
Welcome to BASIS Phoenix Primary, home of the Firebirds!
Our tuition-free, public charter school serves students in grades K–5. We are proud to be part of the BASIS Charter Schools network which has been providing world-class education since 1998. Our campuses follow a STEM-infused, liberal arts program designed to propel your student farther than they ever thought possible.
Everyone at the Phoenix Primary campus is here to cultivate a love of learning, natural curiosity, and the desire to excel in your student. Their success is our success.

Upcoming Tours
Please reserve your place by registering for any upcoming tour/event.
Phoenix Primary School Tour
January 31 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm MSTPhoenix Primary School Tour
February 9 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am MSTPhoenix Primary School Tour
February 16 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am MSTPhoenix Primary School Tour
February 23 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am MST
School Brochure
BASIS Phoenix Primary is a TUITION-FREE public charter school serving grades K–5. Anyone can attend, and everyone is welcome!
Resources
- Parent/Student Handbook
- 2022 - 23 School Calendar
- Curricular Materials
- Safe Return Continuity and Instructional Time Model
- AZ Department of Education Parent Rights Handbook
- COVID Mitigation Plan
- Bully, Harassment, and Discrimination Complaint Form
- Campus Visitor Policy
- BASIS Charter Schools
- Public Meetings
- ASBCS Dashboard
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School Leadership

Deirdre Ewald
Head of School
Deirdre has a BS in Special Education and Rehabilitation from the University of Arizona and an MA in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University. She has worked in education since 2001, joining BASIS Charter Schools in 2014 at BASIS Phoenix Central before transferring to BASIS Phoenix Primary in 2018.
- MA, Early Childhood Education, Grand Canyon University
- BS, Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Arizona

Niki Cuccinotto
Head of Operations
Niki has a BS in Biological Sciences and BA in History from Arizona State University. She has worked in education and nonprofits since 2010 and joined BASIS Charter Schools in 2018 at BASIS Phoenix Central, then moved into the Operations Director role at BASIS Scottsdale before coming to BASIS Phoenix Primary.
- BS, Biological Sciences, Arizona State University
- BA, History, Arizona State University

Mark Schwers
Director of Student Affairs
Mark has a BA in Elementary Education from Iowa State University. He has worked at BASIS Phoenix Primary since 2017 as a Learning Expert Teacher, Subject Expert Teacher, Dean, and Director.
- BA, Elementary Education, Iowa State University

Joylynn Veliz
Director of Academic Programs
Joylynn has a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of the Philippines Diliman and she also has an AZ K–8 Teaching Certificate with SEI Endorsement. She is an experienced math teacher for grades 1–8. Since joining BASIS Charter Schools in 2016 she has taught grades 1–3 and served as Director of Student Affairs and the Subject Mentor for Math & Science.
- MEd, Educational Leadership, Arizona State University
- BS, Civil Engineering, University of the Philippines