Phoenix Elementary School District #1

Free public education in Phoenix dates to 1871 through this district, Arizona's first free public school district. Phoenix Elementary School District #1 serves students in the city through elementary schools and offers preschool options, including half-day and full-day programs. Free full-day kindergarten is available at its schools, with instruction in literacy, science, social studies, and the arts. Students can also take part in programs such as dual language immersion at Lowell Elementary and a fine and performing arts K-8 program at Herrera Elementary. At Garfield, an outdoor learning lab introduces grades 5 through 8 to topics including ecosystems, desert habitats, food and nutrition, and culinary arts. The district also offers before- and after-school programs and provides free school meals to all enrolled students for the 2026-2027 school year.