Relocating & considering preschool options for Fall 2021
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Anonymous
| Hello, My family is relocating to the Northern Virginia area within the next couple of months. I have reviewed threads for preschool options for our 3 year old wich has been really helpful. Does anyone have any recent feedback on the following schools: School for Friends, Concord Hill, Aidan, Browne Academy, Country Day School? We will reside in Northern VA area (Arlington, Alexandria, McLean or Falls Church). Our priorities are nurturing environment, great preparation for kindergarten, genuine commitment to diversity & inclusion. I am not familiar with the traffic in the DMV area, but have heard it can be pretty hectic. Therefore, commute may be a consideration as well, but we really do want the best educational experience for our little one. She has been in a child care environment (La Petite Academy) and has thrived socially. She is great with letter, number, shape recognition and other beginning concepts. We want to keep the momentum going in a nurturing environment. Sorry for the long message - just trying to make the best decision for my little one given an aggressive timeline. Thank you in advance for any perspective. |
Anonymous
| I think most of these schools would have had admissions deadlines in Jan 2020 for Fall 2021. I would call them all and see who has space in their 3 year old class. |
Anonymous
Apologies, I meant Jan 2021. |
Anonymous
| For whatever it's worth, I think a lot of schools that would typically not have spots by now actually might, since DC's regulating agency (OSSE) recently changed COVID guidance to allow preschools to return to full capacity, and they had previously been operating under much lower caps. Best of luck! |
Anonymous
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I recommend also looking at Little Ambassadors' Academy in Arlington. It's wonderful.
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Anonymous
Agree! We have been really happy with them! That said, I think they may have filled up their 3 yr old classes for 2021, but you never know. It’s worth a phone call. |
Anonymous
| Figure out where your going to live first and then stay close. If you chose Alexandria, going to Mclean for school would be a nightmare with traffic. And vice versus. Then call around. |
Anonymous
| Agree with the others. In this area, you don’t generally get to shop around leisurely and choose. You go where you get a spot, and you apply early. Do you need full day care, or can you do half days and/or be part of a co-op? That may expand your options. And yes, pick the neighborhood that works best for the adults’ commutes and where the local schools are what you want for elementary school. |
Anonymous
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I agree that commute is important around here. But I do think you can shop around for the right fit. A bad fit would be worse. We recently decided to change pre-schools and I found a few with spots. Half do or 2 or 3 days a week will open your options up significantly.
We toured Country Day school and it was amazing! Didn’t work logistically for us - but it seemed so wonderful. |
Anonymous
| Figure out where you are going to live and stick close to there, unless you are gunning for a Big 3. |
Anonymous
Big 3 is a myth. There is no such thing. |
Anonymous
| Thank you all for the feedback! |
Anonymous
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You may want to add Walker Chapel pre-school in Arlington to your list. It's amazing.
If you end up living in McLean, Country Day would be an obvious choice. |
Anonymous
OP is not looking at any DC daycares. |
Anonymous
| You want recs for full time daycares, or traditional preschools? |