Stephen Decatur School

Stephen Decatur School (SDS) is a Department of Defense Overseas School serving the military and civilian work force of Naval Air Station Sigonella. The school is also part of the Italy District, with headquarters in Vicenza, Italy and the European Area with located headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany. SDS is a unit school with 1,000 students in grades preschool through twelfth and over 80 staff members. The school is accredited by the North Central Association through annual written reports and on-site visits every 5 years.The curriculum offered at Stephen Decatur is similar to stateside schools, but the small number of High School students means that some advanced placement courses may be somewhat limited. Because of limited enrollment, some classes are offered through Distance Learning or Independent Study. For further information regarding the curriculum, you can visit the NASSIG website or contact an administrator at 011-39-095-564281 or (DSN) 624-4281.

SDS High School students have the opportunity to participate in an NJROTC program taught by two certified naval science instructors. Seventh and eighth grade students may earn High School credit in mathematics, French, Italian, and/or Spanish. Special programs are available to students through comprehensive special education services, Reading Recovery, Language Arts/Reading Specialist, Talented and Gifted teacher, English as a second language, Compensatory Education. Over 150 volunteers assist the school, many of them providing tutoring for students who need special assistance. Interscholastic sports programs are available to students in grades 9-12. Competition is conducted with other DoDDS schools within Europe and with International schools in Milan and Rome. Other extracurricular activities are available are available for children of all ages, e.g. elementary chess club, drama, and yearbook.

All students are encouraged to become more involved in the local culture through the study of Italian language and participation in many of the cultural study trips into local communities. A major effort is made to ensure students achieve an understanding of the diverse culture in which they live. Half-day kindergarten classes are provided for students who will reach 5 years of age by October 31. Two sure start classes are available for students who meet the criteria. Sure Start applications are available in the student Affairs Office. Applications are accepted throughout the year. An advisory board meets in August to select initial participants and throughout the year to fill vacancies that may occur. Children 3 and older who have identified developmental delays are eligible for the Pre-School for Children with Disabilities (PSCD). Screenings for this class are held the first Wednesday of each month. Appointments for screenings may be made by calling the Student Affairs Office.

Bus transportation is provided to students living within the established commuting area. Please ensure that the house of your choice is located within the commuting area or near an established bus stop. Routes are examined and modified as needed. Bus passes and detailed information is available from the DETMO office, located in the Student Affairs Office.Registration is ongoing at the school. New students may register on school days during office hours (7 a.m. - 4 p.m.) and during school vacations from 8 a.m. -12 noon weekdays. Registration must be complete by 11 a.m. in order for a student to begin the next school day.

Educational and Developmental Intervention Service (EDIS) currently provides the following services for NAS Sigonella children:

• Early Intervention Program - covers children from birth up to 3 years old
• Medically related services - Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, and Developmental Pediatrics services provided in the school setting for children ages 3-21 years old.
   

School Address: Stephen Decatur School - PSC 824 Box 2640 - FPO AE 09623
Principal's Office Telephone: 624-4285
Student Affairs Office Telephone: 624-4281
DETMO (buses) Telephone: 624-3244