My almost-four-year-old son currently attends Griffin Academy. We are working parents and needed…read morefull-day care, and we did a pretty exhaustive search in the area for an affordable preschool. I cannot BELIEVE how lucky we are to have found this place. Let me tell you why you should send your kids here. Even before I talk about my son's experience, I need to mention how well this program is run. Kristine Lee, the preschool director, is one of the warmest, kindest, most competent and professional humans with whom I've had the pleasure of interacting. She was so responsive and helpful throughout our enrollment process that we felt like we were already family members from the first contact. This was not our experience with other preschool programs. Many private preschools, like the one our older daughter attended, have strict arbitrary rules, parent work hour requirements, and intimidating admission processes that (for us) made us feel a tiny bit unwelcome. None of this from Westminster. This private school, with its classical focus, has managed to wrap us in its arms and surround us with a community of funny, warm, and down-to-earth people. It feels EASY, not stressful, to attend school here. As private school first-timers, we had to adjust to uniforms, but it's been no sweat. Teachers. We knew that our son liked his teacher, and that she (and all of the Griffin teachers) had been kind to him, and patient as he adjusted to a full day of school. We were so incredibly impressed when we met her in person at back-to-school night. Beyond having exactly the personality you would want for a preschool teacher (gentle, nurturing, and understanding), Miss Horner brings incredible expertise and professional knowledge to her job as classroom teacher. I myself am a board-certified teacher, so I have some clue about what they do, and my son's teacher is at the top of her game. Literally every aspect of her students' experience seems to have been designed with their development in mind. Everything in the classroom is accessible to the children, with the goal of fostering their independence, improving their fine and gross motor skills, and promoting harmony. The children are taught to greet each other respectfully, refer to their classmates as "friends", and express appreciation frequently. We toured other schools in our search, and at some well-known schools, we were dismayed to notice that the teachers did not seem to have a loving relationship with their students. My son's teachers LOVE him, and it shows. This was the single most important thing that we as parents were looking for. Every child deserves to experience preschool in a class like my son's, and we cannot overstate how fortunate we feel to have landed here. Here are some other fun things that we love: - They go on field trips (on the Westminster bus!) on almost a monthly basis. That is so many out-of-class experiences! - Each classroom has an imaginative play area that changes monthly (post office! garden! cave! grocery store!). - You can pack your child's lunch, OR order hot lunch from their service! Or both! - Excite Soccer offers a short after-school class on Thursdays, and our son goes to this and LOVES it. - French. Library. Music. Science. Our preschooler's schedule is as varied and rich as our 1st-grader's. My son is a wiggly little boy. Was I worried that he wouldn't have enough opportunity to move and play in the course of his rigorous classical education? I was. I've got one word for you: GYMNASIUM. If you can show me another preschool where kids get to run around a huge gym first thing every single morning, I'll be astonished. My guy comes home happy and tired every day. I'm typing all of this because when we were looking for preschools, there weren't a lot of parent reviews to read, and parents need to know that this wonderful option is available. Look no further!

Our son went to Griffin Academy for preschool and he attended some of the Griffin camps (winter,…read morespring, summer.) Griffin Academy is part of the Westminster School, however, it is on a different campus and it is run by a different headmaster. So first, I must say that this review is for Griffin Academy not Westminster as we do not have any experience with Westminster directly. The best part of Griffin Academy is the teaching staff (actually, all of the staff) and the facilities. If you take a tour of the facilities I have no doubt you will be very impressed. Having an indoor gym-type of space in the winter was hugely beneficial. Also, the teaching staff was excellent, and I mean really excellent. My son had a primary teacher who he adored and then he did rotate through other teachers who teach specialty subjects, and they all got to know him and I was really impressed with all of them. The expectations, educationally, were set very high which works well for my son and our family because I felt that he was pushed just the right amount. The class sizes are small so the teachers are really able to work with the kids at the level that they are at. They also worked a lot on his manners and his social interactions. My son came out of Griffin at age 4, able to sight read entire books on his own, silently, to himself. So educationally, I cannot fault Griffin at all; I was very impressed. Our son was definitely not bored, which is a big thing for us. The hours that they provide childcare/school for are also very good for working parents, as they provide a variety of options to allow the parents to be able to choose and manage the hours of school and childcare that they need. The price was also surprisingly much more affordable than a lot of other preschools. The only reason I am not giving the school 5 stars is because, just out of bad luck, is our son really didn't have that many other boys in his class, so unfortunately a lot of the stereotypical boy activities, he was not able to partake in to the fullest extent of what he would have preferred, so I ended up having to enroll him in some outside extracurricular activities (karate, etc.) just to kind of make up that deficit. The class he was in was almost all girls. However, as I say, I realize that experience was probably just unique to us and unfortunate due to the way the classes broke down. The reason that is a big deal to me is my son needs a lot of physical activity to get his energy out and that really requires him basically running around like a maniac playing soccer, etc. He is already at the age where he doesn't want to play what he thinks of as girly games so that was a bit of an issue during the school times, was not having enough physical activity for his liking. (***During the camps sessions it was a better mixture of boys and girls so this problem actually completely went away for us during all of the Griffin camp sessions.) The only other pretty minor complaint I had about the school was at times I felt they were a bit too strict on some things that I myself am pretty relaxed on - especially the "clean your plate" mentality, I am not really that into. On the flip side, his manners were much improved and he is able to do a lot more on his own and for himself than he was when he went into Griffin, so I have mixed feelings about that. All in all, I would really recommend Griffin, it is a very good preschool, and when our daughter is old enough we will probably be sending our daughter there.

Choosing a preschool for our child was very hard, especially coming from overseas. Today we are…read morevery happy with our choice of Full Circle Montessori School. The teachers and staff have consistently exceeded our expectations in making our child adjust to the new environment and making learning fun and engaging. Adjustment time was needed (very sensitive child)to fit into a new environment. But with a welcoming and comforting environment, our child adjusted to school very well. Also, with the thoughtfully designed curriculum that promotes both academic readiness and essential social-emotional skills, our child is very excited about going to school every day now. Communication with parents is superb; the scheduled updates and photos make us feel connected and informed about her activities. The facility itself is bright, clean, and safe, offering a wonderful space for the children to explore and play. We highly recommend Full Circle Montessori School for families seeking a positive, enriching, and high-quality early childhood education experience.

We started our son in public school for kindergarten, but halfway through the year, we became…read moreunhappy with the experience and began looking into other options. The lack of communication, heavy screen time, and the way our son was feeling about himself made it clear that we needed a change. He would often come home saying he was a "bad kid" because he kept getting in trouble at school, which was hard to hear as a parent. Switching to Full Circle Montessori has been one of the best decisions we've made for our family. The difference in our son was noticeable within a few weeks. He's much more regulated coming home from school, and we've seen a noticeable boost in his self-confidence. One of the first things he told us after starting at Full Circle was how nice the teachers are he said they actually talk to him instead of yelling. That shift alone was huge for him, and for us. Academically, he was at the top of his class in public school, but that often led to boredom. Since he wasn't being challenged, he would try to socialize, which would get him in trouble. At Full Circle, he learns at his own pace with a hands-on approach that keeps him curious and engaged. If you have a child who isn't thriving in a traditional school setting or struggles with the sit-still-all-day model, we can't recommend Full Circle Montessori enough. It's been a truly positive and empowering experience for our son and for us as parents.

Out tot has been at LRDS for almost two months. I cannot thank them enough for their patience and…read morekindness with our little one - not because he's misbehaved or difficult but because he was new and really struggled upon arrival to settle in. There were lots of tears from both tot and mom but the people at LRDS were so patient and attentive. Now, he walks in and almost doesn't say goodbye. He's excited to go and he's definitely ready to leave at the end of the day. They have exhausted him, taught him and fed him until you can say, "no more." My child has picked up so many new words and is learning so well his letter, shapes, and colors. It gives me such joy to see him learning ms actually enjoying the process. I am grateful for the attentiveness of all the workers. Because while each teacher has her class, my sons name is known to all which gives me such confidence to know that they know him and he knows them. I don't worry about his care or safety because the building is secured and there is always a watchful eye at the door. Thank you, LRDS for welcoming us into the family!!

LRDS is the best! The teachers do a great job preparing the children for Kindergarten while still…read morefostering a fun, safe environment for all. My child rarely came home sick and didn't pick up any bad habits during the 2 years she spent at little river day school. All of the teachers are caring and patient with the kids and, most importantly, the director Ms. Sue is always around and making sure everything is going as it should and responding to/communicating with parents with the utmost respect and professionalism.

My first just graduated from FCM and it is unbelievable all that he has learned while being in the…read moreloving care of these fantastic teachers. The teachers love our children as their own and you can feel it. FCM strikes a wonderful balance between learning and playing. Your child learns key life skills all while having so much fun. Lastly, it's great that the school has their own private playground vs other centers in this area that have to take kids on long unsafe walks on main roads to get to an outdoor play area.

I consider myself so lucky to have stumbled upon this wonderful Montessori school! We enrolled my…read moreson in the school about a year ago and he quickly felt at home there. At first we were nervous because he had a nanny before (who he loved), but they made the transition so easy for us. He comes home with new knowledge each day and I can tell that the teacher truly care about him. My son is the type of child who really likes when everything is in order, and the classroom is always calm and under control. He also loves the outside playground! I am so happy we made the decision to go with Falls Church Montessori!

St Charles is the perfect place to send your PreK children. There are not many options for 2-year…read moreolds and this has been a blessing for our daughter. After just a few weeks, we noticed an improvement in her social and motor skills. The school is also nestled next to a bunch of cafes so if we show up early for pick-up, there are plenty of places to wait while enjoying a lovely croissant and latte. Unfortunately, the rumor is that the school will be closing after next year. :(

My husband and I are continuously impressed by the quality of the teachers at St. charles; our kids…read morelearn a lot and very much enjoy school. We wanted to share some stories that highlight why we appreciate the school and it's wonderful teachers ... Today our son, Michael, recited the entire Lords Prayer and was so proud of himself :) We very much appreciate the wealth of religious knowledge they gain at school whether it's saying grace or learning biblical stories ... Michael often requests that we take a trip to China. When he asked again today, our daughter, Brianne, started singing "Ni Hao Parker". We couldn't believe it!! We are so appreciative of the education on diversity they receive from their teachers who do an excellent job discussing different countries, cultures and languages with them!! There are countless similar stories ranging from their teachers working with them on motor skills or learning basic skills/concepts or exploring various topics. The school is also very flexible and supportive of our family given that both my husband and I work full time! I would highly recommend this school!

Our son began attending Amazing Child Care at the age of 13 weeks, and as new parents, we were…read morenervous and unsure of what to expect out of any child care/nanny situation. Amazing Child Care has been an incredible place for him and for us, as we never worry about his well-being, happiness and development. Ms. Celina is a positive teacher and role model for the kids, and she puts her degree in early child education and years of experience in larger day cares to fantastic results. Our son has developed very quickly (he is now a year old) and is always excited to arrive at day care, never fusses about being left there, and Ms. Celina has designed and implemented a unique program to suit his needs. Her day care is bright, cheerful, clean and full of toys that encourage play, learning and happy kids. There is a well-rounded schedule that includes art, music lessons, Spanish class and plenty of unstructured and structured play and learning. We are more than happy to serve as a reference for parents looking for the perfect day care, as we know what that search is like and are so very glad our search and concerns ended in finding Amazing Child Care.

The name says it all. This truly is amazing child care!! When I relocated for my new job I was very…read moresceptical about my son going to daycare since he's only ever been cared for by family. However, I can genuinely say Celina and her amazing spirit are just as good as family if not better. She takes individual care and focus to make sure your child's needs are being met. She's constantly working to increase cognitive, motor, and social development. This center can compete with the best of them. Each day she gives a progress report to let you know what your child actually did, what they ate, and what their bathroom activity was. Did I mention ALL the food is ORGANIC?! Stop the stressful search and give this hidden gem a chance. You WON'T be disappointed!!

Early Steps has been the best preschool experience for our family…read more When we transferred our son from another preschool (a Montessori program), we were concerned that he might struggle to adapt. However, the transition was seamless. From day one, he enjoyed every moment and felt right at home. At the time, he was behind academically, but thanks to Miss Maria Ferrufino's dedication, he quickly caught up with his peers. Her guidance helped him feel confident and comfortable while learning to read, write, and perform basic addition and subtraction. She treats every child as if they were her own, and that care makes all the difference. I'll never forget the joy I felt picking him up each day he never wanted to leave because he was having so much fun. The entire teaching team ensures that no child is left behind. They also go above and beyond to teach children daily life skills, like brushing their teeth, combing their hair, and maintaining cleanliness throughout the classrooms and facilities. Miss Maria and her team even made lunchtime a learning experience, teaching the children about vitamins and minerals to encourage healthy eating habits. Choosing to switch schools was one of the best decisions we've made. I'll be forever grateful to Early Steps Bilingual Preschool, Miss Maria Ferrufino, and the entire staff. If we ever have another child, I wouldn't hesitate to enroll them here. There's no greater peace of mind than knowing your child is truly cared for.

Ms. Maria Ferrufino is an amazing teacher and a role model. My daughter has excelled in writing,…read morereading and math. By the end of the preschool year she is doing all at first grade level. The preschool program at Early Steps Springfield also includes plenty of arts, sports and fun activities. In addition to this, the kids get great support, love and care not just by the lead teacher but by the amazing assistants. The karate teacher Mr. P. has a gift for working with young kids. The school organize multiple festivals throughout the year and celebrates the cultures of the families of the students, and the staff members. I have also enjoyed the community of the parents and the comradery. How lucky we have been to have such an excellent educator as Ms Maria Ferrufino in Springfield. I highly recommend her pre school class to neighbors and friends and I am sure many of them will share the great experience we've been lucky to have!

Pinecrest is a little gem in the heart of Annandale. The small student to teacher ratios ensure…read morethat each child is nurtured and taught in an environment where they can have their needs met. The teachers are warm, caring, and provide exciting and challenging curriculum while helping maintain a creative environment. The motto "This is Community" could not be more true as parent and teachers work together, are involved and always looking out for the best interest of the children. Pinecrest also has a wonderful Mindfulness program that is implemented in every classroom on a daily basis! It's a wonderful and warm place to have your children learn and thrive!

As an educator I know a quality school when I see it. Pinecrest School (as well as their summer…read morecamp- Pinecrest Summer Pavilion) is an incredibly unique learning environment, with a school community like no other. I often think how much I would have loved going to school there as child. Pinecrest's leadership and staff are highly qualified and incredibly talented. The class sizes are small and the students truly LOVE their school. There is a genuine joy of learning that takes place at Pinecrest from both the students and the staff. The energy at Pinecrest is buzzing with creativity, comfort and community. It is a true gem of Northern VA.

My son has been attending Kinhaven for two years. The school emphasizes social-emotional growth and…read moredevelopment, and the teachers are outstanding, showing kindness and patience with all of the children. I highly recommend this school.

I highly recommend Kinhaven. This is my son's second year at the school and it's been wonderful…read moreseeing him grow and thrive. The teachers and staff are wonderful and provide a thoughtful and kind environment with a focus on play. We've also enjoyed getting to know the broader community through play dates, the 5K and other events.