We are so grateful to have found Desert Dawn! Our children (ages 4 and 2) absolutely love it. The caring staff, large outdoor playground with goats and a garden, and all the fun special activities give them so much to look forward to. Communication is excellent, we receive regular photos and updates through a convenient app, and staff respond quickly to messages. The Pre-K team does a fantastic job preparing children for kindergarten. We've noticed a huge improvement in our son's behavior and academic skills. We appreciate how the staff collaborates with his outside support team to maintain consistency across programs. There's truly no better feeling than dropping off your children knowing they're in such good hands. read more

My son absolutely thrived at this school! The teachers are incredibly patient, loving and very aware of the kids emotions and concerns. As I was looking for the perfect school I realized the turn over rate was extremely high for teachers. Thankfully, Desert Dawn did not have this issue! Some of the teachers have been there 10+ years. I really cannot recommend this school enough! read more

Absolutely amazing- this was our last week at Desert Dawn, we've been attending DD for over two years and wish we had more time with the amazing staff there. Our kiddo came home happy, talking about all her friends, what she learned and piles of art work. She would get mad if we picked her up early. She has learned how to start reading, writing, counting, addition, and more. As a teacher I know she has already met many Kindergarten standards because of the the teachers and staff at DD. The staff is extremely friendly and went above/beyond our expectations in taking care of our kid. We are so sad to be leaving. read more

My two sons attended Desert Dawn from 2008 - 2013. We moved from AZ to CT in mid-year 2013 and my youngest went from his second year of preschool (because he missed the cut off to start Kindergarten in AZ), straight into the middle of Kindergarten in CT. It was rough for a week, being thrown suddenly into writing and reading aloud, but he quickly got up to speed, thanks to a rock solid foundation from the experienced teachers at Desert Dawn. They even bought special "chapter books" (for preschoolers) for him in his second preschool year, in order to keep challenging him. This school was the best thing that happened to us. We tried everything from in-home nannies to private daycare to franchised daycare, all to no avail. When someone recommended DD, I was blown away by the quality and care that goes into this wonderful school. Farm animals, Japanese and French lessons, arts & crafts, reading, social skills, and FUN. They regularly host weekend "parties" for parents to meet other parents while the kids play, which is how we met many new friends (with 2 kids under two, that's how we rolled!) My kids were always happy to go to school, even if we sometimes had them there for very long hours (which we also appreciated!) All of the teachers and helpers are what make this school so outstanding. Many of them have worked for the school since it opened (25+ years ago?) We still keep in touch with Mrs. B, who is legendary in this house. If you are looking for a caring, safe place for your child to learn and have fun, make sure you pay a visit to Desert Dawn. You'll be shocked to learn that they are the best value out there - a steal for what you and your kids will get. read more

Desert Dawn Private School - My 18 mo old on his first day with his big brother - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This school is fantastic. The faculty and staff are wonderful. My Granddaughter wants to go each day and is learning so much. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for an academic preschool experience. read more

Such a unique and beautiful school! The teachers are wonderful there! Mrs.B has been there since the school opened over 20 years ago! She is one of the best teachers you'll ever meet and Mrs.Shaun too!! Highly recommend this school to anyone! :) -Moniquea read more

Desert Dawn Private School is an amazing school. Prior to coming to this school our two year daughter cried continuously when she was left at her previous preschool and constantly requested that she not have to go back to the school. As her parent it was heartbreaking to see her so stressed and emotionally uncomfortable in her previous setting. We did a lot of research to find her a new school, which included reading reviews, visiting schools, and requesting recommendations from family and friends. Desert Dawn was recommended to us and we could not be happier with the choice we made to enroll her in this school. Our daughter has now been a student for a year. She loves going to school each day. She is greeted by teachers and staff that genuinely care about her and welcome her with open hands. She absolutely loves her teachers and often refers to them as her best friends. We feel blessed that she is in such great, caring, compassionate, and capable hands. The school has great activities to help young minds flourish. The kids not only get valuable learning, art, and playtime indoors but they have animals, a garden, and a very large outdoor space which allows the kids to play, run, and have some freedom to explore. They also plan many activities. Over the summer they had a firetruck come to the school to teach the kids about fire safety. They were allowed to get inside the truck, honk the horn, and try on fire gear. They also had water days to allow the kids to play and cool off. Indoors they created a tepee and they made binoculars and camping gear to go along with the theme. They always come up with creative ideas that makes learning fun for the kids. We are also impressed with the schools learning curriculum. They try to make learning fun and often create artwork to go along with weekly themes. The environment is warm, inviting, and engaging. They provide a nurturing environment for young minds and allow the students to feel safe, valued, confident, happy, and part of a community. We could not be happier with Desert Dawn Private School and we highly recommend this school! read more

Desert Dawn has been such a blessing for our family! My daughter started going there when she was 2 1/2 years old and is now 4 years old and loves going every morning. She always has stories about the fun activities done that day. Not to mention the fun events they do for family and the kiddos! Miss Karla, Miss Nicole and all the wonderful teachers have helped my daughter so much. Miss Evelyn, Miss Katie and Miss Bee and everyone else.. thank you! The school has a very homey feel, everything is spotless, organized and very safe. I highly recommend this school, I was very nervous looking for a daycare for my first child. I picked the right one for sure! read more

Had asked around for a recommendation on a good daycare facility and was told about Desert Dawn. Sent my 2 kids there and have been nothing but pleased. My children responded great to the transition and I've seen leaps in their development. I personally recommend the facility to anyone looking for solid care with emotional considerations and excellent educational programs. read more

As I prepare to have my youngest child move on to kindergarten, I feel as if I have to let others know what a special place Desert Dawn is. My two children have attended Desert Dawn 1 for 2 yrs and my youngest for 4. All of the same teachers are there and they have become family. I am tearing up thinking about how my children are going up so fast but also that we will no longer be at Desert Dawn. They have taught my children so much and have ensured that the same values I am teaching are taught at school. They have started my kids early to love school, reading and how to be a good friend. I could not have asked for a better atmosphere for my children and trusted this staff completely everyday with my kids. As I say goodbye, just know Desert Dawn you have touched all of us and you will be deeply missed but your influence will still shine on in Pay and Mer. Thank you Shannon Comer read more

My son goes to this school and it is AMAZING!! All of the teachers are so wonderful with him and he loves going to school!! They really engage the children and encourage learning. Definitely will recommend to all my mommy friends with little ones. read more

We started Desert Dawn 4 years ago and it was the most wonderful experience for my son, his now kindergarten teacher is impressed, now my 18 month old goes here, all the teachers and staff are amazing, loving and caring. They know every kid by name and the kids feel like they are part of a big family. The kids love the huge playground, learn about gardening and caring for animals. They often have fun things for the kids, magic shows, balloon show, Halloween & Christmas parties with face painting and a lot more fun events. I know some families who left and a few months later are back, others let their kids enjoy being kids one more year and stay at desert dawn. Some teachers have been at desert dawn for years and you can tell they love what they do. Ask for a tour and you will want to be a kid again to have the same experience!! read more

I have tried unsuccessfully now several different times to just get a hold of someone to inquire about enrollment for my child. They will not return phone calls or online inquiries. It would appear to me that they have enough children and aren't interested in adding any more to their roster anytime soon. read more

My review is strictly based on our tour. This place seems great, but I felt there were too many kids in the young 1-2yr olds room. I also asked about how often they clean and was told they only clean once a week, WHAT?! Gross! Especially because there was a kid in there with green boogers all over her face. I also like the idea of having animals on the premise, but feel like it could be a health and safety hazard. My child also has food allergies and the woman giving the tour didn't give us much reassurance that they could accommodate that. read more

I found Desert Dawn Private School from a mom on Facebook and decided to tour the school because I was having a really hard time finding a school that was a good fit for my daughter. I am so thankful I found Desert Dawn! My daughter has significant special needs and everyone at the school has been amazing. They are welcoming and accommodating. She is always happy and excited to go to school! read more

Our son has loved Desert Dawn since the moment he started. He comes running up to me after school everyday telling me about who played with him and what he made in art class. He was very proud when he graduated from the goats to the pony class. The school has lots of educational holiday activities, and is very open to parent interaction. We will be sad to leave when he graduates out next year. read more

We have been so blessed to have my son at Desert Dawn! I can't imagine him being anywhere else. The staff is incredible and treats the kids like family. The experiences and learning, academic, social, and emotional, are one of a kind! From the garden to the animals and the constant enriching experiences, it just doesn't get any better! I can enjoy my own students, because I know how happy my son is all day! read more

We started at Desert Dawn 4 years ago. I cannot day enough good things about all the people and experiences she had while she was enrolled at Desert Dawn. My son is there now and we continue to love the all the teachers and staff. read more

My daughter is two and loves this school! We are so blessed to have found Desert Dawn and feel like we have found a new home. Our daughter is learning so much and comes home every day with a smile on her face. Everyone at this school is so caring and have done an amazing job giving our daughter a positive experience when it comes to school. I am a teacher and know the importance to creating a positive first impression when it comes to school. Every morning she wants to go to school and is already learning her ABC's and has really built her vocabulary. We are excited to continue our journey with Desert Dawn in the coming years. read more

I looked at multiple schools before choosing this one. Desert Dawn came highly recommended by 2 friends. And as soon as I walked in, I could see why. It was a no brainer. The classrooms are open, cheery; the outdoor play space is big and inviting; and the teachers and aides are incredible. They're friendly, welcoming, very hands-on and nurturing with the kids. They have lots of activities and art projects, and they teach the kids rather than just watch them play. My daughter started at 17 mos. and I was concerned about her transition. They were very comforting to her and within a week, she was fine and was waving goodbye me while running up to one of her teachers for her daily morning hug. They're also really great at communicating regarding any issues or concerns you may have. read more

My daughter went here for 2 years and loved every minute. TONS of activities and learning centers, experienced and caring director and teachers, and great families--exactly the types of people you would choose for your child to be around. We moved in February, and 6 months later, I still hear my daughter saying "at my school, we did (this)" on a daily basis. It's also a great value for parents working full time, and the early drop off and late pick up hours give you lots of flexibility. read more

This school is amazing. My daughter loves it here & I recommend it to all my friends. They have the most loving staff & the curriculum even for the 2 year olds is great. It has such a warm family feel. The school has a huge outside area with jungle gym, etc that my daughter loves & a big garden where each of the children have their own area to plant. Not to mention goats for the kids to pet. This is a true school for learning where the kids get a lot of interaction. This is NOT a daycare. Desert Dawn & it's staff are the best! read more

I have sent three kids to Desert Dawn and it is truly a special place! Caring teachers who have been there forever, great curriculum and fun activities. Plus I Iove the garden, goats and chickens! read more

My Daughter has gone here for about a year now and we have always been very happy with the care she has received. My daughter has had quite a bit of separation anxiety in the past and the staff and desert dawn has always been very kind and understanding. All the kids always seem to be having a good time. There is plenty of room and activities for them outside and they always seem to be doing crafts and activities. I would definitely recommend! read more

Hands down the best child care/ school in Phoenix, AZ!! I have have all 3 of my children attend this program, over a course of 5 years, and have been pleased with them every single day. They are the most caring, loyal, professional, nicest people to ever work with! Every single teacher/aid knows my children by name, they greet you all as soon as you walk in, and at the end of the day everyone is saying goodbye. My children truly enjoy going here everyday! I leave knowing they are in good hands! These teachers will go the extra mile for my family and feel they would for anyone! All the activities they do are remarkable! Building so many great memories and I could not be more pleased! Thank you Desert Dawn!!! I wish I could rate you 100 stars! read more

2 of my 3 kids have gone to Desert Dawn. My daughter 10 years ago and now my son who is turning 3 next week. There is so much to love about this school with the biggest positive being the teacher retention. Several teachers that taught my daughter 10 years ago, are still there which says a lot about a business. The staff is so loving and truly care about the kids. It's more like sending my son to someone's house instead of a daycare. I highly recommend. read more

As a parent of a former student I feel I have to share my experience at DD hoping parents considering this school will be aware of some serious flaws of which I was unaware until after enrolling. First and foremost is a near complete lack of communication between my child's teachers and we parents. In order to have an accurate knowledge of what your child is working on and how he or she is doing it's necessary to have 1) past class projects evaluated and sent home 2) present classwork lesson plans posted and communicated and 3) a lesson plan of what will be studied in the future. At DD we got 0/3 of these. The teachers have no idea how to handle children with any sort of special need. If your child is a perfect angel, then he will fit in just fine. If your child has SPD, ADHD, ODD or even just likes to test the limits, this is not the school for him. The directors will respond to your concerns but do not follow through. Our son is now happy and thriving at a school with more organization. read more