The Peoria Unified School District celebrates 13 out of 15 preschool programs rated as Quality Plus or Highest Quality by Quality First, a signature program of First Things First. Quality First supports early childhood education providers in making quality improvements that are proven to help children thrive.
Through the Star Ratings, Peoria Unified’s preschool programs were rated on how well they meet quality standards. Assessments are made using valid and reliable tools that focus on what research shows are the key components of quality early learning settings, including adult-child interactions, learning environments and staff qualifications. Ratings of Quality Plus and Highest Quality recognize the district’s commitment to providing the highest quality education possible.
“Ninety percent of a child’s brain develops before age five. The positive, nurturing relationships young kids have with adults shape their learning now and throughout their lives. Fortunately, each of Peoria Unified’s preschools are full of certified early childhood educators and instructional assistants. They are here to support a child's growth and development as your child prepares for kindergarten. Each of our teachers are certified to educate our youngest learners and our instructional assistants are prepared to support your child’s growth.,” shared Executive Director of Community Education Ashley Worrell.
“I am incredibly proud of our preschool educators and support staff for their commitment to providing the highest quality education possible. With 13 of our 15 preschool programs rated as Quality Plus or Highest Quality by Quality First, a signature program of First Things First, families can rest assured that their child is receiving the best education possible,” echoed Director of Early Childhood Education Jesse Remo.
Below is a list of preschool locations available for Peoria Unified families:
Alta Loma Elementary School
Apache Elementary School
Country Meadows Elementary School
Desert Harbor Elementary School
Desert Palms Elementary School
Foothills Elementary School
Frontier Elementary School
GCC Preschool/Toddlers
Lake Pleasant Elementary School
Oasis Elementary School
Parkridge Elementary School
Peoria Elementary School
Sky View Elementary School
Sundance Elementary School
Vistancia Elementary School
Schools with two or three stars are partnering with district leaders to review the practices and they are being provided additional professional development opportunities. Through Peoria Unified’s partnership with First Things First, the Quality First coaching team is also providing additional support and professional development for classroom staff at these schools.
Preschool is typically offered in a half-day setting on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. New in the 2025-26 school year, full-day options are being added to Desert Palms Elementary School and Frontier Elementary School.
*Through a partnership with Glendale Community College (GCC), Peoria Unified can provide toddler and preschool early childhood education programs on the GCC campus in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Lab. The college provides the space, and the district provides the childcare license and provides the services.
Families interested in enrolling their child in one of Peoria Unified’s preschool programs are encouraged to visit www.peoriaunified.org/preschool.