Business Details
Your Child's Educational Journey Starts Here
Summit School Of Ahwatukee is an independent, nonprofit private institution dedicated to nurturing students from preschool through middle school. Founded on a commitment to academic excellence and whole-child development, our mission focuses on creating opportunities for students to thrive through personalized attention and a rigorous, student-centered curriculum. Our team of highly-trained, long-tenured educators prioritizes creative problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership while fostering emotional, social, and physical well-being. With small class sizes and a secure campus, we cultivate a community where students flourish through nurturing relationships among educators, families, and peers. Our nationally accredited preschool program sets a foundation for lifelong learning, while extracurricular activities, enrichment clubs, and competitive sports programs extend growth beyond the classroom.The PEAK to Achieve Model reinforces positive behaviors, accountability, and kindness, creating a respectful, compassionate environment. Over decades, our approach has consistently challenged students to reach their full potential academically, creatively, and character-wise. Parents and alumni repeatedly highlight our ability to reignite students' love for learning, with graduates excelling in prestigious high schools and universities nationwide. Our transparent communication, family-like community, and focus on individualized education distinguish us as a leader in Arizona's private schooling sector. This enduring commitment to quality and innovation has earned us recognition as a top-ranked institution for academic rigor and student engagement.
Services
Preschool
Elementary School
Middle School
Summer Camp
After School Enrichment
Highlights and features
- We maintain small class sizes ensuring personalized student attention
- Our educators have long-term tenure with specialized expertise in child development
- We implement the PEAK to Achieve Model for positive behavior reinforcement
- Our nationally accredited preschool program establishes strong educational foundations
- We offer comprehensive enrichment programs in arts, technology, and athletics
Associations and certifications
- National Accreditation
What people say
Nurturing environment
Dedicated teachers
Academic excellence
Lifelong benefits
Individualized approach
Services
Preschool Program
Our nationally accredited preschool program provides a nurturing environment for children aged 2-5. Certified educators implement developmentally appropriate curricula that foster independence, social skills, and foundational academic concepts. The program emphasizes play-based learning while preparing students for elementary school success through structured routines and individualized attention.
Elementary School
Summit's elementary program combines core academic instruction with specialized classes in technology, world languages, and the arts. Small class sizes enable differentiated instruction, while morning meetings promote public speaking skills. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and character development through the PEAK to Achieve Model.
Middle School
Our middle school program builds on elementary foundations with advanced academics and leadership opportunities. Students engage in project-based learning, elective courses, and competitive athletics. Teachers provide personalized support during extended hours to ensure appropriate academic challenges while maintaining focus on social-emotional growth and college preparation.
Summer Camp
Summit's six-week summer camp offers educational enrichment for preschool through eighth-grade students. The program combines academic reinforcement with creative activities, outdoor recreation, and special guest workshops. Open to the public, it maintains small group sizes and experienced staff to create a safe, engaging learning environment during school breaks.
After School Enrichment
Our after-school programs provide skill-building opportunities in arts, sciences, and athletics. Certified instructors lead sessions that complement daytime curriculum while introducing new disciplines. Activities include robotics, performing arts, sports clinics, and academic support, operating Monday-Friday with flexible scheduling options for working families.
People
Brady T. Wald
Head of School
Brady Wald leads Summit School Of Ahwatukee with a vision for holistic education. With extensive experience in educational leadership, he champions small class sizes, teacher development, and character education. His administration maintains Summit's reputation for academic excellence while expanding programs that nurture student creativity and critical thinking.
Questions
What grades does Summit School serve?
Summit School serves students from preschool through eighth grade, providing continuous education for early childhood through middle school development.
Is Summit School accredited?
Yes, Summit maintains national accreditation and holds a five-star rating for its preschool program, demonstrating commitment to educational excellence and quality standards.
What makes Summit's teaching approach unique?
Our student-centered approach combines small class sizes with the PEAK to Achieve Model, emphasizing character development alongside academics through personalized attention and collaborative learning.
Are there extracurricular programs available?
Summit offers extensive extracurriculars including competitive athletics, performing arts, robotics, and after-school enrichment programs that complement academic instruction.
What support exists for student development?
Teachers provide individualized support during extended hours, while morning meetings and multi-age enrichment activities foster communication skills and peer relationships across all grade levels.
How does Summit involve families?
We maintain open communication through regular meetings, volunteer opportunities, and community events that create a collaborative partnership between school staff and families.
Reviews (7)
Strait S.
Oct 02, 2021
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Both my sons attended Summit K-8th grade. My sons learned a good work ethic which carried with them to their high school years. The care the teachers show for their students really shows. Some of the teachers have been there from the beginning. Many kids in my son's class stayed K-8 and they have a wonderful Pre-K. My youngest son attended there two years. If I was starting over, I would send my kids to Summit again, well worth the money and the skills they learned will last throughout their lifetime.
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K. D.
Jul 09, 2020
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Wow, cant believe it! Good school and great teachers...
BUT school has been closed since March 1st week.
Requested to withdraw our 3 yr old preschooler to avoid fees in March end. No response and then after some time, told not possible as we are under contract for the whole year.
Pandemic doesn't change anything. All bailout from the govt, goes to the school but no support to the students or fee refunds. Lot of other schools/ preschools of the valley refunded the fees.
Now, we withdrew in June, but they are asking for $1000 more along with the $700 application fee. No refunds, no withdraws
BUT school has been closed since March 1st week.
Requested to withdraw our 3 yr old preschooler to avoid fees in March end. No response and then after some time, told not possible as we are under contract for the whole year.
Pandemic doesn't change anything. All bailout from the govt, goes to the school but no support to the students or fee refunds. Lot of other schools/ preschools of the valley refunded the fees.
Now, we withdrew in June, but they are asking for $1000 more along with the $700 application fee. No refunds, no withdraws
Azadeh D.
Nov 11, 2019
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Our son attended Summit preschool in Ahwatukee location last year and unfortunately our experience was beyond terrible. We had hopes that with all this school has to offer, our toddler would grow and have a positive learning experience. What we actually experienced was completely opposite. On several occasions at pick up time he was bruised on his forehead, cut on his lip or had scratches on his face.
He would tell us that a particular kid hit him and threw stuff at him. Evan though we kept communicating with the teachers and the principle about it nothing changed, and the bullying kept continuing
He would tell us that a particular kid hit him and threw stuff at him. Evan though we kept communicating with the teachers and the principle about it nothing changed, and the bullying kept continuing
Darren T.
Jan 26, 2018
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Summit is awesome. When my wife first suggested it as a pre-school for our 3.5 year was thinking it is so much easier just to go to the local pre-school. I agreed to go to a Summit tour/open house. I was so impressed I was enrolling my kid about 2.5 seconds after the tour finished. This was the best educational experience I could have imagined and now after two semesters my son loves the school and his progress has been outstanding. His two teachers (Lisa and Regina) provide such a warm and loving environment for him to learn I think he now would rather be at school than at home. I can&apos
Eric C.
Jan 24, 2018
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My son attended Summit from Pre-k through 7th grade, he received a solid education and life long friends. The teachers were caring and really taught the kids. Great parent involvement
Jennifer Hetrick
Dec 28, 2017
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I have 2 children who have attended Summit since 3rd and 5th grades and I can not say enough wonderful things about this school. My oldest has since graduated and is now a sophmore at Seton Catholic Prep and my daughter is an 8th grader and will be graduating in a few months. Both of my children have not only been challenged academically but have grown socially as well. They have learned to become leaders both in the classroom and in the community. Summit is a safe place where they have been able to take risks and try new things like sports, theater, and instruments. They have been on fascinating
Tracy Crawford
Nov 22, 2017
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We have been at Summit for the past 6 years and we truly believe the teachers, staff and administration are amazing. Summit has been such a positive aspect of our lives and we truly feel fortunate for the solid academic and social foundation that all 3 of our boys have. Summit is like home for us.
