Good Preschool/Pre-K Programs in 22315 Area (Manassas, Franconia: to rent, daycare, house)

[emarsh6719]

We will be moving to the area (looking to rent most likely in Kingstowne area and husband will be working at Ft. Belvoir while I telecommute) next June/July and are looking at preschool/pre-k programs for our kids. We have twins who will turn 5 in August 08 and are trying to decide whether sending them to kindergarten makes sense or if we should send them to a preschool program for another year. This is their second year of preschool this year but they have some mild delays so we are thinking holding them another year would make sense. We also have a singleton who will turn 3 in June 08. I work so we'd like to find a year-round program for them, ideally, that has a strong preschool and pre-K program. We have looked at some of the local daycare centers like KinderCare, La Petite, etc. and also are starting to look at some of the local Christian schools (Calvary Road, Christian Center School, St. John's Early Childhood Education Center). Does anyone have any recommendations or experiences to share about preschool or private schools with preschool and pre-K programs in the 22315 area? Thanks!

[goldenmom7500]

Hi,

I don't know about programs in that zip code. I did want to say that my daughter was a preemie, born in late August. Last year when she turned 5 she did private kindergarten in Manassas in a church and when we did conferences in the spring, the teacher said that there was nothing really specific (well, the specifics were very subtle) but she recommended that we repeat kindergarten. As she said to the kids "this child gets to do another year of kindergarten - yay!" Now she is in public kindergarten and I have to say that repeating kindergarten was one of the best decisions I have every made. She is at the top of the class and so proud. It has really boosted her confidence and she is flying through the materials. I had been feeling badly that she was always the youngest, sort of looking around the room wondering why everyone else was catching on to things much more easily.

Anyhow, it really worked beautifully for us, especially doing the private K and then moving into the public - I mean, she was overwhelmed by the public school, but at least it was something different, not repeating the material with the same teacher.

In any case, I hope this helps and secondly it will bump up your thread so that someone with knowledge of your zip code can jump in.

[novamom]

I highly recommend Franconia Baptist. It's in zipcode 22310, not 22315, but it's very close. It's located on the corner of Franconia and Van Dorn. My daughter has gone there for 2 years and I can't say enough good things about it. We will most likely do private kindergarten there next year as well. They usually do their open house around February, but are usually open to people calling with questions and wanting to see the school. Hope that helps!

[emarsh6719]

Thank you so much for the tip. This is a school we hadn't looked at yet. We are planning a trip out there in mid-December to look at some schools and get a better feel for the area. I will definitely be contacting them. Thank you!

[emarsh6719]

Goldenmom7500, thanks. That helps to know as that is probably exactly what we will do. I'm glad it worked for your daughter. We were on the fence about whether we were making the right decision holding them but after talking more with their teachers and reading your comment, I think sending them to a private program for a year is the right thing to do. Now we just have to find the right program!

[mollyanna]

LEE DISTRICT Rec Center has a phenomenal preschool. My kids went there and I know many people who are extremely happy with the program. 703-922-9841 on Telegraph Road.

[MattVA]

Check out the program at Virignia Hills Baptist Church. Consistently ranked one of the best in the area by the local papers. Located next to Lee District Park.