History

The San Tan Learning Center’s FREE Charter Program began as a small private Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten in 2006 and quickly filled to enrollment capacity.  However, due to the economy, many parents had difficulty affording tuition for Kindergarten students and were concerned about the local quality of Elementary Education programs for their children.  In addition, many local families were excluded from the private school due to the cost while participating parents were concerned that their children would fail to thrive in the overcrowded local public schools as they transitioned to first grade.  Based on parent demand, San Tan Learning Center developed a K-6 Inquiry Based Learning Curriculum model incorporating applicable Montessori concepts and materials for a Public Charter School program.  The charter for San Tan Learning Center was approved by the Arizona Board for Charter Schools in January 2008 after a rigorous process.