Children First Academy - Tempe

Children First Academy (CFA) in Tempe, Arizona, is a specialized tuition-free public charter school dedicated to serving students who are experiencing homelessness or living in unstable housing situations. Recognizing that traditional educational environments can be difficult for students in crisis, CFA provides a stabilizing, supportive, and trauma-informed approach to learning. The school is part of a unique mission to break the cycle of poverty by removing the common barriers—such as lack of transportation, food insecurity, or inconsistent housing—that often prevent these students from succeeding in a traditional classroom setting.

Beyond its core academic curriculum, the academy functions as a comprehensive resource center for its students and their families. The school provides essential wraparound services, including free breakfast and lunch programs, clothing, hygiene supplies, and assistance with transportation, ensuring that students’ basic needs are met so they can focus on their education. By fostering a nurturing and safe community, Children First Academy aims to build self-esteem and academic resilience, providing vulnerable youth with the stability and personalized attention necessary to reach their full potential.