From Method Sports Academy to Method Summit Academy...Another Name Change?

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’s logic behind the moves—and it's all about giving our students the best opportunities possible.

Quick backtrack, though. Method Summit Academy is part of the broader Method Schools system—a 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’s a natural extension of Method’s mission to meet learners where they are, whether that’s online, on the field, or in a classroom.

But, back to the name change.

First Things First; DMSA is Still a Thing

When referring to both Method Summit Academy (MSA) and Dehesa Sports Academy (DSA) together, we still use the term DMSA as a way to describe the collective work of both programs. While MSA now operates as its own classroom-based charter school under the Method Schools umbrella, DSA functions as a program of Dehesa School District, serving students in grades TK–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’s 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 Method Schools. It’s a big step, and one we’re 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. 

CIF: Why School Names Matter More Than You’d Think

Turns out, having the word “Sports” in your school’s legal name can be a bit of a red flag when applying to join the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), 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—and 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, “Sports Academy” sounds a little too elite. Like we’re building a school exclusively to dominate on the field. Even though that’s not what we’re doing. We’re 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.

Why “Method Summit Academy”?

We wanted a name that:

• Still fits with the Method Schools brand

• Reflects challenge, performance, and elevation

• Doesn’t scream “unfair advantage” to opposing teams during future CIF play

• Still makes sense to families in San Diego’s East County

• And perhaps most importantly, it's still "MSA"

“Summit” felt right. It’s 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—academically, athletically, and personally. It’s a name rooted in effort, not entitlement. 

The Name Change Required a "Material Revision" to the MSA Charter

To make the name change to Method Summit Academy official—and to align it with our evolving program model—we submitted a material revision to our charter, which was formally approved by Dehesa School District in July 2025. This revision wasn’t just about updating the name; it was a key administrative step that allowed us to reflect the school’s 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—all while staying true to our mission of providing flexible, student-centered learning. 

Still the Same School, Just a Better Name

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’s changed is the name, because when it comes to removing barriers for our students, we’ll summit whatever mountain we need to.