Bezos Academy preschools will operate in three Mesa public schools, offering full-day, year-round preschool for 180 children
Dec. 13, 2023 – Mesa, AZ – Today, Mesa Public Schools announced an agreement to bring three tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschools to the Mesa area. Located at Sandra Day O’Connor Elementary School, Charles D. Poster Junior High School, and Fremont Junior High School, each Bezos Academy preschool will feature three classrooms. Together, the preschools will offer full-day, year-round preschool for 180 3-5 year olds. This agreement marks Bezos Academy’s first tuition-free preschools in Arizona.
“Mesa Public Schools is proud of the wide range of programs we offer to our families and students. We are thrilled to add Bezos Academy to our preschool offerings at no cost to families,” said Dr. Andi Fourlis, Superintendent of Mesa Public Schools. “Having Bezos Academy preschools on three of our campuses will introduce students and families to our schools while building a strong foundation in future learning.”
“The City of Mesa proudly works with our partners in education to help increase access to learning opportunities for students of all ages,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “Early education through vital preschool programs gives our youngest residents a strong foundation for academic success, and we appreciate Bezos Academy’s commitment and partnership with Mesa Public Schools to connect more families with access to preschool education.”
“Research continues to show that attending great preschools helps set children up for success in Kindergarten, and beyond,” said Mike George, President of Bezos Academy. “Unfortunately, cost and availability are huge barriers preventing families from enrolling in early learning programs. By providing three- to five-year-olds with tuition-free, full-day preschool, we hope to help families in Arizona unlock new opportunities for their children. Thank you to Mesa Public Schools for supporting our mission.”
Bezos Academy Mesa – Greenfield Estates will be located at Sandra Day O’Connor Elementary School (4840 E Adobe St.), Bezos Academy Mesa – Meadowville will be located at Charles F. Poston Junior High School (2433 E Adobe St.) and Bezos Academy Mesa – Adobe Hills will be located at Fremont Junior High School (1001 N Power Rd.) All three preschools to open in 2025 after construction is complete.
Bezos Academy covers all the operating expenses for preschool programs at no cost to the families they serve. The organization hires, trains, develops, and pays talented educators, and provides everything that the children need during their day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, or about $120,000 per year for a family of four, with children aged 3-4, are eligible to apply. Updates about the school opening date, and how to apply for the lottery-based selection process will be posted at www.bezosacademy.org.
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