Non Religious Preschools

[Anonymous]

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!

[Anonymous]

Go to their websites or call and ask.

[Anonymous]

I know Dolley Madison Preschool in McLean is in the basement of the church but is not associated with the church.

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

Don't go to religious centers, preschools, daycare homes they don't get inspections

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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

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!

[Anonymous]

Kinhaven is located in a church, but is completely independent of the church. Loved it!

[Anonymous]

Montessori schools are not religious but they do tend to have a lot of rules

[Anonymous]

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?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Montessori schools are not religious but they do tend to have a lot of rules

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.