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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.

Phoenix Primary Firebird

11850 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85028
Google Map
(602) 598 0330

Office Hours: M-F, 7AM - 5PM
Summer Hours: 8AM - 2PM

School Leadership

Deirdre Ewald
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

[email protected]

Nicole Cuccinotto
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

[email protected]

Eric Wiederlight
Eric Wiederlight
Director of Student Affairs

Originally from New Jersey, Eric began his career in education in 2013. Prior to joining BASIS Phoenix Primary, Eric worked at BASIS Goodyear from 2014–2023. Since joining BASIS Charter Schools, Eric has held the roles of kindergarten teacher, Director of Primary Programs, and Director of Student Affairs.

  • Elementary and Special Education, University of Arizona.

[email protected]

Joylynn Veliz
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

[email protected]