This wonderful gem of a School is tucked away in a neighborhood in Alexandria. My children (3…read moregirls) all attended school here through 6th grade. The experiences they shared and the knowledge they gained was immeasurable. All successful adults now, I feel I owe a forever debt to their early education and the staff at MSA. The school has been beautifully refreshed and it looks better than ever!

Both my children have attended Montessori School Alexandria (MSA). My eldest went there from 2001…read moreto 2004, finishing in kindergarten. He had a excellent teacher and had a great education. When he entered first grade in the Fairfax County public school system, he was ahead in his reading. Flash foward 11 years later when my youngest enters MSA's primary program. I will be the first to admit that she is not the easiest of children. In her second year of the primary, we started having serious discussions regarding our child's behavior which included striking teachers and outbursts of anger. Preliminary diagnosis pointed to ADHD. While our daughter was about to come off a wait list at reputable local children's hospital for further assessment--at the encouragement of MSA--the school informed us that she could no longer attend the school because she posed a danger to the other students. I would advise that while MSA does an outstanding job of teaching children who are compliant and on point with their emotional and educational development, the school is not equipped to handle a child that would require an IEP at a traditional school. Nor are they patient for a child to receive the care they need, despite being in a community where there is a long wait time for providers who can assess conditions such ADHD. Just be warned that if you think your child is ADHD or has other behavioral issues, the staff may not have the resources to assist your child.

We've been to a few daycares in the area, and Virginia Hills is by far the best experience we've…read moreever had - our children love it, and we love that they do too! The teachers are incredible, caring and genuinely want your children to succeed. This isn't just a daycare, they have a curriculum, they have enrichment activities - it's just exceptional! Can't recommend them enough!

We have been welcomed to VHP with open arms. Our toddler daughter had such a seamless transition…read moreto her new school, which I attest to the warm, caring, and organized environment. What stood out when we first explored the school is the kind, collegial relationships among the admin and staff with low turnover. The class sizes are not too big. There are flexible enrollment options for full and half day at reasonable rates for the region. Additionally, our daughter loves the music program! She has blossomed and made friends easily. And we parents appreciate the clear communication, events, and camaraderie at this sweet school.

LRDS is the best! The teachers do a great job preparing the children for Kindergarten while still…read morefostering a fun, safe environment for all. My child rarely came home sick and didn't pick up any bad habits during the 2 years she spent at little river day school. All of the teachers are caring and patient with the kids and, most importantly, the director Ms. Sue is always around and making sure everything is going as it should and responding to/communicating with parents with the utmost respect and professionalism.

Out tot has been at LRDS for almost two months. I cannot thank them enough for their patience and…read morekindness with our little one - not because he's misbehaved or difficult but because he was new and really struggled upon arrival to settle in. There were lots of tears from both tot and mom but the people at LRDS were so patient and attentive. Now, he walks in and almost doesn't say goodbye. He's excited to go and he's definitely ready to leave at the end of the day. They have exhausted him, taught him and fed him until you can say, "no more." My child has picked up so many new words and is learning so well his letter, shapes, and colors. It gives me such joy to see him learning ms actually enjoying the process. I am grateful for the attentiveness of all the workers. Because while each teacher has her class, my sons name is known to all which gives me such confidence to know that they know him and he knows them. I don't worry about his care or safety because the building is secured and there is always a watchful eye at the door. Thank you, LRDS for welcoming us into the family!!

I just wanted to share why I think Bright Horizons at Old Town Alexandria is such a great daycare…read moreoption. They offer both full-time and part, time care, which gives families flexibility depending on their needs. One thing I really liked is that they also have backup care, so you can pay for just a day to try it out and see how your child does before committing. They also do a lot to include families. For example, they held Donuts with Dads for Father's Day and Muffins with Moms for Mother's Day, where parents could come in and share breakfast with their child before drop-off. It's little things like that that make it feel like a real community. Their hours are super convenient, they're open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The teachers are very engaged, not only with the kids but also with the families. There's also an app they use to send updates and pictures throughout the day, which I love because it helps me stay connected with what my child is doing. Before your child starts, they set up an intake meeting where you get to meet the teachers, learn about the classroom, and ask any questions. It really helped me feel more comfortable and prepared with my two kids.

Make sure to ask current parents what they think of BH after the change in the center's…read moreadministration before joining the waitlist. What once was a truly wonderful and nurturing center has turned into an unsafe, unhappy place to bring my children, and it revolves around the new administration, not the teachers.

Our family was part of this school for two years, and in the beginning we truly felt at home. The…read moreteachers cared, our children were happy, and it felt like a community. Things changed after new leadership came in. The atmosphere shifted, communication became strained, and we started to feel pushed out. At one point our child's personal information was shared, which crossed a line for us. This used to be a warm and welcoming place that valued different backgrounds and perspectives. Sadly, that sense of inclusion is gone. I hope one day it becomes that kind of space again, but right now I wouldn't recommend it to families looking for a safe or supportive environment.

Outside, nature and play-based education - so the kids are having fun and don't even realize…read morethey're learning. My 5yo and 3yo are both thriving. It's a great community for children (and their parents too, let's be honest), and we are so glad every day that we found this hidden gem of a preschool.

Amazing Christian daycare/development center that both of our girls have been blessed to be able to…read moreattend. The teachers are patient, kind and disciplined. My daughters have really loved the supportive environment and learned so much. My older daughter (6) is able to come back for summer school and field trips which is wonderful as well. It takes a village and I am so grateful we have Crossroads in our lives.

It was a joy to have all four of my children go through CDC. Loving teachers, outstanding academic…read morecurriculum and a great Christian environment.

We loved having our son at Matteo's place. Great teachers, great Spanish immersion program and…read moreengaging curriculum that blends Montessori and STEM education. They also go out of their way to make things special for the kids, from a field trip to the farm to splash day to a holiday performance to preschool graduation. The administration and especially Miss Rosa were so kind and accommodating and we loved the teachers as well. Would wholeheartedly recommend!

We absolutely LOVE Childspace! There's nothing bad I can say about this amazing Learning Center. I…read moredrive from MD to bring my son here as this is one of the few preschools I could find with partial pre-school options. I have been home schooling for preschool, but I wanted something gradual to get him ready for kindergarten in a few months. Childspace did just that! They allow not only part time options, but they gave us flexibility to chose what days we would come. The staff is beyond amazing. They're so kind and my son has enjoyed his time here. I love the low student-teacher ratio. They host great community events and it's such a joy to see pictures on my little guy throughout the day via their communication platform. I'm sad my little guy has to go to kindergarten because I honestly wish I could keep him here longer.

My son just finished a year at ChildSpace and I wish we had more time here! Ms. Sana and Ms…read more Valentina are really sweet and caring and I know my son is in good hands when I drop him off at school. They really put care and attention to the curriculum and age-appropriate learning. He has learned so many things including science, art, social studies, and comes home with many projects including art, tracing and worksheets. They also have music class, go to the library, have story time, soccer - I am in awe at how much they fit in every day esp since my son only does 3 half days! I am confident that he is fully prepared for Kindergarten from both an academic and social aspect. They have half day programs and full day, which is great for us since I chose half day. Also, the school feels way more personal and not just a large vast impersonal institution. Ms. Valentina is really able to put time and energy into the kids and provides us with some flexibility and understanding which is needed for parents. She works with you if you have any asks or need some adjustments to the schedule etc. They really try to do right by the kids and it shows. I am able to discuss any questions or concerns I have with her and she addresses them either in person at pick-up or pretty quickly over the app. The small class size is also helpful so the kids get the attention that they deserve. I really enjoyed my time here and will miss the school and the teachers. Highly recommend!