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ENROLL NOW for Kindergarten 2025-2026!
ASK ABOUT OUR KINDER JUMP START EVENT June 9 - 12, 2025!
See why we're Ranked the #1 Elementary School District in Arizona!
We Are
Tempe Elementary Schools
Welcoming, achieving, eye-opening, and future-ready Preschool-8 education to free the boundless potential in each child – so they are fully prepared to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow and excel for a lifetime.
150
Tempe celebrates 150 Years of Community Inspired Education and a longstanding heritage of investment in all its students.
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Tempe Elementary Schools have earned an "A" and "B" rating from the Arizona State Board of Education.
250+
Over 250 Community partners have donated materials, resources and learning experiences- freeing the boundless potential in each child.
330
Tempe Elementary Schools educators have earned over 330 advanced degrees in education, counseling, psychology, social work, fine arts and music.
Reasons To
Believe
Welcoming Community. Destination District.
Academic Achievement for All
Eye-Opening Discovery in the Classroom
Empowering the Confident, Future-Ready Child
Celebrating Our 150th...Discover Our Legacy!
Only in Tempe
Unparalleled
Advantages For All
Tempe is a world-class education destination committed to accessible, equitable, high-quality education for all. Every Tempe Elementary student has access to enriching programs and support services to meet their individual needs and empower them to expand their interests, develop their gifts, and discover their true potential - often at little or no cost to the family.
Voted #1 Elementary School District
We've been voted #1 in 2025, for a second year in a row, by our staff, parents, and community ranked by Arizona's largest and most comprehensive business opinion poll, Ranking Arizona.
Celebrating 150 Years of Academic Excellence
In 2024, Tempe Elementary Schools proudly celebrates 150 years of community-inspired education serving families within and the surrounding areas of Tempe, Phoenix, and Guadalupe.
Revolutionizing Education
Tempe Elementary Schools has an intentional clear set of beliefs, goals, and strategic framework to guide the District for today and the future.
Experiential Learning & Real-World Experiences
Through collaboration and creativity, our local community partners are critical for all students' success, giving them access to essential resources and real-world experiences.
Resources & Evidence-Based Support Services
Our team of professionals is dedicated to fostering the social, emotional, and healthy development of students and their families.
Careers That Change Lives
Many of our staff have a deep-rooted sense of connection with teaching, education, children, and the Tempe community as a whole, exemplified through our many tenured employees.
Who we are
One Community, Many Stories
Celebrating 150 years of rich history and community-inspired learning, Tempe is a unique cultural hub connecting the three vibrant communities of Tempe, Phoenix, and Guadalupe.
![Tips to Avoid the Summer Slide]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748963897/tempeschoolsorg/aqxjjitgusp1jyiez9td/Screenshot2025-06-03at75445AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748963897/tempeschoolsorg/aqxjjitgusp1jyiez9td/Screenshot2025-06-03at75445AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748963897/tempeschoolsorg/aqxjjitgusp1jyiez9td/Screenshot2025-06-03at75445AM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748963897/tempeschoolsorg/aqxjjitgusp1jyiez9td/Screenshot2025-06-03at75445AM.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1748963897/tempeschoolsorg/aqxjjitgusp1jyiez9td/Screenshot2025-06-03at75445AM.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748963897/tempeschoolsorg/aqxjjitgusp1jyiez9td/Screenshot2025-06-03at75445AM.png","width":1870}])
Looking for ways to avoid the summer slide? AZFamily spoke with Frank Elementary School Principal Martha Jacobo-Smith and TOSA Patty Malley about strategies to help deter learning loss over break.
![Arredondo family at Hallway History exhibit]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747261984/tempeschoolsorg/q10dz2k6ykd7uwvrvzbb/IMG_3432.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747261984/tempeschoolsorg/q10dz2k6ykd7uwvrvzbb/IMG_3432.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747261984/tempeschoolsorg/q10dz2k6ykd7uwvrvzbb/IMG_3432.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1747261984/tempeschoolsorg/q10dz2k6ykd7uwvrvzbb/IMG_3432.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1747261984/tempeschoolsorg/q10dz2k6ykd7uwvrvzbb/IMG_3432.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1747261984/tempeschoolsorg/q10dz2k6ykd7uwvrvzbb/IMG_3432.jpg","width":2200}])
At Tempe Elementary Schools, history isn’t something stored away in dusty archives. It’s a living narrative that continues to evolve. Now, thanks to a dedicated effort led by longtime district employee and alumna Amy Garza, that story has come to life through the Hallway History installation at the Sanchez Administration Building.
![Teacher giving student a high five]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1718747416/tempeschoolsorg/ozrmpwnmq5yfvdujfxt6/KinderMarketingPhoto.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1718747416/tempeschoolsorg/ozrmpwnmq5yfvdujfxt6/KinderMarketingPhoto.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1718747416/tempeschoolsorg/ozrmpwnmq5yfvdujfxt6/KinderMarketingPhoto.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1718747416/tempeschoolsorg/ozrmpwnmq5yfvdujfxt6/KinderMarketingPhoto.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1718747416/tempeschoolsorg/ozrmpwnmq5yfvdujfxt6/KinderMarketingPhoto.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1718747416/tempeschoolsorg/ozrmpwnmq5yfvdujfxt6/KinderMarketingPhoto.jpg","width":2200}])
Preparing your child for kindergarten is an exciting journey, and at Tempe Elementary Schools, we're here to support you every step of the way. This checklist for success will help you navigate everything from enrollment and free kinder screening to resources available to support your child and family in our district. Let's embark on this journey together to ensure your child's successful transition to kindergarten and beyond!
![Teacher looks at book with young student]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717519653/tempeschoolsorg/w7zljqrt7ufndqbp4uef/KinderTeacherReading.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717519653/tempeschoolsorg/w7zljqrt7ufndqbp4uef/KinderTeacherReading.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717519653/tempeschoolsorg/w7zljqrt7ufndqbp4uef/KinderTeacherReading.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1717519653/tempeschoolsorg/w7zljqrt7ufndqbp4uef/KinderTeacherReading.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1717519653/tempeschoolsorg/w7zljqrt7ufndqbp4uef/KinderTeacherReading.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1717519653/tempeschoolsorg/w7zljqrt7ufndqbp4uef/KinderTeacherReading.jpg","width":2200}])
Kindergarten truly is a pivotal experience for children and families. While it is a time of big changes, it is also a time of great opportunity. Tempe Elementary Schools and our incredible kindergarten team are committed to helping your child succeed, every step of the way.
Here are five tips from our teacher experts that can help prepare your child for kindergarten:
![Two students smile while using robot and laptop]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726176553/tempeschoolsorg/csb2dwm6spquu0jmm6m5/PACE-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726176553/tempeschoolsorg/csb2dwm6spquu0jmm6m5/PACE-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726176553/tempeschoolsorg/csb2dwm6spquu0jmm6m5/PACE-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1726176553/tempeschoolsorg/csb2dwm6spquu0jmm6m5/PACE-1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1726176553/tempeschoolsorg/csb2dwm6spquu0jmm6m5/PACE-1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1726176553/tempeschoolsorg/csb2dwm6spquu0jmm6m5/PACE-1.jpg","width":2200}])
Deeper learners and critical thinkers. For teacher Jeni Waller, those two descriptors serve as the goalpost when working with her students. Waller is a PACE teacher at Holdeman Elementary and Wood Elementary. PACE, which stands for Promoting Actualization through Creativity and Excellence, is Tempe Elementary Schools’ pull-out gifted program for students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Awards &
Recognition
Tempe Elementary is honored to have been named the #1 Elementary School District for a second year in a row in 2025 and voted in the Top 7 winners for Best Places to Work in 2024 by Arizona's largest and most comprehensive business opinion poll. Tempe Elementary Schools has also been named as a Best Communities for Music Education district by the NAMM Foundation for the last six years.
“Working at the district is knowing we are serving with the right people capable of sharing the same vision no matter their job description. Together, we witness not only the possibility of exponential growth but also marvelous changes and extraordinary resiliency.”
Arcelia Winward| Tempe Elementary Schools
“I'm excited about the school year and look forward to an environment of academic excellence and a wealth of learning. We believe in the power of education and its endless limits.”
Dr. Jeff Shores | Principal Holdeman Elementary
“Thank You for all that you do to teach my kids... very much appreciated!”
Parent| Holdeman Elementary School
“Love this school! The teachers and staff are wonderful people.”
Parent| Holdeman Elementary School