Pre school recommendations for Woodbridge/Dale City

[Anonymous]

My daughter is 2 (turns 3 in Dec) and right now she is in a daycare based "preschool" at Minneland. I am looking for a more formal program in the area. Does anyone have any recommendations? I also have an 11 month old and would prefer a place where both of them could attend.

TIA!

[Anonymous]

I am a teacher who has lived and worked in Woodbridge for most of my adult life, and now work in DC. I'd look into some of the church programs or privately run centers versus the corporate centers. I have worked at a minnieland and would never send my children there or offer it as a suggestion. Of all the corporate centers I have found them to be the worst as far as maintaining standards and consistency and maintaining quality teachers. The kids don't get much education and the most of the teachers are not qualified. That being said even with in the same corporation centers can vary greatly from one to another. It really depends on the management team and you child's teacher. Another Minnieland or Kindercare may be exactly what you are looking for. You may need to take some time and really tour and ask to meet with the teacher assigned to your child's room. How long lead teachers have been at a school is a good indicator of a well run program and a teacher who is invested in the program as well. The only real preschool program available is at Merit School on spriggs rd (owned by Minnielad, but very different) but they don't take toddlers. If you want a academic based program rather that a playschool I don't think you will find it in Woodbridge. Goddard School (Minnieville/Spriggs rd) is pretty good. The director Jessie is fabulous and Goddard Corporate comes in frequently to make sure standards are being upheld. I am not crazy about the owner Max, he has minimal impact on the classrooms and curriculum but most of the staff are not a fan which creates tension and effects loyalty. You may want to also look into a nanny and then send your older one to a part time morning or afternoon program at a church or rec center. St. Matthew's on Old Bridge road is a really popular and well run program but only part time.

Good Luck!! I'd me interested in what you find out

[Anonymous]

Creme de la Creme off of Route 1 in Woodbridge is the best in the area. It's very pricey but what the children learn and are exposed to goes unmatched. Two year olds begin a structured day to include Spanish, Music, Math & Science and Computers. My daughter just moved to the 3 year old class (has been there since 16 months) and has excelled at a faster, more consistent pace than her peers not at the school. The parents are wonderful, with tons of playdates and elaborate birthday parties (if that's what your looking for) and I believe the friendships made will last forever. Creme also offers Ballet, Piano Lessons, Swim Lessons, Karate and Playball for an additional fee. Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

The best pre-school in Woodbridge, VA area is Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) (zip code 22192) private school from 4k- 6th grade. My son started at 4 years old and within 6 weeks, he is blending letters, writing his own name, counting to 100, etc. I have visited EVERY school in this area and had my son at the Goddard which is one of the most expensive schools in the area. He was there for almost 3 years. Sure its pretty inside and fancy but that was just it - bells and whistles. They claim to be curriculum based and for the most part, they are, however, they are not academic based. There is a difference. Visit CCA to learn about their program. They do the full Abeka program and don't hold back. The children actually have $150 dollars in book fees and their own pencil and crayon box. They sit at desk and are in classroom style seating. This is NOT a daycare. This is a school. If you are looking for a daycare, then you have your pick. But if you are looking for an academic setting with real results, then visit CCA. And it was $200 dollars cheaper than the other schools and Goddard.