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About Sunshine School
Loving and Educating Children since 1984
Since 1984, Sunshine School has been a joyful place for 3- to 5-year-olds in Oro Valley and Northwest Tucson to grow, explore, and thrive. We set children up for success with a strong balance of play and academic preparation. Our warm, nurturing environment and dedicated teachers help build confidence, creativity, and essential life skills. We want children to feel valued and loved, building their love of learning & going to school. We want the foundation of children's education to be rock solid. Through hands-on learning—both free play and teacher-led activities—children engage in art, STEM, music, games, and more, ensuring a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Why Sunshine?
Our Focus
We believe in age appropriate childhood education. Our teachers adapt the curriculum to fit the needs of our students. We believe in unstructured play, social development, and learning life skills.
Over 30 years of educating and loving children has taught us a few things...
Our Learning Environment
Sunshine School is uniquely located at the base of Pusche Ridge of the Catalina Mountains. With a one-room schoolhouse concept, it serves 60+ children alongside a dedicated faculty of 16.
Comfort is Critical for Learning
Children need to feel physically, emotionally, and psychologically comfortable for learning to occur.
Visits from guest teachers provide Sunshine with an environment rich in educational opportunities.
Our Enriching Curriculum
About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer preschool classes for 3-year-olds and young 4-year-olds, with three-day (T-W-Th) and four-day (M-Th) options. Our Pre-K classes serve 4-year-olds and children turning 5 who miss the kindergarten cutoff (Sept.–Dec. birthdays), with Monday–Thursday or Monday–Friday schedules. All students must be fully potty trained.
Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention, with a low student-to-teacher ratio to foster a supportive and engaging learning experience.
At Sunshine School, we provide a well-rounded curriculum that fosters cognitive growth, social development, and essential life skills. Our nurturing educators tailor lessons to each child's unique needs, helping them build confidence, creativity, and respect. We enrich learning with exciting guest-led lessons in science, Spanish, music, and more, creating a dynamic preschool experience that prepares children for future success.
Our preschool day is 8:45 am - 12:30 pm. Children may arrive anytime between 8:00 - 8:45 am for free play before structured activities begin. Dismissal is 12:30 pm.
We do offer extended care until 4:00 pm Monday - Thursdays. Please contact us for tuition and Extended Care rates.
We’d love to meet you! Schedule a Tour or contact us directly to visit our campus and see why families choose Sunshine School.
Class Structure
We have four classes at Sunshine, with the children grouped according to their age.
Our preschool classes are for three-year-olds, and, three-turning four-year-olds. These classes are three days a week for the young 3s (T, W, Th) and four days a week (M-Th) for our older 3s turning 4.
Our two Pre-K classes are for children who are 4 and for kiddos who are 4 and turning 5 (these children miss the deadline of turning five by August 31 to begin kindergarten. (Birthdays September- December)). These classes meet Monday through Thursday or Monday through Friday.
Our preschool day is 8:45 am - 12:30 pm. Children may arrive anytime between 8:00 - 8:45 am for free play before structured activities begin. Dismissal is 12:30 pm.
We do offer extended care until 4:00 pm Monday - Thursdays. Please contact us for tuition and Extended Care rates.