Hi crayola,
I don't have much experience with Phoenix but my daughter is attending Kindergarten at Brighton so I can offer some input there. Below are my thoughts in response to your questions. Good luck with your selection.
Curriculum
I have been very happy happy with the variety and creativity of both her work in the classroom and at home. The core curriculum seems to seems to be flexible enough to accommodate the different levels of kids' learning at the Kindergarten level. Kids learn to work together in the classroom but also have the opportunity to find their individuality through sharing, art, and other projects. Kids also have the opportunity to seek more challenges through special projects and after school programs (my daughter loves the 'Early Engineers' program offered as a supplement after school). The homework and 'at home' projects are fun and engaging enough to teach my daughter that work extends beyond the classroom without burning her out.
Communication
I have no complaints. My daughter's teacher is very good about communicating updates, announcements, or personal 'happeings' about my daughter via email or when I see her before or after class. Brighton also uses "School Cues" to manage the school event calendar and school announcements, which allows me to get info via email or on my phone. It works great for my wife and me.
Teachers and "Synergy"
My daughter loves her teachers - all of them -including the before and after school teachers. This is one of the biggest reasons why we'll be bringing my daughter back for first grade.
Promoting "life skills"
They do a very good job of teaching the kids to be socially responsible - both as individuals and groups. Kids learn about recycling, keeping the Earth clean, and gardening to name a few. As an example, we had a special project early in the year where we donated school supplies to a school in another state and our kids got to video chat with the kids from that school so they could see the impact our support had on the other kids. There are several other examples I can think of that have driven very positive conversations between my daughter and me.
Principal / Director
Christa has been fantastic - as have all of the Staff. Brighton parents are all very active in the school and the Staff is very supportive. There is also a Brighton "Parent Club" that meets monthly to discuss planning for school events, school improvements and upgrades, etc. Parents from all grade levels can attend and have input into plans for the school facilities and events.