Tucson Standard

Three schools are adding preschool programs at Amphi Public School District.

According to KOLD, Lulu Walker Elementary School, Holway Elementary School and Amphi High School are open for preschool programs. 

“We really want our kids to come into kindergarten with skills to be successful leaders," Associate Superintendent for Elementary School Tassi Call said, according to KOLD. "One in three kids attend preschool and that can be a problem in kindergarten with not being able to read, learn their numbers and letters. It is so important for us that we start an early foundation."

The preschools are a way for high schoolers taking early childhood courses to have hands on learning, according to KOLD.

“There is a ton of play-based activities as you can see behind me," Call said, according to KOLD. "They love coming to school every day and they love their teachers. At Amphi, we believe in educating the whole child. That is a huge piece that we ensure our kids get arts, music, P.E., even at the preschool level." 

The Pima County Early Education Program Scholarships (PEEPs) are being offered to families who are in need, according to KOLD.

"PEEPs is designed to assist up to 1,200 children from income eligible families to attend high quality preschool at 170 locations across Pima County," Pima County officials say. "By actively collaborating with existing state and federal programs, the target is to assist all income eligible families who want to send their children to high quality preschool in Pima County."

According to KOLD, school officials say that building an education foundation in preschool is vital for young children to build off of.

“It is so important for students to be academically prepared,” Call said, according to KOLD.

Those who are interested in enrollment for this and next year may contact the following schools for more information: Amphitheater High School at 510-696-5459, Holaway Elementary at 520-696-6573, Lulu Walker Elementary at 520-696-6573, Canon del Oro at 520-696-5649, Innovation Academy at 520-269-4638 and Painted Sky at 520-696-3800.