Christian Preschools
Christian Preschools in Tempe, Arizona (2026 Guide)
Christian preschools and Pre-K in Tempe, AZ: the Southern Avenue church corridor, Catholic parish Pre-K, and ASU-friendly programs. Costs, licensing, and tour timing.
6 min read · Updated
Tempe's Christian preschool market is shaped by two things: the Southern Avenue church corridor and Arizona State University. The result is an unusual mix — long-established Lutheran and Methodist half-day preschools, Catholic parish Pre-K, and flexible programs built for student and faculty families.
Where Tempe programs cluster
- Southern Avenue corridor (85282) — the highest concentration in the city: King of Glory Lutheran, Grace Christian Academy, Word of Life, and Trinity Christian all sit within a few miles of each other.
- South Tempe (85283/85284) — Holy Spirit Catholic and neighborhood church programs serving the Warner/Elliot Road families.
- Downtown / ASU (85281) — Tempe First United Methodist and University Presbyterian Children's Center, both used heavily by ASU staff and graduate-student families.
Browse the full list on the statewide Christian preschool hub or the Tempe programs page.
What it costs in 2026
| Model | Days on campus | Typical cost | ESA-eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Church half-day (2–3 mornings) | 2–3 | $220–$450/month | No |
| Church half-day (5 mornings) | 5 | $450–$700/month | No |
| Full-day Christian childcare | 5 | $850–$1,300/month | No |
| Catholic parish Pre-K | 5 | $5,500–$8,500/year | No |
Tempe runs slightly below Scottsdale and North Phoenix pricing. Arizona ESA funds Kindergarten and up — preschool is not ESA-eligible unless your child qualifies for preschool special education services. Details: Arizona ESA and IEPs.
Licensing and quality checks
Ask each Tempe program:
- DHS-licensed or license-exempt as a church program? (Both are legal; you should know which.)
- Current Quality First star rating, if they participate.
- Ratios for your child's age group — strong 4-year-old classrooms run 1:8 to 1:10.
- Accreditation: NAEYC, ACSI, or the Diocese of Phoenix for Catholic programs.
- Staff fingerprint clearance cards and CPR/first-aid certification.
Tempe-specific considerations
- ASU calendar overlap. University Presbyterian and Tempe First UMC align well with the ASU academic calendar — helpful for student-parents, harder if you need year-round care.
- Traffic and drop-off windows. Southern Avenue programs have tight 9:00 a.m. drop-off windows; check whether early care starts at 7:30 a.m.
- Kindergarten pathway. Grace Christian Academy and Trinity Christian both continue past Pre-K on the same campus. Church preschools with no on-campus K mean a second search a year later.
- Summer coverage. Half-day church programs typically close from late May to early August.
Tour timeline
Tour October–November, register in January, and expect 4-year-old Pre-K classes to fill by February–March. Church members and returning families are usually given a priority window before public registration.
Homeschool preschool in Tempe
East Valley co-ops run Pre-K mornings for $100–$400 a semester — chapel, art, story time, and peers, at a fraction of tuition. See Christian homeschool groups in Arizona.
If Tempe doesn't fit
- Christian preschools in Chandler
- Christian preschools in Mesa
- Christian preschools in Phoenix
- Christian preschools in Arizona (statewide)
List your Tempe Christian preschool
Run a Tempe Christian preschool that isn't listed? Submit your program and we'll review and publish it.
Arizona programs: Christian Preschools in Arizona
Directory listings that match this category. Confirm ClassWallet vendor status with each provider.
A+ Special Education Services
🌿 LEARNING WITHOUT WALLS An A+ Microschool "Where Curiosity Leads Learning" NOW ENROLLING! Kindergarten–12th Grade Students A Personalized Learning Experience: Learning Without Walls is a small, inclusive microschool designed to meet each student where they are academically, socially, and emotionally. Led by Kara Assid, M.A., an Arizona-certified Special Education Teacher, students receive individualized instruction in a supportive environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, independence, and meaningful friendships. Enrollment is limited to just five students to ensure every learner receives personalized attention. All abilities are welcome and encouraged! 🌞 Fall 2026 Session 8-Week Saturday Program August 1 – September 19 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Learning locations are selected based on student needs and weather conditions and may include: 📚 Local Libraries 🌳 Community Parks 🥾 Nature Trails 🍃 Outdoor Classrooms Parents provide transportation for drop-off and pick-up. 🌱 What Makes Learning Without Walls Different? Rather than teaching one curriculum to every student, each learner follows an individualized educational plan tailored to their unique strengths, interests, and goals. Students learn through: Reading & Literacy Writing Mathematics Science & Nature Exploration Executive Function Skills Social Skills Communication Problem Solving Hands-on Projects Life Skills Outdoor Discovery Community-Based Learning 💚 Our Philosophy We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, respected, challenged, and connected. Our multi-age learning community encourages students to: ✔ Learn from one another ✔ Celebrate individual strengths ✔ Develop independence ✔ Practice kindness and leadership ✔ Build confidence through success 💲 Program Investment Tuition is based on final enrollment. 3–4 Students Total Tuition: $1,600 Two Payments • $800 due upon enrollment • $800 due Week 4 5 Students Total Tuition: $1,280 Two Payments • $640 due upon enrollment • $640 due Week 4 Enrollment Deposit A $200 non-refundable enrollment deposit reserves your student's space and is applied toward the total tuition. Tuition Includes ✔ Individualized lesson planning ✔ Customized curriculum ✔ Educational materials ✔ Sensory supports ✔ Classroom supplies ✔ Outdoor learning experiences ✔ Progress monitoring ✔ Parent communication 🎒 Student Supply List Please bring: 💧 Water bottle 🍎 Healthy snack 🧴 Sunscreen 👟 Comfortable shoes 🧥 Sweater or light blanket for indoor learning 👩🏫 Meet Your Teacher Kara Assid, M.A. Master of Arts in Special Education Arizona Certified: • Mild–Moderate Disabilities (K–12) • Moderate–Severe Disabilities (K–12) • Early Childhood Special Education Educational Therapist Special Education Consultant Parent Advocate 🌟 Our Mission To inspire students of all abilities through individualized instruction, hands-on discovery, meaningful relationships, and real-world learning experiences that nurture academic growth, confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. 📩 Reserve Your Child's Space: Registration is FREE! Every family receives a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss their child's learning profile and determine whether Learning Without Walls is the right fit. 📧 karaassid01@gmail.com Enrollment is limited to only five students. A+ Special Education Services (Parent Company) 🌿 Learning Without Walls — Microschool & Homeschool Enrichment 📚 A+ Educational Therapy — Individualized Academic Intervention 🤝 A+ Parent Advocacy — IEP Support & Consultation 🎓 A+ Transition Services — Postsecondary & Adult Living Planning Most services are eligible for reimbursement through Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. Families are responsible for verifying eligibility and reimbursement requirements with the ESA program.
Cross Roads Preschool
A ministry of Cross Roads Nazarene focused on providing a foundation of faith and learning for local families. Ages: 2 - 5 years | Schedule: Mornings
Dayspring Preschool
Provides a loving, Christian atmosphere for the whole child to develop through play and exploration. Ages: 2 - 5 years | Schedule: 2, 3, or 5 half-days
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.
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.
Grace Christian Academy Preschool
Embraces an age-appropriate, teacher-directed philosophy to help children grow as uniquely designed by God. Ages 3 - 5 years. Schedule: Full and Half-day. Licensed by Arizona DHS.
Holy Spirit Catholic School Preschool
Offers a nurturing program emphasizing Catholic values and academic excellence for early learners. Ages 3 - 5 years. Schedule: Full-day Pre-K. Licensed by Arizona DHS.
King of Glory Preschool
An engaging program where learning and fun are rolled into one, serving families for over 30 years. Ages 2 - 5 years. Schedule: 2-5 mornings; extended care. Licensed by Arizona DHS.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Preschool
Prepares children for school through spiritual growth and academic readiness in a historic Catholic parish. Ages 3 - 5 years. Schedule: Full-day Pre-K. Licensed by Arizona DHS.
Resurrection Christian Preschool
Focuses on hands-on activities and positive peer interactions in a Christ-centered environment. Ages: 2 - 5 years | Schedule: 2-5 days; half/full day
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.
Tempe First United Methodist Preschool
Located near ASU, this school builds a strong social-emotional foundation in a faith-based setting. Ages 2 - 5 years. Schedule: Mornings/Half-days. Licensed by Arizona DHS.
Trinity Christian School Preschool
Focuses on classical education from a Christian perspective, starting in the early childhood years. Ages 3 - 5 years. Schedule: Full-day Pre-K. Licensed by Arizona DHS.
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.
Word of Life Preschool
Provides a safe, educational space where children can grow in their knowledge of God's Word and the world. Ages 2 - 5 years. Schedule: Full-day child care. Licensed by Arizona DHS.
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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.