The Odyssey Preschool

Christian Academy in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Nurturing Faith, Building Futures

At Payson Christian School: The Odyssey Preschool, we pride ourselves on more than just providing a safe and loving environment; we offer a transformative K-12-preparatory education experience. Our staff are highly qualified educators dedicated to nurturing young minds and preparing them for their future challenging academic journey and real-world focus. With our accredited program and outstanding curriculum, we lay a solid foundation for future learning. Our preschool continues to earn a five-star rating from an independent statewide preschool oversight group. Dive into an environment where your child not only grows but thrives. Join us in our commitment to excellence in early childhood education. Apply early; spaces fill rapidly with waiting lists every year. Limited scholarships are available.

Meet Our Preschool Staff

Judy Contratto Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Judy Contratto

Child Educator

Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Gwen Nees

Child Educator

Staff at Christian School in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Amie Horsley

Child Educator

Christian Education in Payson, AZ | Payson Christian School

Daily Activities

Growth mindset Inspiring Classrooms

At our preschool, we believe every child is a precious gift from God, created with unique abilities and incredible potential. Our classrooms are designed to cultivate a growth mindset, where children learn that effort, perseverance, and resilience are key to success—not just innate talent.

In a warm, safe, and educational environment, students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Lessons and activities are intentionally crafted to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning, all while grounding each child in the truth of God’s love and grace. Every interaction reflects our commitment to shaping both the mind and the heart, preparing children for a life of purpose.

Outdoor Play

We believe in nurturing the whole child, both in mind and body. In addition to providing a faith-based educational environment, we understand the importance of play and physical activity in a child’s development. That’s why we offer 30 minutes of dedicated playground playtime every day.

Our loving and dedicated staff are committed to creating an atmosphere where children can not only learn and grow academically but also engage in active play, fostering social skills and physical development. With our Christian values at the core of everything we do, we aim to provide a well-rounded educational experience that encompasses faith, fun, and friendship.

Curriculum that develops critical thinking skills

We are proud to offer a curriculum designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. Our commitment to partnering with families means every lesson, activity, and interaction is carefully planned and skillfully delivered to maximize student engagement and growth.

With a focus on developing strong academic skills and a resilient mindset, we provide an environment where children are encouraged to explore, take on challenges, and persevere through them. Our teachers are dedicated to building a solid foundation for lifelong learning, equipping students with the confidence and problem-solving abilities they need to thrive.

1 Letter & 1 Number Per Week

From the very first day, our child educators focus on cultivating both academic skills and the mindset needed for long-term success.

To support this, we introduce one letter and one number each week, giving children the time and space to fully explore, practice, and master these essential building blocks of literacy and numeracy. This intentional pace allows students to gain confidence, develop accuracy, and truly internalize what they learn, rather than rushing through concepts.

Children are encouraged to see mistakes as opportunities, ask questions, and tackle challenges with perseverance. As a result, our preschool graduates enter kindergarten not only well-prepared, but often excelling as school becomes more rigorous in the years ahead.

 

Weekly Craft

We believe in fostering creativity and imagination in young minds. That’s why we host a fun and engaging weekly craft session where children can explore their artistic talents, create beautiful projects, and most importantly, have loads of fun!

Each week, our little artists embark on a new creative adventure, working on exciting craft projects that stimulate their creativity and fine motor skills. Our dedicated staff ensures a safe and nurturing environment for children to express themselves while developing essential life skills.

Affordable Faith-Based Preschool

Dual Accredited (Christian & Secular)
(++ Oversight by: DHS, First-Things-First, Security Cameras)
All staff are held to the highest standards. The following are yearly tuition rates (Some scholarships available):

  • 4 Full days/week $791/Month ($6.42/Hr)
  • 2 Full days/week $490/Month
  • 4 Half days/week $664/Month
  • 2 Half days/week $422/Month

 

 

 

For more information on the enrollment process, please call our office at 928-474-8050, or click here to send us your information through our Get In Touch form.

  • Transportation is unavailable.
  • Field trips are rarely conducted.

Payson Christian School
1000 E Frontier St
Payson, AZ 85541

Phone:
928-474-8050

Email:
info@pcspayson.org

Hours During School:
Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Friday 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Hours During Breaks

Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Payson Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs. As a Christian ministry, PCS reserves the right to select students and staff based on biblical standards of spiritual commitment, lifestyle choices, and personal conduct.