Our 30th anniversary brought with it an exciting announcement - Kindergarten is being added at Pinnacle! This is the most dramatic change our program has experienced over our three decades of providing quality early childhood education to our community. Our program offers an approach to Kindergarten inspired by the educators of Reggio Emilia, Italy and grounded in current best practices and brain development for young children.

With a maximum of 16 students, our exceptionally low ratio of 1:8 for the development of the whole child. A blend of both child and teacher-led learning encourages children to engage as active participants in their construction of knowledge while accomplishing and/or exceeding the educational standards defined by the state board of education. The students’ experiences are enhanced by discoveries through hands-on experimentation and purposeful play. These types of developmentally appropriate practices encourage long-term success in academic areas. Additionally, the Kindergarten curriculum extends beyond the traditional areas of learning and offers Atelier, Music, Spanish, Movement (P.E.), and the Culinary Arts. Ample outdoor discovery time is also available through the Outdoor Classroom and Playground.

The Kindergarten program is designed for children turning 5 years old by the September 1st cutoff. For years, parents have requested a kindergarten option at Pinnacle to “push back” on the push down of standardized learning in early childhood education. The push down of rote memorization is a result of a cultural message that sooner is smarter - it’s not! Pinnacle counters with a science-backed approach to early childhood, meeting the needs of children’s current stage of development and utilizing how children learn best as engaged, active learners.

We are excited to announce that tax dollars can also be directed to Pinnacle Presbyterian Kindergarten for tuition scholarships. Arizona Tuition Connection is a School Tuition Organization (STO) that makes it easy to support Pinnacle Presbyterian Kindergarten in three simple steps: 

1. Make your donation, 

2. Recommend your donation go to Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool & Kindergarten, 

3. Claim the donation as a dollar-for-dollar tax credit when you file your AZ taxes 

2024 donation pamphlets are available in the church and preschool office. Learn more about Arizona Tuition Connection or donate now here. 

Snapshot of Kindergarten at Pinnacle Information:

• Full day Kindergarten from 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

• August 18, 2025 - May 21, 2026 following Paradise Valley Unified School District Calendar with the exception of half days

• Aligned with Arizona Department of Education Academic Standards

• Inspired by the educators of Reggio Emilia, Italy emphasizing the development of the whole child and active, play-based approach to learning.