McDowell Brief History
A BRIEF HISTORY OF MCDOWELL SCHOOL

The McDowell School was founded in 1976 as Children’s Choice Preschool.  Originally planned as a preschool, it quickly grew to include kindergarten and primary grades through upper elementary. The founder of the school, Sandra M. Klonsky (formerly Sandra M. Senn), envisioned a school where children would be instilled with a positive attitude toward learning that would last a lifetime.  That commitment continued to be the mission of McDowell School as the school grew when Greg and Phyllis Cygan purchased McDowell and Children’s Choice Preschool in 2002.
 
McDowell School has grown steadily.  While classes remain small and intimate, the campus had been enhanced with a fully renovated playground that includes Astroturf along with the addition of a 3,000 sq. foot wing.  This wing provides a state-of-the-art computer lab, three new classrooms, and a new multipurpose room/library which houses international teleconferencing equipment.

 Purchased in 2010 by Phoenix Children’s Academy, one of North America’s largest privately owned child care and education providers, McDowell remains focused on retaining the “family” feel on the campus with a strong parent support organization and teachers and staff who average over 9 years with the school. A challenging, accelerated academic environment combined with a character education program that is focused on creating kind and thoughtful global citizens, is what sets McDowell apart from other schools.

McDowell is accredited by the National Independent Private School Association (NIPSA) and Children Choice Preschool is accredited by NAYEC. In 2005, McDowell was honored with the prestigious National Blue Ribbon of Education Award which is bestowed by the U.S. Department of Education.