Phoenix Modern is a non-profit publicly funded school established by a small group of educators, caregivers, and advisors under the terms of a charter authorized by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools.

Yes! We would love to host you for a tour of Phoenix Modern. Schedule a time to connect with one of our team members through the link here!

Our official day starts at 8:30 am and ends at 3:30 PM Monday-Thursday. On Friday, we dismiss at 1:00 PM. We open our doors for dropoff at 7:30 AM and are pleased to offer an extended day option through a partnership program with Pinwheel Aftercare. This program offers on-campus care Monday through Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, and on Fridays from 1:30 to 6:00 PM, for a monthly fee of $150.

We do not provide transportation for students; however, we are located within walking distance (< 1/2 mile) to the public light rail and bus transportation. For transit routes, visit www.valleymetro.org. We will also do our best to facilitate carpooling opportunities among families.

We believe proper nutrition is an essential part of daily life and conducive to learning. Learners are able to bring a healthy pre-packed lunch as long as it meets any food restrictions set by the school for learner safety (e.g. nut free). We also provide an option for learners to purchase a delicious and nutritious lunch that uses high-quality ingredients through Something Special Meals. We will participate in the National School Lunch Program and provide healthy meals for all learners based upon need.

Learner safety is one of our highest priorities. We determine our school-wide food policies based on the severity of allergies and accommodations needed for our learners. Learners are welcome to bring lunches from home that meet their individual dietary needs. Our school organized food program provides options that meet dietary needs, such as non-dairy, gluten and nut-free options.

We take pride in our modern, natural light-filled, open-concept campus in Midtown Phoenix. The facility features spacious learning studios organized around a central community hub designed to encourage collaboration and connection. Our natural outdoor play area includes an urban garden and shaded game space, providing learners with a calm, engaging environment for exploration and play. Elementary studios are located on the second floor and middle school studios on the third, with each level intentionally designed to support the developmental needs of learners at every stage.

Phoenix Modern serves learners in Kindergarten through 8th grade. While learners are enrolled in a specific grade level, they are placed in multi-age Learning Studios. Within these studios, learners engage in a combination of individualized learning and small group work, developing both independence and community within their studio:

• Foundations Studios include Kindergarten and 1st grade
• Primary Studios include 2nd and 3rd grade
• Elementary Studios include 4th and 5th grade
• Middle School Studios include 6th through 8th grade

Our Primary Studios will enroll up to 20 learners per room with one full-time guide supporting them. Our Elementary and Middles school studios will enroll up to 25 learners with one full-time guide. That being said, we challenge the notion that learning happens from a singular guide. Learners will serve as guides for other learners as we facilitate opportunities for peer to peer learning. Further, as learners enter the elementary and middles school studios, they engage with learning software and internet-based research that opens a wide range of learning sources.

At Phoenix Modern, we believe the most meaningful measure of growth comes from individualized goal setting and ongoing progress monitoring. Our approach to assessing success emphasizes effort, skill mastery, and character development. With guidance from adults, learners establish annual goals and break them into session-based, weekly, or daily targets.

Progress is demonstrated through multiple tools, including:

• Online Badgetrackers and Artifact Folders
• Holistic reports
• Exhibitions
• Goal-setting and reflection practices
• Benchmark and standardized assessments

Guides and Directors meet regularly to review learner progress, drawing on data from personalized lessons, online platforms, and observational notes. While learners advance at their own pace, the school team closely monitors trends and progress toward end-of-year goals. Exhibitions and portfolios provide authentic opportunities for learners to showcase their growth, learning achievements, and quality of work.

At the end of each semester, learners co-design and lead an exhibition day to share their discoveries and creations with caregivers and invited guests. This event also provides an opportunity to solidify learnings, practice communication skills, and receive meaningful feedback.

Learners who enroll at Phoenix Modern will be able to progress learning through level 8, which is equivalent to a mastery level (A+) in 8th grade. Learners will have the academic readiness and maturity as an independent learner, which would position them to be successful in any high school they choose to attend. We also anticipate that some learners may decide to design their own high school experience by extending apprenticeships and work experience or start their own business while also completing rigorous virtual courses, often at the college level, to further develop core skills.

Phoenix Modern’s program design and culture was informed by a mix of research and child-centered practices found in many learning models, including Montessori and Reggio Emilia based programs. At the heart of Phoenix Modern, we trust and respect the children and believe they are very capable and naturally curious. Our role is to support the natural development of the child in a well-prepared environment.

Yes. As a public school, we do not restrict any learner from enrolling and do our best to accommodate the needs of all learners within the available resources. We have partnered with a strong and reputable team that supports our understanding for how to best support learners with special needs. We also believe that most learners who may not have been successful in other, more rigid learning environments may appreciate and thrive in our flexible and personalized learning community.

Phoenix Modern is a tuition-free public school and there is no cost for enrollment. Some fees may apply for supplemental programming, such as after-school programs or special interest clubs.

Absolutely! We love partnering with families and aim to provide meaningful opportunities for parents to support the Phoenix Modern community. Parents are welcome to attend our Community Circle to stay informed, volunteer in studios on various projects, support after-school clubs, or join our caregiver volunteer community based on their availability and interests. We also appreciate assistance with field trip chaperoning, organizing community events, and contributing to school-wide initiatives that strengthen connections among families. As a small school with limited resources, we are additionally grateful for donations of instructional supplies or contributions to our general operating fund.