+ Where is the school located?

Our building is located on the north side of Broadway and 43rd street at 4310 E Broadway Rd in Phoenix.

+ What are the school hours?

Office Hours: 7:45am to 3:45pm, Monday through Friday
Student Full Day Schedule: 8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Thursday
Student Half Day Schedule: 8:30am to 12:30pm, every Friday

+ Are uniforms required? What is the dress code?

At Phoenix International Academy, uniforms are not required, but we do adhere to a dress code. The purpose of the PIA Dress Code is to foster a professional, safe, and respectful environment at school. The dress code is in effect from the time students arrive at school until they leave. You can read the full dress code here.

+ Will there be transportation?

Yes, we have a fleet of vans. Our van stops are based upon the needs and locations of our families. Our school is also located directly off a city bus line.

+ Are breakfast and lunch provided?

Yes, both breakfast and lunch are provided.

+ What is your homework policy?

There is overwhelming evidence that traditional homework at the elementary school level is not predictive of future academic success, and in many cases, can cause children to develop negative mindsets towards school. We deeply value families reading and communicating together and encourage families to read outside of school. Students may work on projects outside of school or feel inclined to solve a few problems at home, but we do not push a strong mandatory homework agenda.

+ How do you approach discipline?

Our philosophy is rooted in a restorative justice framework. We prioritize helping kids identify harm done and the impact it caused to others, followed by assisting them find a way to “restore” or fix the harm done. We have found this positive and restorative framework to yield stronger critical thinking skills and stronger school communities, versus a punitive, or consequence-based, approach.

+ What are your class sizes and student/educator ratios?

Our school is broken into learning communities of approximately 60 students, served by 3 educators, making the student/educator ratio approximately 20:1. Our model ensures that all students are receiving instruction they each need. Your child can expect to spend some time in a larger group of approximately 25, but also spend a significant part of the day in a smaller groups focused on their specific needs.

+ How does PIA work with our family to help transition to high school?

Students who graduate from PIA will have advantage of critical thinking skills, real world experience, and problem solving practice that will allow them to thrive in any high school environment. Our students will be working on real problems, often with real professionals in the field. Because of this, students will leave PIA confident in themselves, with excellent written and verbal communication skills that can reach a diverse audience. When they encounter problems, they will have the tools to overcome them and the confidence to find the adults that can support them.

+ Does PIA accept and service students with special needs?

Yes. All students are welcomed to enroll at PIA. We believe every student is a diverse learner and commit to meeting each child where they are at. Students with special needs will receive services according to their Individualized Education Plan from our highly qualified team of educators.

+ What are your assessment measures?

As a public charter school, we are held to the same accountability and testing measures as any other public school. Our students participate in all Arizona State Assessments, such as the AZMerit. We will also use the NWEA MAP measure as we believe it provides a more rigorous comparison point for student growth and achievement on a national level. We believe assessment should be limited and only used when there are clear and meaningful purposes.

+ Will students have access to technology?

Students will each receive a chromebook to use during their time at PIA.

+ Why should I send my child to PIA?

Phoenix International Academy partners with families and communities to provide powerful learning experiences that unleash students’ natural ability for creativity, innovation, collaboration and social responsibility. We take the time to figure out each child’s strengths and areas for growth, and tailor learning to their specific needs. Students learn through working on projects, which are driven by their interests and academic needs. Through these projects, students develop the academic and social emotional competencies to complete higher education, thrive in the future of work, and create positive change in their communities and the world.