Kindergarten Your Way: Spotlighting Our Specialty Programs
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At Tempe Elementary Schools, we believe every child enters kindergarten with unique strengths, talents, and boundless potential. As your family prepares for the exciting next step from preschool to kindergarten, we’re proud to offer a variety of school options, including Specialty Programs thoughtfully tailored to support each child’s growth, interests, and learning style.
Whether your child thrives through hands-on exploration, structured academic routines, or bilingual learning, we offer a program designed to help them grow. Learn about Specialty Programs directly from our expert kindergarten teachers, and discover which environment may be the best fit for your child:
| Dual Language at Aguilar | Meyer Montessori | Ward Traditional Academy |
DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM AT AGUILAR ELEMENTARY
Families interested in bilingualism and multicultural learning may be excited about the Dual Language program at Aguilar Elementary, an A+ School of Excellence. The program, serving kindergarten through fourth grade (expanding to fifth grade in the 2026-2027 school year), provides equal instruction in Spanish and English.
In the expert words of Maria Cervantes Moreno, Dual Language Kindergarten Teacher:
“At Aguilar, kindergartners learn core subjects like math, reading, writing, and science in both English and Spanish. They get to use two languages as part of real learning every day, while also building communication skills and an appreciation for different cultures.
Students become bilingual and biliterate, which helps their reading, writing, and speaking in both languages. They also develop flexible thinking, problem-solving skills, and a greater understanding of the world around them, promoting confidence, empathy, and love for learning.”
Learn more about the Dual Language Program at Aguilar
MEYER MONTESSORI
Families seeking a hands-on, exploratory learning environment may be drawn to Meyer Montessori. Meyer Montessori, serving students from preschool through 5th grade, is rooted in the Montessori philosophy, offering learning through exploration. An A-rated school, Meyer encourages hands-on learning and freedom with limits that help children develop independence and responsibility.
In the expert words of Cynthia Otero, Montessori Kindergarten Teacher:
“At Meyer Montessori, kindergartners learn in mixed-age classrooms where they take on leadership roles, mentor younger students, and practice independence in their work.
Montessori kindergartners develop strong self-motivation, responsibility, and confidence as they choose meaningful work and complete it at their own pace.
Children who are curious, independent, and thrive in a hands-on environment tend to do especially well in a Montessori setting.”
Learn more about Meyer Montessori
WARD TRADITIONAL ACADEMY
Families looking for a structured, academically accelerated environment may find Ward Traditional Academy to be a strong match. Ward Traditional Academy is a K-8 school, providing an accelerated curriculum, fast-paced instruction, and a tight-knit community. Along with an A-rating from the Arizona Department of Education, Ward was recently named a National Blue Ribbon School for Academic Achievement.
In the expert words of Jenelle Sumral and Ashley Viker, Traditional School Kindergarten Teachers:
“A traditional school offers students structure that allows them opportunities for academic achievement via acceleration, routines, and discipline.
Kindergarteners at Ward experience an advanced program which utilizes Spalding as the foundation for their reading and writing skills. They also will be exposed to kindergarten and first grade math standards in their kindergarten year. This is a rigorous course that sets students up for success.
Students that thrive with structure, routine, discipline, and quick pacing are successful in a traditional setting. Students that have a strong foundation in academics find success in this accelerated program."
Learn more about Ward Traditional Academy
Tempe Elementary Schools is here to support your family every step of the kindergarten journey. Use the links below to take the next step, learn more, or schedule a tour:
- Enroll - Learn about key dates and requirements for the 2026-2027 school year.
- Request a tour – Visit a school in person and experience the learning environment.
- Find your neighborhood school – Use our school locator tool.
- Find your school flow chart – Navigate our options and Identify the best school for you.
- Learn about enrolling outside your boundary – Understand how Open Enrollment works.
- Attend an Open House event – Meet teachers and explore programs.