Schools, serving middle and high school student-athletes.
The leadership team behind Method Summit Academy.
Educators and program leaders who built their careers around developing student-athletes — academically, athletically, and personally.
Enrique Gonzalez
MSA Principal
Enrique began his career as a teacher of History, Spanish, and Physical Education across grades 5–12. With a background in Project Based Learning, he spent over six years as a Director of PBL — training and mentoring K–12 teachers to make student learning more dynamic and engaging. He went on to lead schools in the East County, focused on community engagement, student achievement, and restorative practices.
Lauren Terrell
MSA Lead Teacher
Lauren holds a Bachelor's in Theatre from Cal Poly, SLO and Single Subject credentials in both English and Physical Education. She connects curriculum to real-world application and promotes engagement through innovative teaching. Beyond the classroom, she's certified in multiple fitness disciplines including Pilates and has trained clients across San Diego — championing academic growth and physical literacy in equal measure.
Austin Cipres
Athletic Director
Austin leads Method's athletics program with the conviction that every student deserves a rigorous but flexible education that opens doors well beyond graduation. He holds a B.S. in business management and a master's in special education, and brings five-plus years across K–12 special education, educational purchasing, and athletics. A former collegiate baseball player, Austin knows firsthand how sport can unlock opportunity — and he builds programs that make that real for Method families.
Gerric Waller
Program Development Manager
Gerric brings 30+ years in athletics — from playing in the San Diego Padres' Minor League system to scouting for the Mariners and Dodgers and serving as Co-Director of Baseball Operations for MLB's Arizona Fall League. He currently directs operations for the Tony Gwynn Baseball travel organization and has spent decades developing young athletes as a coach, hitting instructor, and consultant.
Common questions.
What's a charter school?
Is Method Summit Academy tuition-free?
Is Summit an online or in-person school?
Does my child need a computer?
Am I required to volunteer as a parent?
What is DMSA and how does it relate to Method Summit Academy?
Documents & policies.
Charter Petition
PDF
LCAP Report
PDF
Student / Parent Handbook
PDF
Admission Policies & Procedures
PDF
Summit Student & Parent Handbook
Method Summit Academy is site-based, so it has its own handbook covering campus policies, schedules, and annual notifications.
Ready to secure a spot?
Tell us a bit about your athlete and we'll be in touch within one business day.