WHAT TO EXPECT

AFM students enter first grade equipped with strong academic, social, and emotional skills. First grade teachers eagerly welcome AFM graduates, knowing our high expectations and exceptional preparation set students up for success. The kindergarten year in a Montessori environment solidifies earlier lessons, embedding them into the child’s understanding of core concepts. With numerous opportunities to make independent choices, our graduates emerge as self-directed learners with robust critical thinking abilities. AFM’s comprehensive kindergarten program ensures that our graduates transition seamlessly into traditional first grade, ready to thrive from day one.

Will My Child Secure a Spot for First Grade at our Desired School?

Placement for first grade is often on the minds of parents, as certain charter school admissions staff may suggest that securing a spot for your child hinges on their registration for kindergarten. While it is important to understand that enrollment at charter schools is not guaranteed, it remains true that each year, graduates from AFM kindergarten successfully transition to first grade at a variety of charter schools across the valley. It is essential to keep in mind that charter schools are not inherently superior to district public schools, so we recommend consulting the Arizona Department of Education for school test scores. Additionally, when selecting a school, it is wise to consider their attrition rates, as some charter schools may counsel out a considerable number of students annually to maintain high test scores.

AZ School Report Cards

AFM graduates enjoy priority registration at New Vistas Center for Education due to their remarkable preparation. Furthermore, district public schools provide tuition-free Gifted Programs, and many AFM students secure admission to these programs at the first grade level each year. All schools highly regard our graduates, as their staff recognizes the academic readiness, self discipline, good character, and independence of AFM students. Our graduates significantly enhance their school’s test scores, owing to their strong grasp of the essential concepts being assessed.