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Preschool

Phoenix #1 Preschool Options

Phoenix Elementary School District 1 is proud to offer high-quality preschool options designed to meet the diverse needs of our families. For the 2026–2027 school year, we have full-day and half-day schedules. We're here to support you in finding the right fit for your child and your family’s needs.


Preschool Offerings

Our District preschool program implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum that meets the individual needs of each student. The focus is on the development of the whole child in a cognitively rich and responsive environment. Every child in our program has the opportunity to participate in a variety of active learning experiences that foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. Educational experiences for preschool students are based on the understanding that young children learn through socio-dramatic and constructive play. Our preschool classrooms create an environment that promotes independence, fosters decision-making, and encourages the involvement of children and families.

Preschool Toilet Training Policy

 

Full-Day Preschool (Tuition-Based, Scholarships Available)

Available at:

  • Emerson
  • Kenilworth
  • Lowell (DLI - Dual Language Immersion)
    • Dual Language Immersion curriculum with daily learning in two languages (English/Spanish)
    • Learning environment that promotes independence, decision-making, and family involvement
  • Shaw Montessori*
    • Montessori-based curriculum focused on self-directed learning and independence
    • Mixed-age learning environment that supports self-construction and leadership development

These full-day programs serve 3 and 4-year-olds and offer a robust early learning experience delivered by certified teachers. To ensure these programs are sustainable, the district will implement monthly tuition (see chart below) at Emerson, Kenilworth, Lowell, and Shaw Montessori. Students must be potty-trained to participate in any of these programs. 

*Shaw Montessori also offers half-day tuition-based preschool for 3-year-olds

 

Half-Day Developmental Preschool (No Cost for In-District Residents)
Available at:

  • Faith North Early Childhood Learning Center

This half-day program serves 3 and 4-year-olds. Students must be potty-trained to participate in this program.

 

Head Start (Free program for low-income families)

Available at:

  • Bethune
  • Edison
  • Lowell

These programs serve qualifying, low-income families and provide strong school readiness support through the federal Head Start model.


Need Full-Day Childcare Beyond Our Program Hours?

We’ve partnered with Y Academy at Monterey Park to offer a high-quality, affordable childcare solution for children under 5.

  • No-cost transportation is available from our preschool sites to Y Academy.
  • This option provides extended care for families who need full-day support.

Tuition & Fees for Full-Day Preschool

School

Age

Schedule

Monthly Tuition

Fee to Register

Kenilworth

3 or 4

Monday through Friday:
8:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Wednesday Early Release:
8:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

$750

$25

Emerson

3 or 4

Monday through Friday:
8:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Wednesday Early Release:
8:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

$750

$25

Shaw Montessori

3 by August 31

Monday through Friday:
8:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 

Wednesday Early Release:
8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

$500

$25

Shaw Montessori

4 by August 31

Monday through Friday:
8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. 

Wednesday Early Release:
8:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

$750

 

$25

Lowell (Dual Language Immersion)  3 or 4

Monday through Friday:
8:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Wednesday Early Release:
8:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

$750 $25

*Phoenix #1 Employees receive a 10% tuition discount and a waived registration fee
*Payments will be due monthly online
*Late fees apply starting on the 9th day of the month

Tuition Assistance and Scholarships

DES Child Care Subsidy

Our preschool program accepts the DES child care subsidy at Emerson, Kenilworth, Lowell, and Shaw Montessori!

Apply for DES Child Care Assistance here.

For assistance, contact Lela Neff at 602-257-3810 or lela.neff@phxschools.org

Quality First Scholarships

Quality First scholarships are available at Emerson, Kenilworth, and Shaw Montessori. Eligible families will qualify for $525 toward tuition costs.

For an application, contact Marisa Brito at 602-257-3808 or m.brito@phxschools.org 


Need Help or Have Questions?

We’re here to help you explore your options and find the best fit.
Call us at 602-257-3901 for personalized assistance.

Registration

If you have already registered, you do not need to register again. 

To apply for Head Start (Bethune, Edison, Lowell), call 602-262-4040​ or visit the City of Phoenix Head Start Program website.

To apply for Emerson, Faith North, Kenilworth,  or Lowell (DLI), call 602-257-3901 or fill out this online Phoenix #1 Preschool Application Form for the 2026-2026 school year. 

To apply for Shaw Montessori, call 602-257-3914 or visit Shaw Montessori Admission Process


Preschool Child Find

The district offers developmental screenings periodically year-round. Children as young as 2 years 9 months may participate in hearing, vision, and developmental screenings to determine if further evaluations are necessary. Eligible children identified with significant delays will be offered services through enrollment in district programs that include special education at no cost to the parent/guardian. If you think your preschool-age child may have speech or other developmental delays, please call (602) 257-3808 to schedule a screening appointment.

If you have an infant from birth to 2 years 9 months of age who appears to have developmental delays, please contact Arizona Early Intervention Programs (AzEIP) at (602) 253-1620 to learn about services available for younger children with disabilities.

Learn more about
Child Find