A High-Quality Preschool, Built For Every Learner!
The Community School®, a program operated by the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, is a preschool that offers high-quality early childhood education for children without autism as well as ABA-based programming for children with autism — all in a blended classroom environment.
The Community School emphasizes kindergarten readiness by creating a rich social environment that promotes social, emotional and academic development for all. Additionally, this unique preschool program features a 4-to-1 student-teacher ratio, ensuring that each student has a detailed and individualized learning plan.
We are enrolling across all preschool locations in Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa. Each campus features four classrooms on each campus serving students ages 15 months to 5 years old.
Please note availability may vary by location and classroom.
Community School Features
- Small Class Sizes
- 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratios
- All-Day Care
- July-June School Year
- Play-Based Curriculum
- Flexible Scheduling
- Individualized Instruction
We’re proud to offer high-quality, all-day preschool at a competitive tuition rate. Thanks to generous community support and our nonprofit model, we’re able to keep costs more affordable for families seeking consistent, individualized care.
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Schedule Options
Flexible Scheduling
Families have the option of choosing the days that work best for their schedule as well as the availability of our classrooms. As well, we know situations change which is why we are flexible with families if we need to adjust your child’s enrollment schedule!
Full and Half Day Options Available
You may choose a mixture of a full-day or half-day.
Year-round school calendar
We feature short holiday and break schedules throughout the year.
School Hours
Half Day
Monday – Friday | 8 am – 12 pm
After Care
Monday – Friday | 12 pm – 5 pm
Tuition
We are pleased to offer affordable tuition rates to our families as well as highly flexible scheduling options year-round including full and half day options to meet each family’s unique scheduling and financial needs. We also feature consistent tuition rates across all of our classrooms.
- $100 one-time, non-refundable application fee due when application is submitted
- $350 annual enrollment fee (due prior to the first day of school)
Half Day
Number of days scheduled per week| Five Days | $500 |
| Four Days | $400 |
| Three Days | $300 |
| Two Days | $200 |
After Care
Number of days scheduled per week| Five Days | $400 |
| Four Days | $320 |
| Three Days | $240 |
| Two Days | $160 |
| One Day | $80 |
Getting Started
*SARRC’s Community School model uses a specific framework that relies on carefully appointing peer role models who have strong communication and socialization skills.
**Please note that our admissions process will not lead to an invitation for all families to the Community School.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Community School, in addition to being a Licensed Preschool through the Department of Health Services (DHS), is also considered a Center-based ABA Intervention Program for children with autism.
Yes! In the Community School it is common to enroll children who have never been in a preschool setting, regardless of their age. In the beginning, and during their enrollment in the program, the team uses individualized motivational strategies to ensure each child feels comfortable, safe and confident.
Additionally, children of all ages who attend our preschool program can look forward to learning and enjoying new routines including, but not limited to eating lunch with their peers, saying goodbye to their parents at drop off, circle time, and academic tasks as they get ready for kindergarten.
Children who are interested in enrollment will be individually assessed by our team. Families with children that meet the eligibility criteria will receive a recommendation for enrollment. Children who do not meet the eligibility criteria will be provided with resources and recommendations.
No, your child is not required to be potty trained to enroll. Once enrolled, the team will work with each family to identify the best time to address this goal and work together to ensure the child and family feel supported during this critical milestone in the child’s life.
Each classroom will enroll a maximum of 6 children with ASD and between 6 to 10 typically developing children. We limit our classroom size to a maximum of 16 children per classroom in order to ensure plenty of learning opportunities are delivered regularly to all our kids!
Yes, we ask our families to provide lunch for their child every day. Items should be sent ready to eat (bite sized and no heating or cooking required). We can provide a list of lunch ideas if you need help! Additionally, we are a peanut-free preschool so please do not send any items containing peanuts. The Community School will provide snacks for your child during the day. We will use snack time as an opportunity to present new and delicious foods!
Preschool Locations
Phoenix 18th St. Campus
300 N 18th St.
Phoenix, 85006
Tempe Campus
975 E Warner Rd.
Tempe, 85284
Scottsdale Paiute Campus
6535 E Osborn Rd.
Scottsdale, 85251
Kathryn G. Bosco Mesa Campus
2165 N Power Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85215
Enrollment Information:
For more information, please contact SARRC’s Family Resource Team at 602.606.9806 or [email protected].
*Please note children must be able to walk independently upon enrollment in our Community School program.
Contact our team for more information:
Para hablar con alguien en Español llame al 480.887.0784 o en línea.