Recommend good JK program in Fairfax/Arlington?

[Anonymous]

Our 3 kids are currently at an infant-8th grade private school - which we hate. We are moving the two older boys - starting K and 3rd grade to public school next year as we finally were able to buy a house in a good public school district. However, I have not been able to find a full time PS for my youngest who will be 3 this fall, so we likely will be stuck at the current private for at least one more year (although the PS program there is good). I'd like to move my youngest to a new school in the fall of 2011/12 with a good JK program, as we have had both JK teachers at the current school and were miserable with both. Any recommendations?

[Anonymous]

langley or country day - both in mclean

[Anonymous]

can I ask what school you are currently at? I am not looking to bash a school but we are looking at a JK in a nursery -8th private and was curious if the same school (if it is just looking for feedback on it).

[Anonymous]

Having 3 kids at one school would make the OP a bit too recognizable if she listed the school ... maybe OP could provide a few ideas on what is hated at the school so that suggestions wouldn't offer up more of the same!!!

[Anonymous]

Country Day doesn't have full day care. Langley's JK is changing around for next year, and you will be able to have a child in JK from 8-3 only (No after care). My only suggestion is Tysons Corner Children's Center, which has all-day spots.

[Anonymous]

I think you might have to go with a more traditional day care setting to get care until 6 pm.

Rossly Children's Center
Ballston Children's Center
Arlington Montessori (Hippo House)
Cherrydale Baptist (although I am unsure if they go until 6 pm)
Children's International (I think there are 2 locations)

Arlington County has a document you can download with all the centers listed and a blurb on each one. I would just Google it.

Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for the suggestions! They are super helpful. We actually applied to Langley for next year (loved the school) but only 1 of the 3 kids got in.

The school we are at is good if you have a child who is very well behaved and does well sitting at a table and doing work sheets. For any private/public, make sure you talk to lots of parents and ask detailed questions: what is the rate of re-enrollment? How many kids are asked to repeat PS and JK? How many years teaching experience do the teachers for the grade you are applying to have? Not every school is right for every family.

[Anonymous]

Even well behaved chidren shouldn't be made to sit at a table doing worksheets ... good you have found an alternative.

I agree Langley is great. What about Potomac School?

[Anonymous]

Well, this isn't exactly Arlington, but if you want a child moving around and exploring the world, Burgundy's JK is great. They work on regular social development too, and it's all very positive and encouraging in their JK. There is a shared car service from Burgundy to Arlington, which parents found faster than the bus.

[Anonymous]

Kinhaven has JK program too. Also, lovely little preschool on 23rd street in Arlington called Keshet has pk program too. And St. Charles Catholic church has nice JK or PK program as well.

[Anonymous]

OP here -Lots of great suggestions. This board is so helpful for parents - thanks again. Based on these recommendations we are looking at two other preschools next week to try and move our 3rd to a new school along with the two older kids.

[Anonymous]

Doesn't Potomac start in Kindergarten and not JK?