Deb Weisel

A Strong Start Makes All the Difference

Preschool is where children build the habits, confidence and early skills that shape their entire educational journey. At Leman Academy of Excellence, our preschool program is designed to give young learners a warm, structured, joyful beginning, one that helps them thrive as they grow.

What Makes Leman Academy Preschool Different

1. A Classical Approach Even in Early Childhood

Our preschool introduces children to the foundations of classical learning through stories, early literacy, songs, recitation, fine-motor development and hands-on discovery. It’s playful and interactive, but rooted in meaningful learning.

2. A Focus on Virtue and Character

Even our youngest scholars begin learning respect, responsibility, caring and perseverance. These aren’t buzzwords. They become part of daily routines that help children feel safe and supported.

3. Small Class Sizes and Warm, Experienced Teachers

Children learn best when they feel known. Our preschool teachers understand early childhood development and build strong connections with each child.

4. A Calm, Structured Environment

Families often tell us the most surprising thing about our preschool is how peaceful it feels. Our routines create comfort, consistency and confidence for young learners.

5. Readiness for Kindergarten and Beyond

Leman preschoolers transition smoothly into our K–8 classical program because they’re already familiar with the rhythms, expectations and warm community of the school.

What Children Experience Each Day

Our curriculum blends academics, creativity and character:

• Story time and early literacy
• Pre-math and number sense
• Outdoor play and movement
• Early handwriting skills
• Art, music and imagination
• Social skills and classroom habits
• Routines that build confidence and independence

Parents often notice growth within weeks, improved language, better attention span, more confidence and strong connections with peers.

When to Enroll

Preschool enrollment is especially active in December and January, when families start planning for the next school year. Spots fill quickly at many campuses, so early inquiry is recommended.

We welcome:

• First-time preschool families
• Parents switching from a daycare or another program
• Families relocating who want a smooth transition
• Parents seeking a classical environment from the start

Enroll Arizona Preschool

Enroll Colorado Preschool

Ready to Learn More About Preschool at Leman Academy?

If you’re looking for a safe, structured preschool experience that builds confidence and character while laying the foundation for strong academics, we’d love to meet your family.

Enrollment for preschool and Pre-K is open now.

Schedule an Arizona Preschool Tour

Schedule a Colorado Preschool Tour

Open Enrollment is just around the corner, and now is the time to plan your next school year with confidence.

For families in Arizona, Open Enrollment runs November 1 – 8.
In Colorado, the window is November 3 – December 1.

Whether you’re new to Leman Academy or returning for another great year, a little preparation now can make the process simple — and help secure your scholar’s spot before classes fill.

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1. Mark Your Calendar

It’s easy to miss deadlines during the busy fall season. Add your state’s Open Enrollment dates to your phone or family calendar today. A quick reminder ensures you can submit your application right on time.

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2. Research Campuses

Every Leman Academy campus offers the same tuition-free classical education model, yet each has its own community and culture.
Explore our campus pages to learn about grade levels, programs, and extracurriculars.
Review photos, upcoming events, and staff introductions to see which location feels like the best fit for your family.

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3. Schedule a Tour Before Spots Fill

Seeing a school in person makes a huge difference.
During a campus tour, you’ll meet teachers, see classrooms, and experience the welcoming environment our scholars enjoy every day.
Tours fill quickly during Open Enrollment, so schedule early to secure your preferred date and time.
You can find links to book tours on each campus page.

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4. Gather Questions for Teachers and Principals

Before your visit, jot down questions about the curriculum, specials classes, uniforms, or student support.
Teachers and principals love meeting families and are happy to share how Leman’s classical approach helps children grow in both wisdom and virtue.
Bringing a short list ensures you leave your tour with all the answers you need.

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5. Enroll Early — and Share with Friends

Once you’ve chosen your campus, complete your enrollment form early to guarantee placement.
If you already have a scholar at Leman, consider sharing your experience with friends, neighbors, or coworkers who may be exploring school options.
Early enrollment not only saves time — it also helps our schools plan for next year’s classrooms and events.

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Ready to Begin?

Join the Leman community and give your child a foundation built on strong academics, character, and leadership.

👉 Arizona Families: Start Enrollment
👉 Colorado Families: Start Enrollment

Leman Academy of Excellence – East Tucson

Leman Academy of Excellence – East Tucson is proud to be recognized as an Arizona Purple Star School. This honor highlights our deep commitment to serving military-connected students and families across Tucson.

We are especially proud to support families from Davis–Monthan Air Force Base and the greater Tucson community. Moving to a new city or school can be a big adjustment for any child. That’s why our teachers and staff work closely with parents to make every transition smoother and every student feel welcome from day one.

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Supporting Military-Connected Students

Our Military Point of Contact, Tatianna Simmons, helps families with enrollment, records, and daily routines. She also connects parents with resources that support military life. Because our school understands the challenges of frequent moves and deployments, we make it a priority to ensure consistency and communication for every scholar.

We also provide a Peer-to-Peer Mentor Program that pairs new students with friendly classmates. These mentors greet new scholars, eat lunch together during the first few days, and help them get involved in campus life. As a result, military-connected students quickly feel part of our community.

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Patriotic Events and Traditions

Throughout the year, Leman Academy – East Tucson celebrates service and patriotism. Events such as our Patriots Day Parade (September 11) and Veterans Day Breakfast (November 7) honor the courage and dedication of those who serve. These traditions also teach our students respect, gratitude, and civic responsibility.

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Our Ongoing Commitment

As a Purple Star School, we:

• Maintain a trained Point of Contact for military-connected families
• Offer staff training on supporting military students
• Run a student peer-mentorship program
• Host patriotic events throughout the year
• Keep resources and updates visible and current on our website

Together, these efforts strengthen the connection between our school and military families. When students feel supported, they thrive both academically and personally.

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Learn More

Families can learn more about the Arizona Purple Star School Program and related resources through the Arizona Department of Education.

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Learn More

Visit our East Tucson Arizona Purple Star Program page to explore available resources and upcoming events, or contact Tatianna.Simmons@LemanAcademy.org for direct support.

Together, we celebrate our military families and the strength they bring to our school community.

At Leman Academy of Excellence, a tuition-free classical education charter school, we believe every scholar has unique strengths waiting to shine. Our model blends rigorous academics with timeless character development, helping students grow in both wisdom and virtue.

Scholar leadership and classical education go hand in hand. While our curriculum emphasizes reading, writing, and critical thinking, leadership often emerges through creative expression and community activities. These moments show how learning extends beyond textbooks — in the confidence to lead, the courage to speak up, and the joy of learning together.

Recently, one of our Virtual Campus scholars, Rev, demonstrated how powerful this connection can be. Normally quiet and reserved, Rev stepped out of her comfort zone to lead an art club session for her classmates. With encouragement from Mrs. Cook, who creates a safe and supportive classroom, Rev guided her peers through a hands-on creative project. The experience not only inspired classmates but even motivated Principal Campos to pick up a pencil and join in to draw a dog!

Mrs. Cook reflected, “When scholars feel safe, they take risks, and that’s where the real growth happens. Watching Rev lead her classmates was such a proud moment.”

Moments like these reveal what makes Leman Virtual Academy unique. Even though our scholars learn online, they still connect, collaborate, and inspire one another daily. Teachers build meaningful relationships with students and help them develop essential skills such as initiative, empathy, and self-confidence. Because of that supportive environment, students feel empowered to share ideas, lead groups, and take ownership of their learning.

At Leman, leadership is more than a title — it’s a way of living out our core virtues. Whether scholars are hosting a club, leading a discussion, or helping a classmate, they are learning to use their gifts to serve others and build community. These small moments prepare them for success in high school and beyond.

Rev leads her classmates in art club at Leman Virtual.

We celebrate Rev’s courage and creativity, and we thank our teachers for fostering classrooms where leadership and learning flourish every day.

Want to see more of what makes Leman Academy unique? Join an Info Session and meet our amazing staff, Check out our Facebook post.

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. At Leman Academy of Excellence, families discover a supportive, tuition-free K–8 environment where scholars thrive academically and grow in character. With campuses across Arizona and Colorado, Leman Academy blends strong academics with timeless values — preparing scholars for success in high school and beyond.

A Different Approach to Learning

Unlike traditional public schools, Leman Academy follows the classical education model. This proven approach emphasizes:

• Strong Academics – A rich foundation in reading, writing, math, science, and history ensures students are challenged at every grade level.
• Critical Thinking – Scholars learn how to think, not just what to think, fostering curiosity and problem-solving skills that last a lifetime.
• Character Development – Timeless values such as respect, responsibility, and perseverance are woven into daily lessons, shaping both strong minds and strong character.

👉 You can learn more about how classical education differs from traditional models in our post: How Is Classical Education Different from Public School?

Why Parents Love Leman Academy

Families across Arizona and Colorado are choosing Leman Academy for many reasons. Here are a few that stand out:

Tuition-Free Enrollment

As a public charter school, Leman Academy offers a tuition-free education. Families receive the benefits of a private-school feel — rigorous academics, smaller communities, and values-based teaching — without the cost of tuition.

Safe, Nurturing Campuses

Parents consistently praise the supportive environment created by Leman teachers and staff. From Mesa and Sierra Vista to Parker and Oro Valley, each campus is designed to be a safe place where children feel valued and encouraged to grow. Teachers partner with parents to build strong communication and trust.

Focus on the Whole Child

Education at Leman Academy goes beyond textbooks. Scholars participate in art, music, athletics, and community service opportunities. This well-rounded approach ensures children develop creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills alongside their academic studies.

Proven Results

Year after year, Leman scholars demonstrate strong academic performance and character growth. Families often remark how well-prepared their children are for high school — confident, articulate, and capable of tackling challenges with maturity.

Read more about what makes our Sierra Vista campus special in: Why So Many Families Are Choosing Leman Academy

What Parents Are Saying

Parents frequently share their positive experiences with Leman Academy:

• “We chose Leman Academy because it combined challenging academics with the values we teach at home. Our daughter is thriving.” – Parent, Tucson
• “The teachers truly care and communicate with us regularly. My son has grown in confidence and responsibility since enrolling.” – Parent, Mesa
• “Classical education has given our children a deeper love of learning. They come home excited to tell us what they’ve studied.” – Parent, Parker

These real experiences highlight how the Leman approach impacts families across communities.

Local Campuses Serving Your Community

Leman Academy is proud to serve families in both Arizona and Colorado:

• Arizona – Central Tucson, East Tucson, Marana, Mesa, Oro Valley, Sierra Vista
• Colorado – Parker (Bayou Gulch & Stroh Road)

By offering multiple campuses, families have access to tuition-free classical education close to home.

How to Enroll

Enrollment is now open for the 2026–2027 school year! Spaces fill quickly, and many families begin the process early. To secure your spot:

1. Schedule a Tour – See classrooms in action and meet our teachers.
2. Apply Online – Submit your application in minutes through our website.
3. Join the Community – Give your child the gift of a strong mind and strong character.

Start Your Enrollment Today

Final Thoughts

Families are looking for more than just academics — they want a safe, nurturing environment that supports both intellectual and character growth. At Leman Academy of Excellence, scholars gain the tools they need to succeed in life, not just in the classroom.

Whether you’re in Tucson, Mesa, Oro Valley, Sierra Vista, or Parker, Leman Academy offers tuition-free classical education that prepares your child for a strong future.

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. But did you know that when you apply can be just as important as where you apply? Each year, families across Arizona and Colorado go through the open enrollment process — a window of time when parents can apply for their child’s placement at tuition-free charter schools like Leman Academy of Excellence. Missing this window can limit your options, especially at high-demand campuses.

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What Is Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is the designated period when families can apply for a charter school seat, even if they live outside the school’s assigned district boundaries. During this window, all applicants are considered on an equal basis. After the deadline, space is offered on a first-come, first-served basis if openings remain.

• In Arizona, the open enrollment window for charter schools typically runs in the fall for the following school year. For example, Arizona open enrollment begins November 1st and closes November 8th.
• In Colorado, families participate in a round-based system. For 2025–26, First Round Open Enrollment opens November 3rd and closes December 1st. Families can then see offers through the EngagED Parent Portal and must accept by mid-December.

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Why Timing Matters

Many parents assume that they can apply anytime, but here’s why acting early makes a difference:

• Priority Placement: Submitting during open enrollment ensures your child is included in the initial lottery or placement round. Wait until after, and you may end up on a waitlist.
• High-Demand Campuses: Some Leman Academy campuses reach capacity quickly. Families who apply during the window have the best chance of securing a seat.
• Peace of Mind: Applying early gives you time to gather documents, confirm placement, and plan ahead for the school year.

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What Families Should Prepare

To make the process smooth, gather the required documents before applying:

• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement).
• Birth certificate or proof of age.
• Immunization records.
• Parent/guardian identification.

Each state may have slightly different requirements. Arizona families can learn more at the Arizona Department of Education and Colorado families at the Douglas County School District Enrollment Services.

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Why Choose Leman Academy?

At Leman Academy of Excellence, families don’t just get a seat at a school — they join a community built on strong academics and timeless character values. Our scholars are:

• Challenged by a rigorous, classical curriculum that prepares them for success in higher education and beyond.
• Inspired by caring teachers who know each student by name and guide them toward their full potential.
• Supported in a safe and nurturing environment that emphasizes respect, responsibility, and leadership.

By applying during open enrollment, you can give your child access to these opportunities without worrying about missed deadlines or limited choices.

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Don’t Miss Your Chance

The open enrollment window only comes once a year. If you’re considering Leman Academy for your child, mark your calendar and apply as soon as the window opens. Seats are limited — and high-demand campuses often fill quickly.

Learn more and begin your application today at LemanAcademy.com.

Tucson, AZ — September 8, 2025

Leman Academy of Excellence is excited to announce the return of Bethany Papajohn as Chief Education Officer for Arizona schools at Leman Academy of Excellence. Her focus remains on what matters most: building strong academics and fostering meaningful connections between scholars, families and staff.

Bethany brings a deep commitment to the school community. Her leadership has always emphasized putting students first while strengthening the bonds that unite teachers, parents and scholars.

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Bethany’s Perspective

“It’s not about me, it’s about the incredible families, teachers and students who make this school special. I’m grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with this community and continue the important work of helping scholars thrive.”

— Bethany Papajohn, Chief Education Officer for Arizona schools at Leman Academy of Excellence.

Leadership’s Perspective

“Bethany’s return strengthens our mission of providing excellent academics rooted in strong character and community values. Just as importantly, her leadership builds strong relationships with scholars, families and staff, ensuring continuity and growth for our entire school community.”

— Alexa GoldKuhl, Executive Director of Human Resources

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Looking Ahead

Bethany’s return marks a renewed chapter for Leman Academy, reinforcing its dedication to scholars, families and staff across every campus. Her presence strengthens not only our academics and values but also the relationships that make our community thrive.

For more information about Leman Academy or to learn about enrollment opportunities, visit Enroll Leman

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About Leman Academy of Excellence

Leman Academy of Excellence is a tuition-free charter school offering a classical education for scholars in preschool through middle school. With campuses across Arizona and Colorado, Leman Academy is dedicated to partnering with families to prepare the next generation of leaders and thinkers.

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