Christian Preschools
12 Best Christian Preschools in Scottsdale, AZ (2026 Guide)
$300–$1,700/mo: 12 Christian preschools in Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale
Directory listings that match this guide. Tap a card to call, email, or visit the program's site.
Dream City Christian School Scottsdale (PreK-8)
Dream City Christian School serves students from preschool through 12th grade at their campuses, including Scottsdale and Glendale. This Christ-centered institution integrates a biblical worldview with a rigorous academic curriculum that includes STEM programs, fine arts, and dual enrollment opportunities through local Christian universities. The school emphasizes spiritual growth alongside academic excellence, offering weekly chapels and championship-level athletics for all grade levels.
Arizona Gifted Academy
Boutique Christian-friendly microschool in Scottsdale for gifted, curious, creative, and twice-exceptional PK–5 learners. Hybrid and full-time options.
Chaparral Christian Community School
Chaparral Christian School in Scottsdale serves students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes an innovative, community-based approach to learning designed to foster independence, curiosity, and lifelong learning within a Christian environment. Located on Shea Boulevard, the campus focuses on a philosophy of gathering to explore and growing in confidence to prepare students to inspire others.
Desert Foothills Lutheran Preschool
Blends creative play with structured learning to shape young hearts and minds in a North Scottsdale setting. Ages 2 - 5 years. Schedule: 2, 3, or 5 days; half and full day. Licensed by Arizona DHS.
New Covenant Lutheran Preschool
Offers classes for 2s, 3s, and Pre-K in a safe, friendly environment where education and God's love are paired. Ages 2 - 5 years. Schedule: 2, 3, 4, or 5 half-days. Licensed by Arizona DHS.
Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool
NAEYC-accredited program emphasizing creative expression and spiritual development on a beautiful campus. Ages 18 months - 5 years. Schedule: Mornings, extended day available. Licensed by Arizona DHS.
Shepherd of the Desert Preschool
Nurtures each child as a unique gift from God, laying a foundation for future success through a whole-child approach. Ages 18 months - 5 years. Schedule: 2-5 days; 9am-1pm or full day. Licensed by Arizona DHS.
Short answer: Scottsdale has 12 Christ-centered preschools we track. Most are church-run half-day programs at $300–$700/month, full-day care and academy Pre-K run $1,100–$1,700/month, and Arizona ESA does not fund preschool (Kindergarten and up only). Tour in October–November; 4-year-old classes fill by February–March.
Scottsdale Christian preschools at a glance
| Program | Type | Ages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dream City Christian School Scottsdale (PreK-8) | Christian school | Preschool–Pre-K | Christ-centered early childhood |
| Little Angels Preschool | Christian school | 2–Pre-K | United Church of Christ |
| Arizona Gifted Academy | Microschool | 2–Pre-K | Christ-centered early childhood |
| Chaparral Christian Community School | Christian school | Preschool–Pre-K | Christ-centered early childhood |
| Desert Foothills Lutheran Preschool | Church (Lutheran) | 2–Pre-K | Lutheran |
| Highlands Church Preschool | Christian school | 2–Pre-K | Non-denominational |
| New Covenant Lutheran Preschool | Church (Lutheran) | 2–Pre-K | Lutheran |
| Saint John XXIII Catholic School | Catholic parish | 2–Pre-K | Catholic |
| La Casa Preschool | Christian school | 2–Pre-K | Non-denominational |
| Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool | Church (Presbyterian) | 2–Pre-K | Presbyterian |
| Shepherd of the Desert Preschool | Church (Lutheran) | 2–Pre-K | Lutheran |
| Saint Maria Goretti Preschool | Catholic parish | 2–Pre-K | Catholic |
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: $300–$700/month.
- Need full-day care? Look for a licensed church child-development center or a childcare-style Christian preschool: $1,100–$1,700/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: $9,000–$14,000/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 Scottsdale (2026)
| Model | Days on campus | Cost | ESA-eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Church preschool (MDO / 2–3 day) | 2–3 mornings | $300–$700/month | No |
| Church preschool (5 mornings) | 5 | $600–$900/month | No |
| Full-day Pre-K / childcare | 5 | $1,100–$1,700/month | No |
| Christian academy Pre-K | 5 | $9,000–$14,000/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 Scottsdale
Parents use the words interchangeably; Scottsdale 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 — Scottsdale Christian schools set their own cutoffs and are usually flexible.
Half-day vs. full-day in Scottsdale
| 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 | $300–$700/month | $1,100–$1,700/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 Scottsdale market. If you need one, register in January, not spring.
Mother's Day Out programs in Scottsdale
Several Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale area
- North Scottsdale (85255, 85259, 85262) — the largest church programs and the highest tuition.
- Central Scottsdale / Shea corridor (85254, 85258) — the deepest bench of Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Catholic preschools.
- South Scottsdale (85251, 85257) — smaller, lower-cost church programs, close to Tempe.
- Paradise Valley border — several Phoenix Christian preschools are closer than a cross-Scottsdale drive.
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 Scottsdale programs opens in January (church members and returning families first), and 3s/4s classes fill by February–March.
After preschool: Kindergarten in Scottsdale
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:
- Scottsdale private Christian schools
- Scottsdale Christian microschools
- Scottsdale Christian homeschool co-ops
- Scottsdale Christian homeschool tutors
If Scottsdale doesn't fit
- Phoenix Christian preschools
- Tempe Christian preschools
- Mesa Christian preschools
- Christian preschools in Arizona (statewide)
- All Scottsdale programs — every listed Scottsdale program in one place
List your Scottsdale Christian preschool
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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.