Tuition-free public charter school in Scottsdale, Arizona | Grades K–9

Inspiring Curious Learners and Global Citizens

Since 2008, Albert Einstein Academy has educated curious students through STEAM integration, world languages, community service, and global citizenship — and earned an "A" rating from the Arizona Department of Education.

Illustrative photo of students and a teacher collaborating in a bright classroom
520Students enrolled
16:1Student–teacher ratio
K–9Grades served
By the Numbers

A small, focused community with a strong track record.

Albert Einstein Academy keeps classes small so teachers know every student. Our 2024–25 results placed us above the Arizona state average in English language arts, mathematics, and science.

520Students in grades K–9
16:1Student–teacher ratio
95%Average daily attendance
"A"Arizona state letter grade

Founded in 2008 and accredited by Cognia, AEA serves families across Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area as a tuition-free public charter school. Ninety-two percent of families surveyed in spring 2025 said they would recommend the school to another family.

Illustrative photo of students doing hands-on classroom work with a teacher
Why Families Choose AEA

Rigorous, joyful learning rooted in curiosity.

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes. Albert Einstein Academy combines a strong academic core with hands-on STEAM projects, two world languages, and a culture of service.

Our students learn to ask good questions, work through hard problems, and explain their thinking clearly. Teachers blend direct instruction with project work so children build both fundamental skills and the confidence to apply them. Because our community is small, every child is known by name, and families are true partners in their child's progress.

What sets us apart

  • STEAM coreWeekly design and engineering labs in every grade band.
  • Two languagesSpanish from kindergarten and Mandarin Chinese from grade 6.
  • Small classesAn average of 22 students with a 16:1 ratio.
  • Service learningEvery grade completes a community service project each year.
Program Pillars

Four pillars shape every school day.

STEAM integration, world languages, community service, and global citizenship give our students a reason to read closely, reason carefully, and contribute to the world around them.

Illustration of students collaborating around a classroom project lab table
S

STEAM Integration

Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics taught together through inquiry, design challenges, and real problem-solving.

L

World Languages

Spanish in every grade and Mandarin Chinese in the middle grades build communication skills and cultural understanding.

G

Service & Citizenship

Service projects and global studies help students practice responsibility, empathy, and active participation.

A Message from the Head of School

Welcome to Albert Einstein Academy.

"At Albert Einstein Academy, we believe every child is naturally curious. Our job is to protect that curiosity and give it direction — through strong reading and math instruction, hands-on STEAM work, and daily opportunities to think about the wider world."

"Families who visit our campus often tell me the same thing: the school feels both serious about learning and genuinely warm. That balance is intentional. We hold high expectations, and we surround students with the support they need to meet them. I would love to welcome your family for a tour this year."

Portrait of Dr. Elena Marsh, Head of School
Dr. Elena Marsh
Head of School

With AEA since 2014; Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction.

Illustration of a calm student support space with reflection cards and a welcoming circle
A Day at AEA

Structure and exploration, every day.

The school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for elementary grades and to 3:30 p.m. for middle grades, with early release at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for teacher collaboration.

Mornings center on literacy and mathematics, when students are freshest for focused skill-building. Afternoons bring science, social studies, world language, and the arts, along with the weekly STEAM lab where classes tackle a hands-on design challenge. Each day closes with a short reflection so students can name what they learned and set a goal for tomorrow.

The daily rhythm

  • Morning. Reading, writing, and math in small, focused groups.
  • Midday. Science, social studies, and world language.
  • Afternoon. Arts, physical education, and the weekly STEAM lab.
  • Closing. Reflection, goal-setting, and community circle.
Latest News

What's happening on campus.

View all news and announcements →

AcademicsSeptember 18, 2026

AEA Earns an "A" Rating from the Arizona Department of Education

Our 2024–25 state assessment results placed Albert Einstein Academy above the state average in all three tested areas, earning the school its highest letter grade to date.

EventsNovember 2, 2026

STEAM Showcase Night Returns November 20

Families are invited to the gym from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to see student engineering projects, robotics demonstrations, and an art-and-design gallery.

AdmissionsOctober 28, 2026

Open Enrollment for 2027–2028 Opens November 3

The enrollment window runs through January 30, 2027. Grades that receive more applications than seats will fill through a public lottery on February 6, 2027.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar.

A few dates families are watching this fall. The full 2026–2027 school calendar — including breaks, conferences, and early-release days — lives on the calendar page.

Aug 21, 2026
Back-to-School NightMeet teachers and tour classrooms, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Oct 8–9, 2026
Parent–Teacher ConferencesEarly release both days; sign-ups open in September.
Nov 20, 2026
STEAM Showcase NightStudent projects and robotics in the gym, 5:30 p.m.
From Our Families

What our community says.

"The teachers actually know my daughter — her strengths, what she's working on, what makes her light up. We've never had that before."
Jennifer M.Parent, Grade 4
"My son went from dreading school to talking about his STEAM projects at dinner. The small classes made all the difference for him."
Carlos R.Parent, Grade 7
"I like that we learn two languages and do real projects. My favorite was building a water filter in science class."
MayaStudent, Grade 8
Visit Us

Come see Albert Einstein Academy.

We welcome prospective families for campus tours throughout the school year. The best way to understand AEA is to see our classrooms in action.

Ready to Apply?

Enrollment for 2027–2028 is open.

Submit an inquiry and our office will follow up with tour dates, grade availability, and the steps to enroll. There is no tuition and no entrance exam.