Pre-K Options in Arlington or Falls Church?

[Anonymous]

We are considering moving to NoVA with our currently 3yr old DC. What are the Pre-K options out there for us (mostly public, but also willing to consider private)?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

In Arlington there are not many public pre-K options - some of the elementary schools offer preschool classes as part of the Virginia Preschool Initiative (for at-risk kids) and some also have Montessori, but most spaces there are also reserved for at-risk kids.

http://www.apsva.us/154010811517240/site/default.asp

Arlington County organizes some preschool classes through its parks and recreation division

http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/page61672.aspx

Most preschools are operated by private institutions - mostly churches and some full-day daycare/preschool facilities:

http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/HumanServices/Documents/10632Child%20Care%20Directory%20Feb%202007%20-%20(03-09-07).pdf

[Anonymous]

I think the pp summed that up well. I would also add that many of the private church based preschools are pretty inexpensive. We pay $280/month for our 4 year old son to go 3 days a week from 9:15-1:15 at a church based preschool in Arlington. The 5 day a week option is $400/month I think. This seems like a lot less than some of the other preschools I have seen mentioned on this site in DC and Maryland. So, if you are not really considering private because of cost, I would look into some of the church based schools.

[Anonymous]

It really depends on what you are looking for and what your childs needs are - there are lots of PT and 1/2 day programs. I chose a Full Day program for my socially advanced 4 year old as I felt she needed the interaction, socialization and stimulation. She attends 3 days a week now. She loves it. She attends Ballston Childrens Center in the Ballston Area of Arlington. Good school, very ethnically diverse in terms of children and teachers. And I have not met a teacher I didn't like yet and we are almost 3 years into it. Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

The Arlington County ones are lotteries, and there are spaces. The problem is - you need the residence to get into the lottery.

There are lots of options outside the public schools - pretty much everyone I know was happy with their preschool choice.