Apply Now For Tempe Full-Day Preschool Program

TEMPE, AZ — The city of Tempe's all-day preschool program began Tuesday to accept applications for the 2022-23 school year, according to a news release.

The program, called Tempe PRE, is open to families who live in Tempe and the surrounding areas. To qualify, students must be 3 or 4 years old by July 31 and fully potty-trained.

The program serves around 200 kids at seven neighborhood schools in the Tempe Elementary School District.
The program features teaching staff certified in early childhood education, small class sizes and a play-based curriculum, according to the news release.

Full-tuition, half-tuition and free tuition options are available. This year, the program will accept subsidies from the Department of Economic Security. Those looking to get discounted or free tuition must first apply with DES and receive confirmation of approval before applying to Tempe PRE, according to the news release. The DES approval process can take 30 days. Those looking for help with the process can call one of Tempe's free resource navigators at 480-858-2021 for help applying. Discounted tuition is only available to students who live in Tempe.

Those who are not approved through DES could still receive tuition help from the city, if they meet certain requirements, the city said.

Full tuition is $750 per month and half tuition is $375 per month. To qualify for half tuition, a family must have an income between 200 to 300 percent of the federal poverty level. For free tuition, families must have an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Families who pay full tuition will be accepted into the program on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Those who apply for discounted or free tuition will be accepted through a lottery.

“We’re excited to be expanding access for families who are looking for a high-quality preschool program and need extra assistance through childcare subsidies,” said Marie Raymond, the city’s human services manager over Education, Family & Community Support in the news release. “At the same time, this change provides new funding support for Tempe PRE to help ensure the program’s financial sustainability.”

Tempe PRE was launched in August 2017 as a pilot program that offered free preschool, aimed at boosting kindergarten readiness. The program was extended with a sliding-scale tuition system.