My son is turning 2 at the end of April and I toured both CCCC and CIS. I like both but the catch of CCCC for me is that they only accept children who are 2.5 years old. So my son won't start from end of Oct but if we were offered a spot, we will need to pay 8 weeks' tuitions fees for nothing! But anyway, they have a long waitlist so we won't get a spot anyway. So CIS it is!

Thank you so much! Please email me at PLogin20@gmail.com. Thanks again!

Hi OP I’m one of the previous MONA posters, sorry about that. Dcum is a little funny in that it’s anonymous, but if you want to share a dummy email for a way to contact you I’d be happy to reach out, I’m going through the process and have toured many north Arlington preschools recently and would be happy to share my notes.

CIS seemed warm, it’s located in a small home that has been turned into a preschool which is different but felt homey so I liked that aspect. It’s more affordable than some. They seemed to value play based learning, following the child’s lead, and are not “academic.” Which are pros to me but that’s personal preference. They operate on a rolling admissions and serve children 2 and up.

CCCC seems like an incredibly thoughtful program, also small, emphasis on child led and outdoor play. Coop so that’s a negative for some but it’s geared towards working parents and doable based on the parents I spoke to. The mixed age 3-5 classroom is a big open space which I really liked. It seemed like a special place. My friend recently visited and was said their list was full for 2.5/young 3 year old class but she could get on the list for 2021 in case something opened up.

Another to consider if you like the feel of the above two is Little Beginnings also in clarendon. I heard recently on MONA they might have some openings right now for 2 year olds. Worth a call. There has been some talk on here of issues with turnover, but generally I think people like the school and it seemed similar to the above programs when I visited - emphasis on play, outdoor time, social emotional learning.

We were at CIS at N Scott. I liked it. I love the director. I like many of the teachers. I like the playground. I like that it is a chill and easy going school. It’s on the small side, which I don’t love. But it’s perfectly fine and my child really enjoyed it there.

Get on wait lists now.

I tried joining MONA, but I’m not yet an Arlington resident. We are planning to move in the next several months, so until we have an actual address in Arlington, I will not be able to access their forum.

I agree with the MONA recommendation. I have heard good things about both of these schools and am considering both for my child as well. They have similar play based approaches from what I’ve heard, cccc is a co-op though and also the wait list is very long because it’s so small so if you’re new to the area it may be difficult. If you become a member of MONA you can search the archives of the MONA forum listserv and find feedback on both schools.

Are you on MONA (Mothers of N Arlington)? If you post there you'll get more responses than here.

Hi All,
I’m new to DC Urban Moms and Dads and the preschool scene in North Arlington. I’m hoping that some of you can help me get a better understanding of the school environment, teachers and administrators at Children’s International School (N. Scott Street location) and the Clarendon Child Care Center. What are some of the positives and negatives of these schools?
Thank you so much!