I am in the Falls Church/Arlington/Mclean area. Is there a way to find preschools that are not religious?
I have heard some that meet at churches are not affiliated with the church and are not religious. But, I am having trouble figuring out which are religious and which are not. Thanks! |
Go to their websites or call and ask. |
I know Dolley Madison Preschool in McLean is in the basement of the church but is not associated with the church. |
If the preschool is 100% not affiliated with the church - they're just paying rent to use the space - they need to be licensed. Church preschools do not need to be licensed, they can get a religious exemption. Here's where you can search.
https://dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/cc2.cgi |
Don't go to religious centers, preschools, daycare homes they don't get inspections |
Here are some other non-religious preschools in McLean and most are near N Arlington:
Brooksfield School Lewinsville Montessori Montessori School of McLean Westgate Children's Center |
And what could possibly go wrong when religious institutions have unsupervised rein over children? Religious preschools are cheap for a reason. Check the VA license records- if they’re exempt, pass. |
I think it's important to point out a few other reasons why they may be less expensive (1) they are true part-time preschools that don't offer before or after-care or full-day programs, and (2) they don't pay rent if they operate out of their own church or religious building. Rent is a very expensive line-item in the DMV. |
100% . Our church based preschool (OLGC) had been fantastic. I understand why everyone has to do what’s right for them but it is a good option for those that want a little bit of religion and values sprinkled in! |
Kinhaven is located in a church, but is completely independent of the church. Loved it! |
Montessori schools are not religious but they do tend to have a lot of rules |
Unless you're looking at a Jewush or Catholic preschool, the majority of preschools have no association with the church...maybe a visit to the chapel 1x a month. Surely, you abd you're kid could handle that.
And most preschools say a generic prayer prior to snack and lunch. Are you ok with that? |
There are definitely religious Montessori schools. I don't know about NoVa, because I'm in Maryland, but St. Jerome's, Wood's Academy, Christian Family etc . . . are all Catholic, and Alef Bet is Jewish. I agree about a lot of rules. |