Christian Preschools
Christian Preschools in Glendale, AZ (2026 Guide)
$180–$1,100/mo: 4 Christian preschools in Glendale compared — church half-day, full-day Pre-K, ESA rules, and when to tour and register.
7 min read · Updated
Christian Preschools in Arizona in Glendale
Directory listings that match this guide. Tap a card to call, email, or visit the program's site.
Grace Lutheran School and Preschool
Grace Lutheran School and Preschool is a private Christian institution in Glendale serving students from preschool through eighth grade. A ministry of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, the school offers a challenging academic curriculum with small class sizes and a focus on nurturing faith. The preschool provides a Word-based environment for three and four-year-olds, while the K-8 elementary program has operated since the 1920s.
Great Beginnings Preschool & Childcare (Glendale - 59th Ave)
Christian-values preschool and childcare weaving biblical stories and Scripture verses into daily routines. Strong emphasis on a safe, community-oriented environment where teachers build meaningful bonds with students; well-rounded, engaging curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten. Part of a small local chain with multiple West Valley locations.
Salt + Light Co-op
We are a West Valley based homeschooling group for Christian Conservative families focused on nurturing curiosity, character and wholesome academics! We offer well rounded curriculum and field trips that we curate ourselves based on our groups educational needs rather than age based education. We pride ourselves on fellowship and developing lifelong friendships with those who join us. Whether you’re just starting school at home or looking for like-minded families to walk alongside, you're welcome here!
Short answer: Glendale has 4 Christ-centered preschools we track. Most are church-run half-day programs at $180–$450/month, full-day care and academy Pre-K run $750–$1,100/month, and Arizona ESA does not fund preschool (Kindergarten and up only). Tour in October–November; 4-year-old classes fill by February–March.
Glendale Christian preschools at a glance
| Program | Type | Ages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Lutheran School and Preschool | Church (Lutheran) | Preschool–Pre-K | Christ-centered early childhood |
| Cross of Glory Lutheran School | Church (Lutheran) | Preschool–K+ | On-campus Kindergarten pathway; Lutheran |
| OLPH Glendale Preschool | Catholic parish | 2–Pre-K | Catholic |
| Great Beginnings Preschool & Childcare (Glendale - 59th Ave) | Christian school | Preschool–K+ | On-campus Kindergarten pathway; full-day care available |
Cards with phone, email, and website for each program are at the top of this page.
Pick your lane in 60 seconds
- Want the lowest cost and 2–3 mornings? Choose a church half-day program: $180–$450/month.
- Need full-day care? Look for a licensed church child-development center or a childcare-style Christian preschool: $750–$1,100/month.
- Want one campus through 8th or 12th grade? Start at a Christian academy or parish school with Pre-K so Kindergarten is already settled: $6,000–$9,000/year.
- Homeschooling? Use a co-op Pre-K morning ($100–$400/semester) and keep your 3s and 4s home most of the week.
What it costs in Glendale (2026)
| Model | Days on campus | Cost | ESA-eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Church preschool (MDO / 2–3 day) | 2–3 mornings | $180–$450/month | No |
| Church preschool (5 mornings) | 5 | $400–$625/month | No |
| Full-day Pre-K / childcare | 5 | $750–$1,100/month | No |
| Christian academy Pre-K | 5 | $6,000–$9,000/year | No |
| Homeschool co-op Pre-K | 1 morning | $100–$400/semester | No |
Arizona ESA funds Kindergarten and up. Preschool is not ESA-eligible unless your child qualifies for preschool special education services — see the Arizona ESA guide and Arizona ESA and IEPs.
Christian preschool vs. Pre-K in Glendale
Parents use the words interchangeably; Glendale programs don't.
- Preschool (ages 2–3) is play-based: circle time, Bible story, art, gross-motor play, and beginning letter and number exposure. Usually 2–3 mornings.
- Pre-K (ages 4–5) is the Kindergarten-readiness year: phonics, letter formation, name writing, counting and patterns, and longer structured blocks. Usually 4–5 days, and the class that fills first.
If your child turns 5 between September and December, ask the school directly whether they recommend Pre-K again or Kindergarten — Glendale Christian schools set their own cutoffs and are usually flexible.
Half-day vs. full-day in Glendale
| Half-day (church) | Full-day (childcare / academy Pre-K) | |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | ~9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. or 8:00–3:00 |
| Cost | $180–$450/month | $750–$1,100/month |
| Best for | One parent home or part-time work | Two working parents |
| Availability | More seats, more programs | Limited; fills first |
| Summer | Usually closed | Usually year-round |
Full-day Christian seats are the scarcest thing in the Glendale market. If you need one, register in January, not spring.
Mother's Day Out programs in Glendale
Several Glendale churches run Mother's Day Out (MDO) — a one- or two-morning drop-off for ages 1–3, typically $150–$300 per month. It's the lowest-commitment way to get your toddler into a Christ-centered setting, and it usually gives you priority for that church's 3s class the following year. Ask about MDO even when it isn't advertised on the website; many churches run it informally through the children's ministry office.
Christian preschools by Glendale area
- Arrowhead / North Glendale (85308, 85310) — the largest church and academy programs.
- Historic Downtown Glendale (85301, 85302) — the oldest Lutheran and Catholic preschools, lowest cost in the city.
- West Glendale / Westgate (85305, 85307) — full-day childcare-style Christian centers.
- Glendale–Peoria line — see Peoria Christian preschools.
Six questions to ask on the tour
- What is your statement of faith, and how is Bible taught day-to-day?
- Are you DHS-licensed or license-exempt as a church program — and can I see your latest inspection report?
- What are your ratios? (Strong 4s classrooms run 1:8 to 1:10.)
- How long have the lead teachers been here?
- Is there an on-campus Kindergarten, and do preschool families get priority?
- What is the all-in cost — registration, supplies, field trips, summer, and closures?
Enrollment timeline
Tour October–November of the prior school year. Registration for the strongest Glendale programs opens in January (church members and returning families first), and 3s/4s classes fill by February–March.
After preschool: Kindergarten in Glendale
Preschool decisions are really Kindergarten decisions a year early. Once your child is K-age, Arizona's ESA opens up and usually covers full K–8 tuition. Plan the next step with:
- Best small Christian schools in Glendale
- Glendale private Christian schools
- Glendale Christian microschools
- Glendale Christian homeschool co-ops
If Glendale doesn't fit
- Peoria Christian preschools
- Phoenix Christian preschools
- Goodyear Christian preschools
- Christian preschools in Arizona (statewide)
- All Glendale programs — every listed Glendale program in one place
List your Glendale Christian preschool
If you run a Glendale Christian preschool that should be listed, submit your program and we'll review and publish it.
Want help narrowing it down?
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Frequently Asked Questions
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This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Confirm current rules with the Arizona Department of Education before acting.