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ALOCAL’SGUIDEFORSCHOOLCHOICE
INTHEEASTVALLEY
choosing a school is a huge decision; this issue will help you feel empowered to choose what’s right for your kids
presented by
CHIEF CURATOR
hey, mama!
Dear East Valley Moms,
As a mom who just navigated the big decision of choosing a kindergarten for my son, I know firsthand how overwhelming school choice can feel.
Touring campuses, comparing programs, and weighing what’s best for your child it’s a lot This guide was created with the resources I wish I had all in one place, to make the process easier for your family too
On a personal note, our family loved TotSpot’s Kinder Boost program it was exactly the summer-beforeKinder prep my son and I needed, and we highly recommend them from personal experience (And if you’ve joined us at a play date, you may have already enjoyed storytime with TotSpot’s owner, Shannon!)
Wherever your journey leads, know you’re not alone we’re here to support you every step of the way
xo,
Amy J McConnell, APR East Valley Moms Chief Curator
East Valley Moms writing team is comprised of local moms
Contributor Lindsey, mom of 2, lives in Mesa, AZ
Contributor Kristen, mom of 2, lives in Mesa, AZ
photo credit: Kate Mae Photography
Amy McConnell
Amy spent 10+ years in the corporate PR agency world before having her son and becoming owner + chief curator of East Valley Moms
As a mom, she prefers art projects to building train sets, is currently exploring homeschooling options and finding how much easier it is to parent outside in nature than inside four walls
Amy’s favorite parenting resources include Read Aloud Revival, Poetry Tea Time and the MomCo.
this issue's writing team
Megan Lankford
Megan is originally from North Florida, but has called the East Valley her home since 2009.
This year Megan left her job as an accountant to stay home with her boys. She leads a small group Bible study at her house.
Barbara is a proud Arizona Native, born and raised in Mesa and currently residing in Chandler with her husband and two sons.
After thirteen years of teaching second grade and working as a Reading Specialist, she traded in the teacher life for the stay at home mom life.
She loves her Catholic faith, a good book, and any meal she does not have to cook.
East Valley Moms is a hyperlocal, digital media platform to connect local parents with local resources and storytelling to inspire a more connected, joyful parenting journey across Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Apache Junction and Queen Creek.
Barbara Dombrowski
photo credit: Kate Mae Photography
school tours
5 Questions Every Mom Should Ask on a School Tour
WRITTEN BY BRITTANY MASTER MOM OF 3, LIVES IN GILBERT
Choosing an elementary school for your child can feel overwhelming. Between shiny playgrounds, impressive test scores, and the buzzwords schools use, it’s hard to know what really matters. The good news? You don’t need an education degree to figure it out — you just need the right questions.
I’m Brittany Master, mom of three, former teacher, and founder of School Search Consulting. I’ve walked hundreds of parents through this process, and time after time, I’ve found that five simple questions cut through the noise and reveal the heart of a school.
1. How do you make sure every child is learning and growing, and what happens if they fall behind?
Good schools track growth and jump in with support as soon as a student is struggling Ask for specifics and real examples – vague answers aren’t reassuring
2. What does a normal day of learning look like here?
As you hear about routines, notice how much movement is built into the day
3. How do you handle behavior and help kids feel safe and included?
Notice if the school teaches kindness, helps kids work through conflicts, and makes every child feel like they belong Or, if the emphasis is only on punishments
4. What makes this school unique, and what opportunities do students have beyond the classroom?
Programs, clubs, and special activities give kids space to explore interests and talents These extras often show what families love most about the school and what makes it stand out.
5. How do you keep parents in the loop and work with families?
Strong schools value parents as partners Learn about how they communicate with parents and what opportunities there are for you to be involved
FREE SCHOOL TOUR CHECKLIST
Take these questions with you by downloading the free School Tour Questions Checklist, with extra questions tailored for elementary, middle, and high schools
REAL TALK: ROOKIE KINDERGARTEN MOM MISTAKES
Volunteered in the classroom… and forgot I had two other kids at home
Said “yes” to every fundraiser (my wallet still hasn’t recovered). Phone died halfway through her class performance cue mom tears
Forgot the library book/permission slip/snack of the week more than once
Sent her to school in a white polo shirt with blackberries in her lunchbox. RIP shirt.
Did you know? You can take Brittany with you on school tours? She helps ask the right questions (and the hard questions), translate educational jargon, and point out the details that matter most
Remember, you’re not just choosing a building
You’re choosing the community where your child will learn, grow, and belong Asking the right questions helps you choose with confidence
ABOUT THE WRITER
BrittanyMasterisanArizonanativewholaunchedSchool SearchConsultingbecauseshesawtheneedinher communityandknewthatshecouldhelp Combiningher experiencesasamother,educator,andcurriculumwriter, shechannelsherpassionintoassistingfamiliesinfinding therightschoolenvironmentwheretheirchildcanflourish andtrulyenjoytheireducationaljourney Formore educationinsightsfollowBrittany@schoolsearchaz
school tours
Decoding School Ratings: What the Numbers Don’t
Tell You
WRITTEN BY KELLY FOX
THRIVE SCHOOL GUIDE STAFF MEMBER
When it comes to choosing a school, the first thing most parents see on a school rankings site is a grade An “A” feels safe. A “D”... not so much. But numbers don’t always tell the full story.
Why Ratings Fall Short
Ratings are based on test scores, but they can’t measure the things moms care about most: the teachers who inspire kids, the friendships built on the playground, or how safe and supported a child feels each day
Introducing Thrive School Guide
Thrive School Guide was born out of a common frustration: choosing the right school can feel overwhelming Traditional sites emphasize test scores and statistics, but overlook the most valuable insights the lived experiences of families Thrive School Guide bridges that gap by combining authentic parent reviews, local community voices, and easy-to-use tools that make school choice less stressful.
We’re excited to launch first in Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ, where families deserve a resource that reflects their schools and values
What Makes Thrive Different
Thrive isn’t about numbers it’s about people. We’re focused on:
Transparency – We are committed to sharing authentic stories from local parents to provide you with unbiased information you deserve.
Empowering Parents – Parents make the best decisions when they feel supported and informed, which is why we are building this tool
Building Community – Schools and parents thrive when they’re connected, we are looking into ways that we can help you build the village your family deserves
Help Us Help You!
We’d love for you to shape Thrive School Guide from the very beginning:
Fill out our quick survey to share your school experience and help us pre-populate the platform.
Nominate your favorite teacher for a special getaway because the educators who pour into our kids deserve to be celebrated
You’re entered to win a $500 gift card!- when you submit your review you are automatically entered to win a $500 gift card
Together, we can make school choice easier, more transparent, and rooted in the real voices of our community
fill out the quick survey here
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOL SEARCH CONSULTATIONS
School Search Consulting is a personal, one-on-one match service created just for East Valley families. They believe every child deserves a great education and every parent deserves support in finding the right school
�� In partnership with Community on Purpose, they offer need-based scholarships for families who may not otherwise access their services
✏ The application is short and simple and on the School Search Consulting website
�� Selected families receive personalized, local guidance to navigate school options with confidence.
Surviving Kindergarten: When
Mom Struggled More Than the Student
WRITTEN BY AMY J MCCONNELL, MOM OF 1, LIVES IN MESA
Everyone asked before my son started kindergarten: “Are you sad? Nervous? Think you’ll cry?”
My answer? Heck no! He adored preschool, loves structure, and I knew he’d thrive And he did
Me? Not so much
Goodbye Lazy Mornings
Suddenly my carefree days of rolling out of bed whenever my son woke me were gone Now it was uniforms, breakfast, hair brushed, water bottles filled and out the door by 8:05
Picture me, still in pajamas with bedhead, waving at the crossing guard.
The Big Picture
Despite my chaos, he flourished new friends, a wonderful teacher, and a love of learning I, on the other hand, learned that kindergarten is just as much an adjustment for parents as it is for kids.
(Thank goodness for the routine skills my son practiced during TotSpot’s Kinder Boost summer camp at least one of us knew how to transition smoothly!)
Pancakes for Dinner…Again
The school bell quickly dictated our entire day Evenings meant me trying to pronounce phonograms correctly while keeping up with his stories about recess and classroom concerts More than once, we settled for pancakes at 6 p m
Looking back, I’m grateful he entered the year confident in his phonics and early math thanks to TotSpot’s program it made our evenings a little less overwhelming
Programs like TotSpot’s Kinder Boost reminded me that we don’t have to do this alone there are resources to help kids (and moms) feel ready for the big transition
school break
Take a Break: Retreats Designed for Moms, by Moms
WRITTEN BY EAST VALLEY MOMS
When school’s out, most of us shift straight into planning mode organizing childcare, keeping kids entertained, and juggling routines But East Valley Moms is turning school breaks into something special with retreats that are as rejuvenating for moms as they are fun for kids
Camp Mom: A Reset Just for Moms
Sometimes, moms need a getaway that isn’t about packing snacks or supervising swim time
Camp Mom is a two-night retreat in the pines designed exclusively for moms to relax, recharge, and reconnect Think yoga on the lawn, fireside chats, cozy workshops, and plenty of space to exhale
It’s the perfect way to pause the to-do lists and come home refreshed body and soul
2026 dates:
Galentines in the Pines: February 6-8
Camp Mom Summer: June 12-14
Scan here for details on upcoming retreats
Mom & Mini Cabin Campouts
For those who want to bring the kids along, East Valley Moms created Mom & Mini Cabin Campouts
Hosted in charming Northern Arizona cabins, these one- or two-night stays are built around quality time
From campfire s’mores and nature walks to kidfriendly crafts, it’s a chance to make screen-free memories together without the stress of planning every detail
Coming Soon:
Winter Camp: December 28-30, 2025
Winter Camp: January 17-18, 2026
Summer Camp: June 24-26, 2026
Summer Camp II: June 26-28, 2026
Camp Mom summer 2025 crew
How do Working Moms Make Dinner?
4 Local Moms Dish how they do it
WRITTEN BY MEGAN LANKFORD MOM OF 3, LIVES IN MESA
We’re back with another round of real-life dinnertime inspiration as the new school year kicks off. Some of us are meal-prep disciples. Others live by the crockpot or Costco’s rotisserie chicken. However you get dinner on the table, we hope these mom hacks make the dinner rush a little easier
Megan: Mom of 3, Dinner Roulette
Decision fatigue was killing our meal planning. So, my husband and I wrote 30 favorite meals on slips of paper and keep them in a jar Each Sunday we draw our meals for the week, shop once, and we’re set Favorites include pot roast, tortellini soup, baked potato bar, and sheet pan dinners.
Kira: Mom of 4, Meal Prep Master
With four kids and two careers, planning is survival
I meal plan Friday, prep Sundays, and post a chalkboard menu so everyone knows what’s coming We rotate crockpot meals, bulk-prep recipes from Cook Once, Eat All Week, and quick backups like breakfast for dinner
Amy: Mom of 1, Crockpot Queen
I’ve been a crockpot devotee since college My favorite hack?
Citrus Pear freezer meal prep classes I leave with 20 meals ready to go for under $2.75/serving. Use code EVM15 for $15 off your first class or delivery at citruspear com
Tiffany: Mom of 6, 5 p.m. Rush
I wing it most nights. Thaw protein in the morning, decide at 5 p.m., maybe dash to the store
Go-tos: spaghetti, tacos, chicken pot pie, or boxed mac and cheese with broccoli
Kindergarten Confidence
Practical Tips Every Parent Can Use
WRITTEN BY BARBARA DOMBROWSKI MOM OF 2, LIVES IN CHANDLER
When my son was getting ready for kindergarten, I wanted to do more than just sharpen pencils and buy the cutest backpack. With my background as a teacher and reading specialist, I knew this milestone was about more than academics—I wanted him to feel confident, independent, and excited for this big step.
The Academic Basics
I focused on three key skills at home:
Reading together daily to build vocabulary and a love of books
Writing his name so he could proudly claim his work.
Recognizing all his letters, giving him a strong foundation for literacy
Life Skills That Matter Just as Much
Kindergarten isn’t only about ABCs and 123s Everyday independence makes a huge difference:
Opening and closing his own lunchbox
Putting on shoes and jackets without help.
Cleaning up after himself.
Practicing how to make and keep friends
The more he could do on his own, the smoother his school days went for both of us
A Hidden Gem: Ready, Set, Kindergarten
One of the best resources we found was the Ready, Set, Kindergarten program at the Chandler Public Library.
This six-week class for 4- and 5-year-olds is free and includes parents or caregivers right alongside the kids
Each week had a fun theme but followed a familiar routine:
Independent activities while students arrived
Movement, songs, stories, and alphabet/number practice
Hands-on activities like cutting and gluing to build fine motor skills.
We even got “homework” to reinforce learning at home, which the teacher checked the following week
funding your child’s education
ESA vs. STO: What Parents Need to Know
Making Sense of Arizona’s Two Biggest School Funding Options
WRITTEN
BY
BRITTANY MASTER MOM OF
3,
LIVES IN GILBERT
If you’ve ever looked at private school tuition (or homeschool curriculum prices) and thought, “There’s no way we can make this work, ” you’re not alone
I hear this from parents all the time, and honestly, I’ve said the same thing! But in the great state of Arizona, cost doesn’t have to limit our educational choices.
Thanks to the ESA and STO programs, many families, like mine, are finding full tuition coverage or accessing financial support to homeschool. Let’s walk through what these programs do, how they work, and whether they might help you
STO vs ESA: Which one should I choose?
Since you can’t use both programs in the same school year, knowing which one fits your family matters
Special needs students? ESA usually provides the highest benefit
Low-income family? STOs may cover more.
Strong support network? STOs shine when friends or family donate
Private school tuition near $7,000? ESA may fully cover it
Some families use ESA one year while building STO scholarships for the next. (Yes, STOs can hold donations!) But the main thing to remember is that you’ve got a local fellow mom here to help! With School Search
Consulting, you don’t have to navigate these decisions alone – together we can find the right fit for your child's future.
STOs (School Tuition Organizations)
Use of funds: STOs help families pay for private school tuition
Eligibility: Your child must be enrolled in a private AZ school that accepts STO funds (almost all do.)
How it works: Arizona taxpayers can donate to an STO and get a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes Families then apply to STOs for scholarships, and if awarded, the STO sends the money directly to the school for your child’s tuition. The best part is that you can ask friends, grandparents, neighbors, or anyone who pays Arizona state taxes, to donate to your child’s tuition
Despite what you may hear, Arizona does not have “vouchers.” ESA encompasses what vouchers do, but is much broader, giving parents real flexibility to fund the education that best fits their child.
ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account)
Use of funds: ESA money can be used for a wide range of educational expenses, from private school tuition to homeschool curriculum, supplies, and special education services.
Eligibility: Every AZ student now qualifies under Universal ESA, if the student is not enrolled in a public school (that includes charters)
How it works: ESA gives parents that ability to utilize their child’s state education tax dollars for the type of education option they choose. (Empowering, right?) Parents apply online then receive a contract with their award amount Typically, about $7000 annually for Universal Kindergarten students receive only half of that while students with disabilities can receive significantly more. Funds are then deposited quarterly into your child’s account
Shannon Powell meet the mom
The mama behind Gilbert’s most beloved preschool
Shannon Powell is a proud Mesa native, mom of five, and grandma to her sweet red-headed grandson, Oakley.
With a degree in Elementary Education and an Early Childhood endorsement, Shannon has spent her life teaching both in and out of the classroom first with her own children, and now with the many little learners at TotSpot Preschool, which she founded in 2008.
Shannon started TotSpot after searching for the “just right” preschool for her daughter and realizing she wanted to create a program that met her high standards as both an educator and a mom while remaining affordable for families.
Over the years, she has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education, earned ECERS and CLASS certifications, and proudly brought TotSpot into the Quality First program to ensure the very best environment for children to learn and grow.
Beyond the classroom, Shannon is passionate about giving back With the support of TotSpot families, she has helped raise funds for JDRF, foster care organizations, food banks, and more. She also served as a CASA volunteer for seven years, advocating for children in foster care
When she’s not leading her preschool or serving the community, you’ll likely find Shannon in her garden (she once grew bananas in Arizona!), hiking, camping, or enjoying the great outdoors.
Quick Q&A with Shannon
Q: What makes a great preschool program?
A: Look for teachers who genuinely love being with children Training and curriculum matter, but warmth, patience, and enthusiasm make the biggest difference in your child’s dayto-day experience.
Q: What advice would you give first-time preschool parents?
A: Don’t stress about your child knowing letters or numbers Focus on helping them be comfortable separating from you, following routines, and getting excited to learn with friends.
Q: How can parents prepare for preschool tours?
A: Write down your top three priorities safety, academics, or play-based learning and ask specific questions Knowing what matters most to your family makes it easier to spot the right fit.
Building Inclusive Futures
How SARRC is transforming autism care with research, family support, and lifelong programs across Arizona
WRITTEN BY KAREN SCOTT SARRC STAFF MEMBER
The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and providing lifelong support to individuals with autism and their families
Guided by its vision to meaningfully integrate people with autism into inclusive communities, SARRC combines groundbreaking research with practical, evidence-based services spanning the entire lifespan from early childhood to adulthood
Comprehensive Programs & Services
SARRC offers nearly 20 programs and services designed to meet families wherever they are on their journey From diagnostic services and early intervention to programs for teens and adults, SARRC provides support tailored to the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
Children’s Services
SARRC offers a wide range of children’s programs designed to support development from infancy through early adolescence. Families can access diagnostic services, parent training, and home- and community-based behavioral programs tailored to each child’s needs.
Inclusive learning opportunities are provided through the Community School, which brings children with and without autism together in the same classroom, while programs like Milestones and JumpStart equip parents with strategies to support their child’s growth from the earliest stages
Additional services, such as Second Gear and Parent Training, help families navigate behavior challenges at home, school or other settings Together, these programs ensure that children with autism and their families have the resources, guidance and inclusive opportunities they need to thrive
Evidence-Based Approach
At the heart of SARRC’s work is applied behavior analysis (ABA), with a strong emphasis on naturalistic interventions delivered in everyday settings such as homes, schools, workplaces and community spaces An evidence-based approach ensures individuals with autism not only build essential skills but also thrive in real-world environments
Statewide Presence & Vision
Today, SARRC operates campuses in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale and Mesa bringing high-quality programs and services closer to the communities that need them. With a bold vision, the organization aims to become a statewide resource by 2030, ensuring families across Arizona have access to comprehensive autism support
National Model for Innovation
Beyond clinical services, SARRC has built a reputation for innovation through research initiatives, community partnerships, and training programs, all serving as national models for advancing autism care
GET KINDER READY
Confidence starts before the first day of school.
TotSpot’s
Kinder Boost Summer Camp
A progressive, 6-week summer program designed for children entering Kindergarten. With an accelerated curriculum in phonics, sight words, handwriting, math, and STEAM, Kinder Boost helps kids step into Kindergarten ready to learn and thrive. Summer 2026 registration opens in early 2026.
totspotpreschool com
A Fun Therapy’s Play-Based Readiness Classes
Led by a pediatric therapist, these small-group classes prepare kids (and parents!) for the big transition to school
Each session blends play with essential early learning skills, plus families receive take-home tools and developmentally appropriate strategies to support growth at home
Together, these programs give your child a strong start for Kindergarten success!
afuntherapy com
Kimberly Selchan meet the mompreneur
The mama behind The Tutor Doctor
Age: 49
Location: Gilbert
Children: Gus, 16; Gabi, 15
Why did you want to start your own business?
After a decade in senior corporate roles with constant travel and relocations, I realized how unsustainable life had become I’d rush home from trips, juggle dinner and work calls, and barely see my kids. When a layoff eliminated my role, I finally felt free. I spent a year focusing on wellness and self-reflection before deciding to buy a business and use my skills in a more fulfilling way
What motivated your pivot to being a mompreneur?
After leaving corporate life, I wanted a business that inspired me and impacted others. Education felt like the perfect fit, giving me a way to share opportunities and support young lives at such a formative stage
What lessons from your career help with parenting?
Tell us a little bit about your family
I’m a single mom with two teens, two cats, and a boyfriend of nearly 10 years My son is a straight-A student with a part-time job who just bought his own car and is learning auto collision My daughter is passionate about soccer, marching band, and volunteering at the Humane Society. We love outdoor adventures hiking, zip lining, and comparing bug bites after trips
Leading teams prepared me for parenting more than anything else. Performance reviews taught me how to give feedback, pause before reacting, and show appreciation skills that translate directly to raising kids
What do you teach your children about success and failure?
Neither is permanent. Wins don’t last forever, but setbacks are always followed by new opportunities
EXTRACURRICULAR RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OUR TEAM
MUV Martial Arts (Chandler)
– Incredible coaching that blends martial arts with lessons in focus, respect, and perseverance. Worth the drive from anywhere in the East Valley.
Swimhaus (Gilbert)
Because in Arizona, you can never have too many swim lessons for water safety.
Bonus:a rec swim team is also offered to increase stamina of swimmers.
Hot Potato Art Studio (Gilbert)
Fun, hands-on art classes that let kids explore different mediums while building creativity.
Homeschool and traditional school times offered for families.
Gold Medal Gym (Chandler & Tempe)
From toddler tumbling to competitive gymnastics and casual rec teams, what makes this studio different is Coach Amanda, an actual Olympic Gold Medalist.
Another perk: there’s fun for siblings at the studio too: ninja skills + dance classes; That’s one stop for mom for three types of classes for kids
HOW MANY EXTRACURRICULARS ARE KIDS ENROLLED IN?
WRITTEN BY AMY MCCONNELL MOM OF 1, LIVES IN MESA
Every year we host a big reader survey to collect a pulse check from local moms surrounding lots of parenting topics that are helpful to see what works inside other local families.
In parenthood, it’s so helpful to hear from other families on how moms navigate things like the going rate of the tooth fairy, how old kids first stayed home alone, and other fun questions that sometimes you just want to see if “everybody else” really is doing something like your tween/teen assure you they are.
Today we’re sharing more about extracurriculars and how families budget time and resources surrounding after school activities.
We aren’t here to tell anybody what they should do, we’re just sharing what’s working for other families in our community, because sometimes it’s nice to have a gut check.
12% of school-aged parents say their kids aren’t in any extracurriculars
53% of families shared that their kids are in one extracurricular activity at a time
30% of parents reported their kids are in two extracurriculars at the same time
5% have kids enrolled in three or more activities at once
CALENDAR FREE FAMILY FUN
A lo cale
KINDERGARTEN READY: QUICK TIPS
I can hardly believe my oldest is starting kindergarten this month. I’m excited to watch her learn, make friends, and grow but also panicked about what to expect! So, I turned to fellow East Valley Moms for their best advice.
Tips for Moms:
If you’re going to cry, wear sunglasses tears can make kids more nervous Save the ugly cry for after drop-off!
Plan something fun for yourself or younger siblings that first day to ease the transition
Build in rest time after school Even if they don’t nap, quiet time helps prevent meltdowns
Communicate with the teacher They welcome it it helps them know your child better
Tips for Kids:
Have after-school snacks ready they come home starving! Practice eating meals in 20 minutes or less to match school routines
Teach them how to open lunch containers on their own teachers will thank you!
