We require all students to be current on their vaccinations to maintain a safe environment for everyone, including immunocompromised students. For more information on vaccine requirements, please visit: https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/immunization/school-childcare/school-immunization-requirements.pdf

Our operational hours will adhere to the standard Monday through Friday schedule from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, in alignment with the calendar of the local Queen Creek school district. While these traditional hours accommodate many families, we recognize that they may pose challenges for others. We welcome further discussion to better understand your specific needs and explore potential solutions should these operating hours present any barriers for you. Please feel free to reach out to us to initiate this conversation.

An elementary education model that combines nature-based learning with traditional academics offers a comprehensive approach to student development. By dedicating time to nature-based learning, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, and experiential learning that foster creativity, curiosity, and a deep connection with the natural world. These experiences not only promote holistic development but also instill important life skills and values such as environmental stewardship and appreciation for biodiversity. Implementing an additional emphasis on traditional academics ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that includes foundational knowledge and essential skills in subjects like mathematics, language arts, and science. This balanced approach allows students to benefit from the strengths of both educational philosophies, preparing them to excel academically while fostering a lifelong love for learning and a strong connection to nature.

The following are annual tuition rates for the 2024/2025 school year:

2 days/week: $16,000

3 days/week: $20,000

4 days/week: $24,000

5 days/week: $28,000

Our primary objective is to leverage Educational Empowerment Scholarship (ESA) funds to substantially reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for families. 

Although one of our future objectives is to offer transportation services for our families in the future, we are unable to provide this service at present due to logistical constraints.

In addition to transportation services, providing meals for our students is an initiative we aspire to implement in the future to alleviate the responsibilities placed on our families. However, at present, we kindly request that families pack lunches for their children. To assist in unforeseen circumstances, we will maintain a limited selection of pre-packaged food items for students who may forget their lunches. Additionally, we will provide access to a refrigerator and microwave to accommodate students’ needs.

We are open to discussing enrollment considerations on an individual basis. While we strive to accommodate every child, it’s essential to acknowledge that our school environment includes various animals, and we have students with unique needs who may be particularly vulnerable. As such, we retain the discretion to decline enrollment for children with a documented history of behavior that poses a potential risk to staff, fellow students, or the overall safety of the Desert Sun Ranch community.

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your child’s unique needs in detail. Ensuring that we can effectively support your child is paramount, and we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students. While we endeavor to accommodate every family and have an occupational therapist on staff with clinical experience working with medically complex children, it is important for us to assess whether our staffing and infrastructure align with your child’s requirements before proceeding with enrollment. Your child’s well-being and success are our top priorities, and we look forward to exploring how we can best meet their needs together. 

As long as there is mutual agreement that your child is a good fit, yes! Not all of our current students have special needs, and the need for individualized attention in an educational environment is not limited to those with special needs.

While we warmly welcome and celebrate students from diverse backgrounds, it’s important to note that our school operates independently of any faith-based principles. This stance is consistently reflected in our curriculum and educational approach.