Suggestions for preschool in Alexandria/Springfield/Kingstowne/Burke?? (Annandale, Franconia: daycare, live)

[m's mom]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good preschool for my daughter? She'll be 3 next year. I know it's late now since it's already September, but in case they have an openings, or even something to keep in mind for next year.

I'm looking for a half-day twice-per-week program, preferably in Alexandria/Springfield/Kingstowne/Burke -- so not a full time daycare, more of just a preschool.

I would definitely appreciate any advice -- it seems there are so many preschools and it's too confusing! We are not affiliated with any church, but I'm open to anything (as long as the teachers are good, school is clean, etc).

Thank you!!

[themommy]

When we still lived in Alexandria, we'd checked out and were seriously considering these:

Prince of Peace Lutheran School (http://extra1948.net/SchoolSubsite/index.htm - broken link) (at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield)

Annandale United Methodist Church (near the intersection of Gallows and Columbia Pike in Annandale)

Our next-door neighbor was a big fan of this one:

Church of the Resurrection (Episcopal; on Beauregard Street in Alexandria between Seminary and Braddock)

[mlv311]

I highly recommend Burke Presbyterian Preschool. It's located in Burke near the intersection of Ox Rd and Burke Centre Parkway (behind the Kohls). They have a holistic approach to child development and very low staff turnover (the director and many teachers have been there for over 10 years). I know they have openings this year in the young 3's, but your child would need to turn 3 by December 31st and be potty trained.

Prince of Peace and St. Stephen's are very popular. They are worth checking out early if you plan to enroll your daughter next year.

BTW, the MOMS group in Burke holds a preschool fair in late January at the Burke Fire Station. Almost all the preschools in Springfield and Burke are represented. It's a great way to get information on the schools' requirements and meet with the directors before enrollment starts in February. Look for announcements in the public library or local papers.

[robbobobbo]

My child went to Franconia Baptist Preschool. We're not religious, but I didn't feel like they were indoctrinating. Their staff were nice and my kid had fun. They are convenient to Springfield, Alexandria, and Kingstowne, located on Franconia Rd near Van Dorn.

School, Preschool, Kindergarten, Children, Youth

[slduvall]

One thing to consider...if you plan on being in the same location when your daughter starts school AND plan to use daycare when she does is to get a school that provides transportation to the elementary school. If you don't intend to use before and/or after care when she is in school then no worries.

Just something to think about...there is enough trauma when starting KG don't need to add another change to the mix.

[Yankeesfan]

Springfield Methodist and Bush Hill Presbyterian were both excellent when we used them. Springfield Methodist had a two-year-old class.

[m's mom]

I've checked out all these websites -- they all look great actually. I don't know how people go about choosing a preschool!

Do you think it's better to go to a "non church affiliated" preschool, or one of the places mentioned, or does it matter? We are not any of these faiths (Asian, actually). In a church-affiliated school, are the majority of the students members of the church?

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. Any advice would be great! And slduvall, thanks for the suggestion -- as of now, we don't plan on using daycare but of course that all depends on the economy at the time!

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by m's mom

Do you think it's better to go to a "non church affiliated" preschool, or one of the places mentioned, or does it matter? We are not any of these faiths (Asian, actually). In a church-affiliated school, are the majority of the students members of the church?

That's a matter of personal preference. Many preschools are affiliated with a church; however, faith is expressed in very basic, general terms so it wouldn't matter what denomination you practice. But there are preschools not affiliated with any faith if you prefer that. And no, you don't have to be a member of the church to enroll a child in the preschool.

[tgbwc]

My son went to The Springs Montessori on Backlick Rd. in Springfield. He left about 3 years ago when he entered first grade. We were happy with it.

The Springs-A Montessori School (http://www.springsmontessori.com/html/springs.html - broken link)

[m's mom]

Two other questions actually --

one -- is it better to attend a preschool which has kindergarten there as well?
two -- i've heard the name "co-op" preschool, does anyone have any thoughts on these?

thanks again for everyone's advice!