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 2025–2026 school year, we have both no-cost and paid options, including 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
- Shaw Montessori*
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 at the above sites. Students must be potty-trained to participate in this program.
*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
We are expanding our no-cost half-day preschool sessions for district families! These programs for 3 and 4-year-olds are an excellent introduction to school for our youngest learners. Students must be potty-trained to participate in this program.
Head Start (Free program for low-income families)
Available at:
- Bethune
- Edison
- Heard
- 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: Wednesday Early Release: |
$750 |
$25 |
|
Emerson |
3 or 4 |
Monday through Friday: Wednesday Early Release: |
$750 |
$25 |
|
Shaw Montessori |
3 by August 31 |
Monday through Friday: Wednesday Early Release: |
$500 |
$25 |
|
Shaw Montessori |
4 by August 31 |
Monday through Friday: Wednesday Early Release: |
$750 (New enrollments) No cost for 4-year-olds who attended Shaw's preschool in the 2024-2025 school year |
$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, 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 and Kenilworth! 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, Heard, Lowell), call 602-262-4040 or visit the City of Phoenix Head Start Program website.
To apply for Emerson, Faith North, Kenilworth, or Shaw Montessori, call 602-257-3901.
Preschool Child Find
The district offers developmental screenings periodically year-round. Children as young as age 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 programs that include special education services in the district 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 make an appointment for screening.
If you have an infant 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.