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The Phoenix Valley is growing at what seems like an exponential rate over the past decade. The area is drastically changing year-by-year, making it incredibly difficult for new families when it comes to choosing a lower or middle school. With so many options available, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure your child receives the best education and has a positive academic experience. 

It’s never too early to begin making the right decisions about your child’s education, and that process often begins by choosing the best kindergarten for their needs. That decision could also start even earlier if you are looking to enroll your child in a transitional kindergarten (TK), which is becoming more and more popular as of late.

How do you determine which kindergarten is best for your child? Below are some vital criteria to consider to help you navigate the process if you are searching for the right kindergarten in the Phoenix Valley.

If you’ve spent even one summer in Phoenix, you know that the desert sun is no joke. With temperatures often soaring above 120 degrees — and sometimes reaching dangerous extremes — the heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s a serious safety concern. For lower school and middle school students, who spend much of their day playing and learning on campus, it’s crucial that we provide an environment that is not only welcoming but also safe and heat-conscious.

At Pardes, we take this responsibility seriously. As climate patterns continue to shift and setting records for high temperatures becomes more frequent in the Phoenix Valley, we’ve made it a priority to upgrade our facilities in ways that protect students, staff, and families from the harsh Arizona sun. 

In today’s rapidly advancing world, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is crucial for developing the problem-solving skills and creativity that our children need for the future. For lower school and middle school students in the Phoenix Valley, there are numerous exciting opportunities to explore STEM outside of the classroom. From hands-on experiments to interactive exhibits, here are 10 fantastic places (in no particular order) where young learners can enhance their STEM skills in the Phoenix area.

When it comes to choosing the best educational environment for your child, Pardes stands out for more than just our exceptional academic offerings. Scottsdale itself is known for its high-end neighborhoods, excellent amenities, and picturesque desert landscapes. While Pardes has been named a “Best School” by Niche, families also enjoy the added bonus of the unique opportunities that come from being so close to Phoenix, one of the nation’s most rapidly growing cities.

Pardes offers a nurturing, personalized education that emphasizes exceptional academics and character development. At the same time, Pardes families have access to the cultural richness, business opportunities, and recreational activities of Phoenix — a vibrant urban center just a short drive away. This combination provides students with a holistic learning experience that not only prepares them academically but also exposes them to diverse experiences and opportunities beyond the classroom.

 

Part of building a positive school culture involves recognizing students who reflect our mission, who exhibit our core values, and who embody good character. When we acknowledge these students, our language should highlight the skills or traits that underlie their actions. One way we do this at the lower school and middle school levels is through Responsive Classroom. Responsive Classroom practices build character by integrating social-emotional learning into everyday academic and behavioral routines, promoting a culture of respect, responsibility, and community. In a school that implements Responsive Classroom practices, you’ll see a focus on the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. The goal is to create a safe, joyful, and engaging learning environment where students can thrive both as learners and as members of a community. A Responsive Classroom approach in schools creates an environment that prioritizes both academic success and social-emotional learning. Here’s what it typically looks like in a school setting: