Full tuition is $750 per month or $770 with extended care: Open to all families

Half-tuition and Free-tuition options are available depending on eligibility requirements and available seats.

• Half-tuition is $375 per month or $385 with extended care: Tempe families with an income between 200 to 300 percent of the FPL.*
• Free-tuition is available to Tempe residents with an income at or below 200 percent of Federal Poverty Level (FPL).* 

Non-Tempe residents who  qualify for DES Child care subsidy will pay a co-pay of $100 monthly.*

* ALL Tempe resident families seeking financial assistance (free and half tuition) must apply for the DES child care subsidy prior to starting a Tempe PRE application. To apply to DES Childcare assistance HERE

We are excited to offer expanded access to financial assistance through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). ALL Tempe PRE parents hoping to qualify for free tuition must apply for DES before the beginning of the school year.

What are the benefits of qualifying for DES Child Care Subsidy now?

• It ensures your family is prepared to secure assistance in high-quality child care as your child progresses through their school career.
• If you qualify for partial benefits with DES, the City still takes care of the copay to make sure your tuition is free.
• It opens a free-tuition spot for a family that is waiting when your spot is funded by DES.

What happens if I DO NOT qualify for granted assistance for the DES Child Care Subsidy?

If you meet the requirements for free tuition with Tempe PRE, but did not qualify for DES Child Care Assistance, please feel to apply. The City of Tempe may able to cover fees associated with the program.

Visit the website www.azdes.gov to apply online and get eligibility information. You can also call the local office to submit your paperwork (602) 771-6425 or email at CCAMesa@azdes.gov.

All families receiving free tuition must apply for DES, so the sooner the better!

Applications for the 2023-24 school year are now open. Applications for financial assistance are randomized. Families will be contacted in order of the lottery.

Applications for the 2024-25 school year are now open

CLICK HERE

The school year begins in July 2024. Tempe PRE accepts children ages 3 and 4 who are fully potty-trained. Students must turn 3 by July 24,  2024 to be eligible. Families whose children will turn 3 between July 25 - Aug. 31,  may still apply now and wait for their applications to be processed after their child turns 3 and space becomes available.

ALL Tempe resident families seeking financial assistance (free and half tuition) must apply for the DES child care subsidy once they are selected for enrollment in Tempe PRE.

• Applications for free or half tuition will be part of a lottery. The city will randomly select applications for processing beginning March11; new applications will be pulled for processing every month.
• Applications for full tuition are processed as they come into the city