Academic Advantage
Guide 2008
We all want the school that’s best for our kids, but
picking the “right” school is a tricky balance of meeting
your child’s and family needs with what the school has to
offer.
It’s not the perfect school, but the right fit parents
should be seeking. Certainly, you want a safe environment
so your kids can feel secure enough to focus on learning.
Beyond that, understanding how your child learns best and
his or her social needs can really influence the types of
schools that you consider. Finding the school that’s going
to help your child grow the best—academically, emotionally
and socially—is tough. And those needs must be balanced
with basics like fitting into the family budget,
transportation and daily schedules. To make matters more
complex, there are more school choices here in the Valley
than ever!
Bear’s Academic Advantage Guide will help get you
started. Starting on this page, Valley schools and school
districts have provided basic information to help you in
your search for the “right” school.
Education professionals say that parents need to
prioritize their needs. Some experts suggest breaking
things down into practical, desired and additional
requirements. Practical requirements include basics like
costs; travel time; type of transportation, and special
physical, behavioral, emotional or language needs.
Additional needs might be the tipping point for
picking one school over another. As the field narrows, meet
with principals and talk to parents who have kids at the
school. MAKE IT A GREAT ’08-’09 SCHOOL YEAR!
Academic & Behavioral Center, LLC
Academic Supportive Services & Psychotherapy
1601 N. Tucson Blvd. #36
323-9835 • David Bynes M.S.W., C.I.S.W
Ages: 3–18
www.abctucson.com • dbynes@abctucson.com
Specializing in comprehensive mental health educational
services for families with school-age children. Tutoring,
in-home/in-school services and more! Call or go to our Web
site for more information. Most insurance accepted. Sliding
scale rates. Individually designed lesson plans. On-site
certified reading specialist. Weekday, evening and Saturday
appointments.
Anshei Israel’s
Esther B. Feldman Preschool/
Kindergarten
Jewish Preschool/Kindergarten
5550 E. 5th St.
745-5550 • Lynne Falkow-Strauss, Director
Student/Teacher ratio 6-1 • Ages: 18 months–6 years
Enrollment: Year-round • Before- and after-school care
available
www.caiaz.org
Science, music, art, creative movement, storytime, math,
reading, writing, visits by specialists, field trips,
school counselor, parenting classes, safe and nurturing
environment, and park-like shaded playground.
Arizona Academy of Leadership
Charter School
40 W. Ft. Lowell (District Office)
940-3784 • Tonya Strozier
Student/Teacher ratio 20-1 • Grades: K–7
Enrollment: Open • Before- and after-school care available
www.arizonaleader.com
Four Tucson locations, breakfast/lunch program, small
school/classes, preschool (ages 3 to 5) available, P.E.,
art, community service projects, certified teachers,
tutoring programs, DES certified.
Arizona Virtual Academy
Toll free: 866-339-4949
www.K12.com/az
The Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) is an online public
school serving students in kindergarten through grade 12
throughout the state. Using the exceptional, engaging
curriculum from K12, AZVA provides students with
individualized approaches to learning, an active school
community and state-certified, highly qualified teachers.
Lessons for grades K to 8 are delivered both online and
off. At the high school level, students participate in
teacher-led discussions and synchronous classes. As a
public school, the Arizona Virtual Academy is tuition free.
Beginning Academy
Charter School
3067 N. Campbell Ave.
325-2310 • Betsy Sales
Student/Teacher ratio 15-1 • Grades: K–5
Enrollment: Ongoing • Before- and after-school care
available
www.beginningacademy.info
Small, academically rich environment with full day
kindergarten, individualized instruction, before/after
school program and an innovative curriculum including
music, art, field trips and computers.
Community Extension
Programs, Inc.
Early Learning Centers
Enrollment: 2 1/2-5 years
Walker Early Learning Center at Lulu Walker Elementary
School
1750 Roller Coaster Rd. • Mon.–Fri., 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
Full & parttime, year-round
696-6573 • Kristin Rasmussen, Director EUR
Donaldson Early Learning Center at Donaldson Elementary
School
2040 W. Omar Dr. • Mon.–Fri., 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
Full & parttime, year-round
696-6173 • Jeanne Vasquez, Director EUR
Copper Creek Early Learning Center at Copper Creek
Elementary School
11620 Copper Creek Sprints Tr. • Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–2
p.m.
Full & part-week enrollment options, Aug.–May
696-6822 • Kelly Larkin, Director EUR
Ages: 2 1/2–5 • www.cep-az.org
The Early Learning Centers offer learning environments that
are rich with possibilities for exploration, inquiry and
problem solving in all domains. All are DHS Licensed/DES
Certified and are pursuing NAEYC Accreditation. Families
are encourage to set a time to visit a center with their
child before registering. Visit www.cep-az.org for more
information and contact numbers.
Community Extension
Programs, Inc.
Before and After School
Programs
Enrollment: Kindergarten—age 12
Amphitheater Elementary Before & After School Programs:
Coronado, Copper Creek, Donaldson, Harelson, Holaway,
Mesa Verde, Rio Vista, Painted Sky, Walker & Wilson
888-2727 x204 • Bonnie Fox, Program Director
Ages: 5 (kindergarten)–12 years
Before- and after-school care available
www.cep-az.org
Programs operate 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on school days and
offer full-day programming on many days when schools are
closed. Each program offers children a time for homework,
recreation and outside play, snack, indoor games and
activities, and time to just be with friends. For a list of
site directors and contact numbers, call Maureen Hazlett
888-2727 x104 or e-mail mhazlett@amphi.com. Visit www.cepaz.org for more information on rates and program dates.
Creative Dance Arts
Dance School
5741 N. Oracle Rd.
887-5658 • Artisitic Director: Kandis Meinel
Grades: PreK–adult
Enrollment: Fall registration is going on NOW
www.creativedancearts.com • office@creativedancearts.com
Ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, pilates,
conditioning, ballroom and flamenco. Ages preschool to
adult. Call or go to our Web site for more information.
Desert Sky Community School
Charter School
122 N. Craycroft Rd.
745-3888 • Shelly
Grades: K–5
Enrollment: Enrolling now • Before and afterschool care
available
www.desertskycommunityschool.org
Desert Sky Community School integrates music, art,
movement, and foreign languages (Spanish and German
starting in first grade) with a rigorous academic
curriculum. Play-based kindergarten.
Family Life Academy
Elementary-Private
7801 E. Kenyon Dr.
296-8989 • Joy Marple
Student/Teacher ratio 13-1 • Grades: K–4
Enrollment: All year • Before and afterschool care
available
www.ccctucson.org
Education includes computer lab, art, music, physical
education, foreign language. Over 80% of students scored
advanced or proficient in standardized testing. Teach from
Christian worldview. ACSI member.
Flor de Liz Dance
Dance School
318 W. Ft. Lowell
887-2085 • Flor de Liz Norris
Student/Teacher ratio 15-1 • Grades: K–12
Enrollment: Aug. 11–Dec. 14
www.flordelizdance.com
Take a leap into dance. Beginning, intermediate and
advanced dance lessons in ballet, hip hop/jazz and tap.
Ages: 7–12. 10% early registration discount. Deadline: July
26.
KidzArt
Art Encrichment School
Serving the greater Tucson area
495-4952 • Maureen Shields
Student/Teacher ratio: Maximum 15-1 • Grades: PreK–12 grade
Enrollment: Full year/year-round
www.kidzartaz.com
KidzArt offers age-appropriate creative arts programs for
students of all ages with in-school core curriculum, onsite field trips, assemblies and after school enrichment
that meet or exceed the National Standards for arts
education.
Marana Unified Distance Learning Program
Online Learning Program
352-7012
Grades: K–6 • Open to Arizona residents
http://www.az.maranausd.org/index.asp?nid=729
Marana Distance Learning K–6 Online Learning Program is an
innovative and highly motivating curriculum for children
being schooled at home. The program is administered at the
Marana Community Schools office and provides elementary
students with the opportunity to learn from any location
that has internet access. Trained online teachers provide
feedback and Odyssey’s individual student portfolio keeps
parents and students appraised of student progress. In
addition, the program provides parents and students with
all necessary textbooks, workbooks, enrichment activities,
assistance from an online teacher, field trips and
computer-based activities.
Metropolitan Education Commission Office
Regional College Access Center
10 E. Broadway #10
670-0055
www.metedu.org/rcac
College Access Program
Grades K–College
A "ONE STOP COLLEGE TOOLKIT" listing local college and
career activities, planning and academic resources,
scholarships and financial aid. Go to www.metedu.org/rcac
or call
670 0055 or visit our office Monday through Friday, 8:00
a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Mini-Skool Early Learning Centers
Childcare and Early Learning Centers
1702 S. Craycroft • 790-2511 • Caryn Cangiolosi • 140
students
*4517 E. 29th St. • 748-1605 • Brianna Forman • 63 students
2837 E. 22nd St. • 795-2231 • Angie Alday • 108 students
1101 S. Columbus • 747-4341 • Cheyenne Kelley • 59 students
430 N. Main St. • 884-1211 • Vivian Pena • 117 students •
On-site pool
31 E. Limberlost • 888-8150 • Tracy McLaughlin • 76
students • On-site pool
Year-round ages: Children infants–PreK (* denotes ages 12
months–PreK)
Summer camp ages: kindergarteners–12 year olds.
Enrollment: Year-round • Before and afterschool care
available
www.mini-skool.com
Innovative educational programs including Baby Signs®, Zoophonics®, Math Their Way, Fun With Fitness, Literacy,
Spanish and Kindergarten Club (kindergarten readiness).
Musical Hearts Guitar Academy
Music School
Northwest location
299-3797 • Paige Jackson M.M.
Student/Teacher ratio 1-1 • Ages: 5 and up
Enrollment: Ongoing
www.musicalheartsguitar.com
MHGA offers guitar lessons for children ages 5 and older.
Lessons emphasizes guitar technique, music reading, and
musical interpretation. Fall and spring recitals.
Presidio Schools
Charter School
1695 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
881-5222 • Thomas Drexel/Terry Garza
Student/Teacher ratio 16-1 • Grades: Advance Placement
Kindergarten–12
Enrollment: Open • Before and afterschool care available
www.presidioschool.com
US Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of
Excellence; Individualized Instruction, Enriched
Comprehensive CORE KNOWLEDGE curriculum includes arts,
Spanish, Tae Kwon Do and dance.
Pusch Ridge Preschool & Private Kindergarten
Childcare and Early Learning Center
10361 N. Oracle Rd. • Oro Valley
797-7527 • Bobbie O’Neal
Year-round ages: Children infants–kindergarten. Private
kindergarten accepting children who turn 5 before Dec. 31
Intersession/summer camp enrichment ages: school age
children–11 years old
195 Students • Enrollment: Year-round • Afterschool care
available through 11 years old
www.puschridgepreschool.com
Innovative educational programs including Baby Signs®, Zoophonics®, Math Their Way, Fun With Fitness, Literacy,
Spanish and Kindergarten Club (kindergarten readiness),
extra programs including Quality time and SmartTykes,
onsite pool and water park.
Real Kids Preschool
Christian Preschool
3353 N. Houghton (Houghton & Tanque Verde)
749-3693 • Angie Bhalla
Ages: 1–5 • Enrollment: Now enrolling
Under the sponsorship of Real Life Christian Fellowship, we
foster a spirit of cooperation and Christian values. Small,
loving classes, pre-academics and the arts ensure your
child get the best start to a Christian education.
Sahuaro Girl Scout Council
Girl enrichment program
4300 E. Broadway Blvd.
327-2288 • Sherry Bullis
Ages: 5–17
Enrollment: Anytime
www.girlscoutssouthernarizona.org
Girl Scouting take girls on a journey through leadership
where they discover themselves, connect with others and
take action to make the world a better place!
Satori Charter School
Tuition-Free State Charter School
3727 N. 1st Ave.
293-7555 • Sherry Sinclair
Student/Teacher ratio 12-1 • Grades/Ages: • 170 students
Enrollment: March 1-ongoing • Before and afterschool care
available
www.satoricharterschool.org
We are a state-designated Excelling School that offers
challenging academics and develops creativity, critical
thinking and love of learning. Experience, certified
teachers, athletic teams.
Satori School
Private/Nonprofit School
3801 N. 1st Ave.
887-4003 • Sherry Sinclair
Student/Teacher ratio varies 6-1 to 10-1 • Grades: PreK
(age 2 1/2)–1 grade 105 students • Enrollment: March 1ongoing
Before and afterschool care available
www.satorischool.org
We serve a diverse population of gifted and inquisitive
children and their families and provide a challenging,
nurturing program. Inspiring creative learner for 20 years.
Southgate Academy Charter School
Charter School
850 W. Valencia Rd.
741-7900 • Eric
Student/Teacher ratio maximum 25-1 • Grades: K–12
Enrollment: Enrolling now • Afterschool extracurricular
care available
www.southgateaz.org
Southgate Academy is a TUITION FREE Charter school that
offers a highter standard of Education. We have an amazing
English learners program, award winning sports, stimulating
art/music programs, individualized tutoring with after
school programs designed to specifically meet our studetns’
needs. Enrollment is limited—call today!
Sylvan Learning
Supplemental education
7350 E. Speedway #101 • 290-6877
5425 N. Oracle #135 • 531-0431
Tracey McElfresh • Student/Teacher ratio 3-1 • Grades:
PreK–adult
Enrollment: Open enrollment
www.educate.com
Diagnostic assessments allow Sylvan to personalize your
child’s program and pinpoint specfic skill gaps. Our proven
system will inspire your child to learn and boost
confidence.
Tucson Unified Schools
Public Schools
Welcome Center • 25 N. Park Ave.
225-6655 • Joe Bidwell
Student/Teacher ratio varies by grade
Grades: K–12 • 58,000 students
Before- and after-school care available
www.tusd1.org or www.ChoiceNow.org
Browse through more than 100 schools at ChoiceNow.org to
find just the right fit for your child. Choose a school
near home, near work or near day care. You can sort schools
by academic ratings, magnet and specialty programs, beforeand after-school programs, music and arts programs and by
location. All schools are open to all students, as long as
space permits. Call the Welcome Center at 225-6655 to
arrange a school tour or to register.
Tutoring Club
Tutoring Services
4772 E. Sunrise Dr.
299-8899 • Victoria Capin
Student/Teacher ratio 3-1 or less • Grades: K–adult
Enrollment: Ongoing
www.tutoringclub.com
Tutoring Club programs are dedicated to helping children
from elementary grades through high school in all subjects.
We offer individualized programs to guarantee success.
Wings on Words (WOW)
Private, Non-profit
202 E. Speedway
628-1659 • Karen Zakerwski, WOW Director
Student/Teacher ratio 6-1 • Grades: Preschool (ages 3–5) •
65 students
Enrollment: Aug. 25, 2008–May 22, 2009 (preschool)
June 8, 2009–July 17, 2009 (camp)
Before- and after-school care available
www.clctucson.org
One-of-a-kind preschool—You must see it! Our curriculum
supports children’s curiosity and develops their preliteracy, math, science and social skills. Speech Therapy
and financial aid are available.
YMCA Lighthouse/City
Afterschool Enrichment Program
2900 N. Columbus Blvd. • 795-9725
Ages: 5–12 • Afterschool care available
www.tucsonymca.org
The Lighthouse/City YMCA offers licensed school-aged
childcare for children ages 5 to 12. Our afterschool
enrichment program offers children a variety of activities
to keep their minds and bodies active. They will enjoy ageappropriate learning centers, arts and crafts as well as
free time to play with others.
Y.E.S! Young Explorers Schools
Preschool-Child Care
1201 S. Avenida Sirio • 747-1816
6207 E. Bellevue • 886-6859
Dr. Fil Brooks • Student/Teacher ratio 10-1
Preschool ages: 1 and walking–PreK. Before/after care:
Through 3 grade.
Enrollment: Open • Before- and after-school care available
www.youngexplorerstucson.com
Young Explorer has celebrated “funderful” years since 1971.
Children ages 1 and walking to PreK. Before- and after-care
till grade 3. Family events.
Young Rembrandts
A Children’s Drawing Program
In-School Daytime Programs
7964 W. Mural Hill Dr.
461-5848 • Victoria Barajas
Student/Teacher ratio 18-1 • Grades: K–6
Enrollment: Fall & spring semesters • Before- and afterschool care available
www.youngrembrandts.com/tucson-az
Creative thinking, presentation skills, increased focus and
concentration, attention to detail, time management,
organizing a project from beginning to end.