Academics
A K–8 curriculum aligned to Arizona standards and grounded in reading, writing, and math — with Algebra I offered in 8th grade for a head start on high school.
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Tuition-free public charter · Grades K–8 · North Phoenix
Where every child is known by name.
A tuition-free K–8 public charter in north Phoenix — small classes, strong academics, and room for every child to shine. The kind of school families drive across town for, since 1998.
Since 1998
Serving the Valley
Grades K–8
Kindergarten to 8th
Tuition-Free
Non-profit public charter
Welcome to Hearn
A personalized education, in a place that feels like home.
Hearn Academy is part of Arizona Ball Charter Schools — a family of tuition-free, non-profit charter schools that have served Valley families for more than 25 years. We partner with parents in the pursuit of excellence for every student, with a well-rounded, standards-based program built on strong literacy and fundamentals.
Our mission is straightforward: comprehensive academic excellence in a safe, nurturing environment — built through genuine partnership between parents, students, and staff.
See why families choose Hearn →
K–8Est. 1998
Why families choose Hearn
The Hearn difference.
Small class sizes
Smaller classes mean every child is known by name: more individual attention, stronger relationships, and more room to be heard.
Hands-on learning
Kids learn by doing. Hands-on, STEAM-rich lessons turn ideas into real experiences that stick — and spark genuine curiosity.
Safe & nurturing
A calm, supportive environment where students feel secure enough to take risks, ask questions, and grow into themselves.
Uniforms
A simple uniform keeps the focus on learning, builds a sense of belonging, and puts every student on equal footing.
Community involvement
Families, neighbors, and local partners are part of everyday life here — because strong communities raise strong students.
Non-profit
As a non-profit, every dollar goes straight back to our students, teachers, and classrooms — never to shareholders.
What students explore
An education with range.
Athletics
Compete in the Canyon Athletic Association — volleyball, basketball, soccer, flag football and cheer — plus Sports Kidz for our youngest athletes.
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Visual & Performing Arts
Art, music, and drama are part of the week alongside the core subjects — building creativity, self-expression, and teamwork.
Discover the arts →
Clubs & Leadership
Student government, yearbook, and science & technology clubs build the confidence to lead and the curiosity to keep going.
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Our heritage
Part of a bigger story.
Hearn Academy is one of three schools in Arizona Ball Charter Schools — one of the first charter organizations in the state, founded in 1998 and serving about 1,400 students across the Phoenix area.
The schools carry the name of Carl Ball, an education-reform visionary. In 1975 he co-founded the Ball Foundation to study how every child could reach their fullest potential. Hearn was one of the first schools he helped bring to life — and that belief still guides us today.
Discover Ball Charter Schools →3
Valley schools
~1,400
Students served
K–8
At Hearn Academy
Student life
A day at Hearn.
Admissions
Enrollment is open for 2026–27.
Hearn is a tuition-free public school — open enrollment, with no entrance exams. Apply online in minutes, or come see us in person first.
For current families