As Tucson Unified's only primary school serving pre-K to second grade, Johnson has a focus on early language, early cognitive development and, as needed, early intervention. The school puts the children first under the motto: "Teach the child, not the program." Teachers work to build relationships and knowledge beyond textbooks and to connect students to their learning.

Johnson is the only Tucson Unified school and one of only five in Arizona that is only pre-kindergarten to second grade.