Source: Fortune.com
Summary
Jeff Bezos has opened a tuition-free preschool in Glendale, Arizona, located on the grounds of a senior living community. The school, part of Bezos Academy, offers Montessori-inspired education to qualifying families. The program serves children aged 3 to 5 and is funded through Bezos’ personal philanthropy. The new campus is the second in Glendale and follows a model that pairs preschools with senior communities to foster intergenerational connections. Bezos Academy now operates over 40 schools across multiple states.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Bezos Academy now runs 40 schools across six states.
Preschools are opening near retirement communities.
Families earn up to 400% of the federal poverty level.
Private philanthropy funds a gap in public childcare.
Author: Evan Null
Jeff Bezos’ New Preschool Model
Jeff Bezos has launched a new preschool in Glendale, Arizona, that is part of his nonprofit Bezos Academy. The school is located on the grounds of a senior living community, reflecting a unique intergenerational approach. The model aims to provide free, high-quality education to families who earn too much for government programs but still struggle with childcare costs.
Expanding the Network
Bezos Academy now operates more than 40 preschools across Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Texas, and Washington. The Glendale campus is the second in the city, following a previous school opened in 2025. The new school is expected to grow from four to five classrooms by the 2027–28 school year, reaching a capacity of 100 students.
Addressing the Childcare Gap
The program targets families who fall into a middle-income gap—earning too much for Head Start but still facing high childcare costs. In Arizona, the state’s childcare assistance program has a cap at 165% of the federal poverty level, far below Bezos Academy’s threshold of 400%. The school covers all costs, including meals, books, and field trips.
Funding Through Philanthropy
Bezos Academy is funded largely through Bezos’ personal philanthropy, including Amazon stock donations. In 2024, he contributed about $117 million, and in 2025, nearly $97 million. The schools are also supported by host partners that provide space, such as senior living communities. This model reflects a broader effort to address the growing childcare affordability crisis.
Intergenerational Benefits
The Glendale campus is part of a broader trend of intergenerational programs that connect preschools with senior communities. Residents can volunteer in classrooms and participate in activities with children, offering both social engagement and a sense of purpose. Research suggests such programs can reduce loneliness among seniors and improve empathy and self-esteem in children.
