A Scottsdale charter school since 2008.
Albert Einstein Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving 520 students in grades K–9, accredited by Cognia and rated "A" by the Arizona Department of Education.
School Overview
Who we are.
Founded in 2008, Albert Einstein Academy serves families across Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area. We are a public charter school — tuition-free, open to all, and accountable to a governing board and to Arizona's charter authorizer.
Our program is built around four pillars: STEAM integration, world languages, community service, and global citizenship. With an average class size of 22 and a 16:1 student–teacher ratio, we keep our community small enough that every child is known and supported. Families partner closely with teachers, and our office staff make it easy to stay connected throughout the year.
School facts
- Founded2008
- Enrollment520 students (K–9)
- Student–teacher ratio16:1
- AccreditationCognia
- State letter grade"A" (Arizona DOE, 2025)
- NCES type/statusRegular school, charter, status New
- NCES School ID040974803864
- NCES District ID0409748
- State School IDAZ-1002310-1002338
Mission & Vision
What guides our school.
Our mission and values shape decisions in every classroom — from how lessons are designed to how students treat one another.
Our Mission
Inspire curious learners and global citizens.
We help students grow as curious, capable, and responsible learners through STEAM integration, world languages, community service, and global awareness.
Our Vision
Learning that reaches beyond the classroom.
We picture graduates who ask thoughtful questions, communicate across cultures, contribute to their community, and carry strong habits into high school and beyond.
Our Values
Curiosity, respect, responsibility, service.
We value inquiry that takes ideas seriously, respect that welcomes every learner, responsibility that builds trust, and service that connects learning to people and places.
Our History
How AEA grew.
Albert Einstein Academy opened its doors in 2008 with a single building and a clear idea: a small, tuition-free public school where STEAM, language, and service work together.
Milestones
- 2008. AEA opens in Scottsdale serving grades K–6.
- 2012. Mandarin Chinese is added to the world language program.
- 2016. The campus STEAM lab and maker space open.
- 2019. The school extends through grade 9.
- 2025. AEA earns an "A" state letter grade and renews Cognia accreditation.
Recognition & Results
Strong outcomes, independently measured.
Our 2024–25 state assessment results placed AEA above the Arizona average in English language arts, mathematics, and science.
74%ELA proficiency
79%Math proficiency
71%Science proficiency
95%Daily attendance
Leadership & Governance
Led by educators, governed in public.
Albert Einstein Academy is led by Head of School Dr. Elena Marsh and a team of experienced administrators, and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that meets monthly in open public session.
As a public charter school, AEA is accountable to its authorizer and its community. Board agendas, minutes, and public notices are posted ahead of each meeting, and families are always welcome to attend.
Leadership team
- Head of SchoolDr. Elena Marsh
- Assistant PrincipalDavid Whitfield
- Dean of StudentsPriya Raman
- School CounselorAngela Brooks
- Board ChairDr. Stephen Coleman
Values in Practice
Our values, visible every day.
The four habits below show up in how our students work, speak, create, and contribute across the school.
Q
Question with purpose
Students learn to ask sharper questions, gather evidence, and stay with a challenge long enough to develop strong thinking.
M
Make ideas visible
In STEAM work, students sketch, build, test, calculate, write, and explain how a solution or creative choice came together.
C
Communicate across cultures
World languages and global studies help students listen carefully and recognize that people approach ideas in different ways.
S
Serve with reflection
Service projects connect action with empathy, preparation, and honest reflection on what students learned.
Visit
See the school for yourself.
Tours run throughout the year. Submit an inquiry and our office will follow up with available dates and grade openings.
Questions?
Contact the school office.
Call (662) 778-8559 or email [email protected] for enrollment, visits, and resources.