Christian Preschools
12 Best Christian Preschools in Tempe, AZ (2026 Guide)
$250–$1,300/mo: 12 Christian preschools in Tempe 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 Tempe
Directory listings that match this guide. Tap a card to call, email, or visit the program's site.
Grace Christian Academy
Grace Christian Academy serves students from preschool through eighth grade at its campus in Tempe. The school provides a Christ-centered education focused on a biblical worldview and academic excellence, incorporating spiritual growth into its core curriculum. Distinctive offerings include an educational enhancement program, fine arts, and a variety of athletics and technology resources within a collaborative community environment.
Gethsemane Christian Academy
Gethsemane Christian Academy in Tempe serves children from age one through kindergarten. This Christian school provides a nurturing environment centered on biblical values and character development, featuring weekly chapel services. The academic program utilizes a hands-on, interactive approach to learning that incorporates S.T.E.A.M. subjects, music, and art, alongside a specialized Spanish enrichment program designed for early childhood development.
University Presbyterian Children's Center
A play-based preschool that values each child's individual pace, integrated with the church's community mission. Ages 2 - 5 years. Schedule: Full and Half-day. Licensed by Arizona DHS.
Tempe Christian Preschool
Faith-based preschool and infant care with a weekly chapel led by a music director and a children's pastor on staff. Layout uses separate rooms by age; teachers described as caring and compassionate. Strong faith-based experience for families wanting Christian formation from infancy.
Short answer: Tempe has 12 Christ-centered preschools we track. Most are church-run half-day programs at $250–$550/month, full-day care and academy Pre-K run $900–$1,300/month, and Arizona ESA does not fund preschool (Kindergarten and up only). Tour in October–November; 4-year-old classes fill by February–March.
Tempe Christian preschools at a glance
| Program | Type | Ages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tempe First United Methodist Preschool | Church (Methodist) | 2–Pre-K | Methodist |
| Grace Christian Academy | Christian school | Preschool–Pre-K | Christ-centered early childhood |
| Gethsemane Christian Academy | Christian school | Preschool–Pre-K | Christ-centered early childhood |
| Word of Life Preschool | Christian school | 2–Pre-K | Non-denominational |
| University Presbyterian Children's Center | Church (Presbyterian) | 2–Pre-K | Presbyterian |
| King of Glory Preschool | Church (Lutheran) | 2–Pre-K | Lutheran |
| Tempe Christian Preschool | Christian school | Preschool–K+ | On-campus Kindergarten pathway |
| Dayspring Preschool | Church (Methodist) | 2–Pre-K | Methodist |
| Resurrection Christian Preschool | Church (Lutheran) | 2–Pre-K | Lutheran |
| Cross Roads Preschool | Church (Nazarene) | 2–Pre-K | Nazarene |
| Grace Christian Academy Preschool | Christian school | 2–Pre-K | Non-denominational |
| Trinity Christian School Preschool | Christian school | 2–Pre-K | Non-denominational |
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: $250–$550/month.
- Need full-day care? Look for a licensed church child-development center or a childcare-style Christian preschool: $900–$1,300/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: $7,000–$10,500/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 Tempe (2026)
| Model | Days on campus | Cost | ESA-eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Church preschool (MDO / 2–3 day) | 2–3 mornings | $250–$550/month | No |
| Church preschool (5 mornings) | 5 | $450–$700/month | No |
| Full-day Pre-K / childcare | 5 | $900–$1,300/month | No |
| Christian academy Pre-K | 5 | $7,000–$10,500/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 Tempe
Parents use the words interchangeably; Tempe 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 — Tempe Christian schools set their own cutoffs and are usually flexible.
Half-day vs. full-day in Tempe
| 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 | $250–$550/month | $900–$1,300/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 Tempe market. If you need one, register in January, not spring.
Mother's Day Out programs in Tempe
Several Tempe 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 Tempe area
- North Tempe / ASU corridor (85281) — university-affiliated church centers with flexible schedules for student and faculty families.
- South Tempe (85284) — the strongest concentration of church Pre-K and the fastest-filling 4s classes.
- Downtown / Mill Avenue (85282) — older, established programs at the lowest tuition in Tempe.
- Tempe–Chandler line — also check Chandler 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 Tempe programs opens in January (church members and returning families first), and 3s/4s classes fill by February–March.
After preschool: Kindergarten in Tempe
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:
If Tempe doesn't fit
- Chandler Christian preschools
- Mesa Christian preschools
- Scottsdale Christian preschools
- Christian preschools in Arizona (statewide)
- All Tempe programs — every listed Tempe program in one place
List your Tempe Christian preschool
If you run a Tempe Christian preschool that should be listed, submit your program and we'll review and publish it.
Want help narrowing it down?
Tell me about your child and what you're looking for. I'll personally review our directory and find some matches — no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Christian preschools are there in Tempe?▼
How much does a Christian preschool cost in Tempe?▼
Does Arizona ESA pay for preschool in Tempe?▼
When should I tour and apply?▼
What is the cheapest Christian preschool option in Tempe?▼
Do Tempe Christian preschools require church membership?▼
Does my child have to be potty trained?▼
Is there a waitlist for Tempe preschools?▼
What is the difference between preschool and Pre-K in Tempe?▼
Part of the Private schools in Arizona hub
Private Christian Schools in Arizona
Full-time, K–12 Christian schools with paid faculty, dedicated campuses, and biblical worldview across every subject.
More from the Private schools in Arizona hub
- Private Christian Schools in Phoenix, Arizona (2026 Guide)
Full-time K-12 private Christian schools in Phoenix, AZ. Compare campuses, tuition, ESA acceptance, statement of faith, and accreditation across the Valley.
- Private Christian Schools in Glendale, Arizona (2026 Guide)
Full-time K-12 private Christian schools in Glendale, AZ. Compare Lutheran, Baptist, and Apostolic campuses, tuition, ESA acceptance, and accreditation in the West Valley.
- Private Christian Schools in Tucson, Arizona (2026 Guide)
Full-time private Christian schools in Tucson, AZ. Compare K-12 campuses, tuition, class sizes, accreditation, and Arizona ESA acceptance in Southern Arizona.
- Private Christian Schools in Gilbert, Arizona (2026 Guide)
Full-time private Christian schools in Gilbert, AZ. Compare classical, college-prep, and Lutheran campuses, tuition, class sizes, and Arizona ESA acceptance in the East Valley.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Confirm current rules with the Arizona Department of Education before acting.