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!
ASU Herberger College for Kids
Community School of the Arts
Arizona State University
P.O. Box 872102 • Tempe
480-727-0700
www.herbergercollegeforkids.asu.edu
ASU Herberger College at Large and for Kids offers classes
and lessons in four exciting disciplines—art, dance, music
and theater—for babies through seniors. Student/teacher
ratio from 1-1 to 15-1. All grades and ages. Enrollment for
the fall semester.
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.
Dobson Montessori
Preschool
1130 S. San Jose St. • Mesa
480-962-1432
www.dobsonmontessori.com
Academically based full- and part-time preschool programs
for 21/2- to 5-year-olds with tuition from $295 monthly.
Eight-to-one student/teacher ratio, animals, music, art,
phonics, math, hands-on science, sensorial, practical life,
and more in a warm, nurturing environment. Our extended day
program offers a unique alternative to daycare! Call for a
free brochure or visit our Web site.
Dobson Montessori
Kindergarten
3249 S. Birchett Dr. • Tempe
480-820-6122
www.dobsonmontessori.com
Academically based full- and part-time kindergarten
programs for 4- to 6-year-olds with tuition from $535
monthly. Eight-to-one student/teacher ratios, animals,
music, art, phonics, math, hands-on science, sensorial,
practical life, monthly field trips, computers, Spanish and
more in a warm, nurturing environment designed for this
important transitional year. Give your child a gift that
lasts a lifetime. Limited fall enrollment. Our extended-day
program offers a unique alternative to daycare! Call for a
free brochure or check out our Web site.
Dobson Montessori
Elementary & Jr. High
745 S. Extension Rd. • Mesa
480-962-1432.
www.dobsonmontessori.com
Offering excellence in academics for first- through ninthgrade students at a beautiful campus nestled in an orchard
with gardens, goats and chickens. Curriculum includes
phonics, hands-on math, computers, foreign language,
monthly field trips, animals, gardening, Great Books,
drama, camping, experiential learning, music, ceramics and
much more. Dobson Montessori holds the top Valley Stanford
scores in reading and math. Accredited high school program.
Tuition is $545 monthly. Call for a free brochure or visit
our Web site.
Grace Lutheran School
5600 W. Palmaire Ave. • Glendale
623-937-2010
www.graceglendale.org
A Lutheran school serving preschool through eighth grade.
Currently registering for the ’08-’09 school year.
Student/teacher ratio: 14-1. High quality education in a
safe, supportive Christian environment. We strive to
prepare our students to be actively involved in church,
home, school and community. Before- and after-school care
available.
Knowledge Points
Fletcher Heights
8271 W. Lake Pleasant Pkwy. #104 • Peoria
623-376-2862
www.knowledgepoints.com/fletcherheights
Affordable tutoring with proven results to help your child,
Pre-K through grade 12, succeed in school and life.
Reading, writing, math, algebra, geometry, study skills and
SAT®/ACT® preparation. Student/teacher ratio: 3-1. Ongoing
enrollment. After-school care available.
Kyrene Elementary School District
8700 S. Kyrene Rd.
Tempe, Phoenix & Chandler
480-783-4000
www.kyrene.org
Elementary and middle schools are in Tempe, Phoenix and
Chandler serving preschool to eighth grade. The majority of
Kyrene schools are ranked “Excelling” by the Arizona Dept.
of Education. All grades feature a nationally recognized
technology program imbedded within the curriculum. Class
sizes are: 18 to 22 for kindergarten and grade one; 24 to
26 for grades two and three; 27 to 29 for grades four and
five; and 29 to 31 for grades six to eight. The 2008 Parent
Survey shows that 90 percent feel their child was
challenged academically by his or her teachers, and 91
percent of Kyrene parents are satisfied with their child’s
academic progress. Extended hours available. Awardwinning before- and after-school care. Open enrollment
allows families from throughout the Valley to attend
Kyrene, an excelling district.
Mini-Skool
Early Learning Centers
Peoria • 7629 W. Thunderbird Rd.
623-376-2344
Peoria • 18820 N. 83rd Ave.
623-561-0212
Gilbert • 2315 S. Lindsay Rd.
480-963-1155
www.mini-skool.com
Childcare and Early Learning Center for children iinfants
through pre-kindergarten. Innovative educational programs:
including Baby Signs®, Zoo-phonics®, Math Their Way, Fun
With Fitness, Literacy, Spanish and Kindergarten Club
(kindergarten readiness). Year-round enrollment. Before and
afterschool care available.
New Vistas Academy
670 N. Arizona Ave. #35 • Chandler
480-963-2313
www.newvistasacademy.com
Serving grades pre-K through sixth, New Vistas is a private
academy providing advanced education to students within a
structured, academic and positive environment. Children are
challenged to excel in core curriculum areas and advance at
an accelerated pace. Small class sizes, along with
individual testing, grouping and direct instruction ensure
maximum progress. Students from many cultures and countries
throughout the world, with a common goal of high academic
achievement, attend New Vistas. Before and afterschool care
available.
Our Lady of
Perpetual Help School
7521 N. 57th Ave. • Glendale
623-931-7288
www.olphglendale.com
Catholic school for pre-K through eighth grade. Our
educational environment teaches students good study habits
and essential knowledge for present and future academic
success. Before and afterschool care available.
Scottsdale Academy
Private School of the Arts
6315 E. Thunderbird Rd. • Scottsdale
480-368-2787
www.scottsdaleacademy.org
Preschool—1-year-old through pre-K. Before and afterschool
care available. We offer quality education where each
student is engaged in reading, math, art, ballet,
computers, Spanish, piano, creative dance, sign language
and music. Year round enrollment. Before and afterschool
care available.
SIRRI-Developmental Rehabilitation & Learning Center
4515 S. McDlintock Dr. #208 • Tempe
480-777-7075
info@sirriaz.com
www.SIRRIAZ.com
SIRRI is a Developmental Rehabilitation and Learning Center
offering comprehensive programs and services to help
children with Autism, ADD/ADHD, Sensory Processing
Disorder, Developmental Delays and Learning Disabilities
improve their balance, coordination, attention, focus,
memory and processing skills, visual and fine/gross motor
skills, and overall function and independence. Occupational
Therapy evaluation and services are also available.
Sylvan Learning
Centers
Ahwatukee • 480-759-4442
Anthem • 623-551-3689
Arrowhead • 623-537-3611
Chandler/Tempe
480-897-3222
East Mesa • 480-373-6284
Gilbert/Mesa • 480-545-4967
Gilbert/Queen Creek
480-963-5900
Goodyear/Surprise • 623-932-5714
Phoenix • 602-548-2600
Scottsdale/PV • 602-953-3070
www.educate.com
See why more parents turn to Sylvan than to any other
tutor. And see why more teachers choose Sylvan for their
own children. Individualized instruction in reading, math
and writing. We also offer intensive programs in study
skills, SAT/
ACT prep and other subjects. Call for details.
Trinity Lutheran
School & Preschool
830 E. Plaza Circle • Litchfield Park
623-935-4690
www.trinitylcs.org
Christian education at its finest. Excellent academic
results. Warm, caring, family-oriented staff and programs.
Expanding extra-curricular programs include music, drama,
athletics and technology. Before and afterschool care
available. Student/teacher ratios—Pre-K: 12-1,
K–8: 23-1. Before and afterschool care available.
YMCA Foothills
Montessori
1241 E. Chandler Blvd. • Phoenix
480-283-9999
www.AhwatukeeYMCA.org
Preschool for ages 2 through 5. Low student/teacher ratios
(8-1), teachers with multiple years experience. Montessori
curriculum with flexible schedules available. Before and
afterschool care available.