Schools near Clifton, VA

“We recently moved to the area and took our time in finding the right place for our daughter to attend school. We toured about 5 different schools and the Merit School of Manassas was the place we felt most comfortable with. This school has really friendly staff and I have witnessed the love they have towards the kids. My daughter constantly tells me that she’s happy here and that’s our biggest reassurance that this school is great. Not only do we enjoy how the teachers from different classes greet us with a genuine smile and make you feel welcome. But always the lesson plans and different activities prepared for the children.”

“We were seeking a structured classroom environment close to our home and we have been quite pleased with Goddard in Fairfax City. While childcare costs have certainly increased since pre-2020, the results we see vs our previous structured daycare experience are well worth the expense.”

“We sent our 6-month-old son to Happy Faces and we felt he was provided excellent care by his teachers/staff. Each morning when dropping him off, I could tell that the staff really cared immensely about each child, and as new parents, they gave us helpful advice as our son reached new milestones. When he as 16 months old, he joined the toddler class and participated in their "Summer Samp" program. He was able to do splash days, bike days, they had petting zoo, and a magician come visit the kids. Overall, we had a great experience with this daycare. I think we would have kept him here through pre-school had my job situation not changed.”

“I've had two daughters go through Spring Mar. The experience has been great for both as they easily transitioned to Kindergarten. The teachers and staff are special and take pride in the children and the school. The class sizes are small, so that you're your kids get individual attention. I would definitely recommend Spring Mar to anyone looking to get their kids a head start for education.”

“I want to say thank you to Ms Rebecca and all the mentors at Godddard school in Manassas. My son Gavynn had a great time and learned a lot of skills this summer. Every day they have different activities, educational and fun!!! I truly appreciate everyone!!! Thanks for taking good care of my 6 yrs old son.”

“We have been at Goddard since my daughter was nine months old; she is almost three. We will also enroll my son when he turns nine months old. The main reason we love Goddard is their excellent communication. During our medical situation, we left Goddard for a few months to attend a Montessori school with slightly better pricing for all-day care. We encountered many issues with communication and returned to Goddard. Other things we like include:

1. The ability to walk our child to their classroom
2. Trust that our food preferences are followed
3. Variety in student activities throughout the day
4. Outdoor play structures have shade
5. Outdoor areas are ample, and the majority is grass
6. Small teacher-student ratios
7. Opportunity to bond with the teachers
8. Receive honest feedback from the teacher at the end of the day (and during parent-teacher conferences)
9. Quick action and communication when there are issues/accidents
10. Confidence in the front office and staff as a whole

We highly recommend this school to families looking for quality care, peace of mind, and a great head start on your child's education.”

“We couldn’t have been more fortunate to have found this wonderful school. Their care, dedication, commitment to education and programs that enrich each day with fun, imagination and learning is unmatched. We consider them family - they cared for our boys with such love, compassion and joy. This school, the director and the amazing teachers have had such a positive impact on our boys, and it’s because of the kind and nurturing environment they create, and the wonderful people they are.”

“I can’t express to you the appreciation I have for this school! They take amazing care of our kids and our boys have never been more at ease or happier. We see progress in their development DAILY and the teachers communicate with us very well. The registration was easy and straightforward. The app with our kids provides us direct access to their teacher and the center director. The facility is clean and updated. I highly encourage you to come here. You won’t regret it.”

“I’m not the one that’s writes to many reviews, but have to for them. My daughter finished her first week here and loves it! From the moment me and my husband toured it was smooth and we knew this was the place for her. She had fun every time I come pick her up and the amount of things they offer just blows my mind. My daughter comes home ready for bed and tired, due to there fun Jam Pack day. Being able to see pictures off her and updates makes me feel I’m there with her and Essie’s all my worries that’s I had. Her teachers are so sweet, and can tell they care about the littles in their classroom. The whole staff is great and I see why people can’t stop talking
About them. Me and my husband can’t wait to see how she grows here and learns. Thank you KinderCare for welcoming my little girl to the family.”

“My daughter is in the two year old (discovery preschool) class and those teachers have helped her learn how to speak up and have helped with potty training support! They have are a huge impact on her learning and she loves them! Thank you!!”

“Both of our children (18 months and nearly 5) attend the Goddard School of Chantilly. The teachers are wonderful to our children and the development of both our children has exponentially expanded since they started attending one year ago. We have decided to have our son complete kindergarten at the Goddard School vs. Fairfax County Public Schools and I think that will pay dividends for us in the future. While the tuition is expensive, family members pay less (albeit, not that much less) for other schools in the area and the quality is significantly different in the worst way possible. 5 stars for the Goddard School!”

“The success of a business hinges on how well the staff interact and connect with customers. Ms. Caitlyn actually recalled my initial inquiry from a few weeks ago, so when I came in with my granddaughter, she reminded me of my own interests!

We made a same day visit and my 4 year old granddaughter was holding tightly to my finger. The center was bright, clean and well laid out. When we got there, the other 4 year olds were outside. When she saw them, my granddaughter lit up and wanted to join them right away.

When they came in, a couple of the kids introduced themselves. Kids can be so amazing and welcoming! And my granddaughter decided right then that she'd be returning the next day.

We are so grateful for the warm reception and the company's flexibility. Thank you so much!”

“Woodbridge Kindercare is lead by Ms. Lara alongside her amazing team is Ms. Patrice and Mr. Johnathan. My son has been attending this Daycare for almost 3 years now, everyone has always been so welcoming and inviting. They make sure everything is taken care of from communicating events or information to organizing class transitions. To see everyone’s bright smile and a heart warming “good morning!” every day allows every child and parent to start their day on a positive note. Parents, your child/children will love it here, and so will you!”

“Meekins is a warm, inviting, and understanding school for families who want to join an inclusive community and contribute to it. The school just celebrated its 60th anniversary! I found out about it through friends whose children are now in their 20s and 30s, in addition to friends with currently attending preschoolers. We have been thrilled with the programming and flexibility that is truly child-development and child-wellbeing focused.”

“The staff is absolutely wonderful. My daughter and I get a very warm welcome every morning. Teachers offer regular feedback and make sure to include the entire class in activities. Kiddie Academy is just fantastic!”

“Kindercare Fairfax deserves ALL the stars. We switched my four-year-old from a rather extreme play-based school to Kindercare in late summer. The switch has been a pretty big adjustment for us but the teachers in the pre-K room are so patient and communicative. Ms. Latavia, Ms. Raven, and Ms. Yuri are amazing and make me feel like my son is safe and cared for while with them. Even after more challenging days for him, my kiddo’s favorite part of his day is school. The director and assistant director are also amazing and just seem interested in you and your kid. I can’t say enough about how impressed I am with this school and the people in it ?”

“Our children have attended Rise & Shine from 4 months old through preschool. We’ve seen the daycare grow from its first year to celebrate 10 years and we’ve always received wonderful care. The teachers are caring and nurturing; the curriculum is engaging, while also allowing kids to be kids. The family events are fun too! From the start, we knew we had made the right choice. We’ve also been glad to know our kids have been well prepared to enter kindergarten.”

“Ms. Hafida and Ms. Maria are the best! They’re always very friendly and positive. You can tell they genuinely care about the children in their classroom. Having to take your child to daycare can be hard, but Ms. Hafida and Ms. Maria eased our worries with their genuine care and compassion towards our child. I highly recommend The Goddard School of Lake Ridge!”

“Manassas Early Learning Center is an amazing place to send your child/children! After many years of experience, I can honestly say each year was wonderful. The first time I walked in the school, I immediately felt at ease. You walk in and immediately get the sense that happiness and creativity are oozing out. There's always laughter, play and teachers engaged with the children on their level. And the teachers are so caring, thoughtful and kind. I've never once felt unsure of sending them there in fear they wouldn't be cared for. I cannot say enough good things about ELC. My kids have thrived, learned, made great friends and memories. I'm grateful for ELC and their amazing staff. They have heart and it's just what you want in a preschool!”

“My kids love their teachers and friends at this school! From the baby room, to toddlers, to preschool, they've had fun & educational activities.

As a parent, communication with the school has been smooth regarding scheduling, food, illness, potty training, and everything in between.”

“We have put two children threw Chesterbrook Academy at this location. One graduated and the other is currently attending. I couldn't ask for a better place for my kids. Mrs. Jen and Mrs. Sherry are the best and I can carry out my day with peace of mind!”

“Winwood has been so great to our family! Both of my children had never been in daycare before attending Winwood. The staff and directors have welcomed our family in with open arms. My children love their teachers and both Katy and Jenn. Winwood has been very accommodating when it came to my children’s allergies and keeping their center a very safe and loving environment for all the children and staff that are at this location. My oldest child is autistic and the staff at winwood have been great with my son and have helped him feel more comfortable and included in all activities inside and outside of the classroom. Thank you Winwood!”

“The staff and leadership at KA are phenomenal. The center has a warm and caring atmosphere and the three kids we've sent there for over a decade now have always been excited to go every day and I know they're in a safe and happy place. Would highly recommend!”

“My wife and I are so happy with the progress our daughter has made at Kindercare. Since starting, her ability to communicate has significantly improved. She is much more expressive and articulate.

The staff has done a fantastic job with her potty training, making what could be a challenging phase much smoother for us.

Additionally, she has made great strides in learning her colors and numbers. The engaging activities and attentive teaching methods have really made a difference in her early education. We love seeing all the photos and videos of the activities they do throughout the day. They truly care about each and every child.

I highly recommend Kindercare for their excellent care and commitment to child development.”

“My husband and I felt like we made a great choice in having our daughter enrolled at Minnieland. We have seen the improvements she has made in her development and preparing her for Kindergarten. We enjoy all the staff and you can see they care for children. They have gone through some staff changes but it's okay because the new staff has been wonderful. I enjoy the communication and the updates on the Procare app including pictures of what my daughter has been doing. We wish the company could bus her to her assigned school when she starts school but we will most likely have her at Minnieland for Summer Camps and breaks.”

“Our son has been enrolled at the center since he was in Infants and is now in the Twos program. Every single one of his teachers are warm, nurturing, and so welcoming. They provide developmentally age appropriate activities for the children daily and we love receiving the updates through the app. Our son was receiving occupation and physical therapy but graduated last year and we know that he was receiving so much support from the activities he was engaging in all day at the center. Huge shout out to Ms. Miriam (Center Director) and Ms. Lali (Assistant Director) for providing families with great communication and family events. Ms. Hala, Ms. Sherry, Ms. Jasmin, Ms. Lauren, Ms. Che, Ms. Yasmine, Ms. Jannah, Ms. Iris, Ms. Nevin, and Ms. Megan went above and beyond for our son. The staff at the center are an extension of our family and we will always be grateful to them.”

“I am the current teacher and program director at Alpha-Bet Cooperative Preschool, and I have never loved my career more than I have being here. Having grown up in Germany and seeing other schools has always pushed me to create something like I have had as a child growing up, plenty outdoor time, messy play and tending to a garden were my favorite memories of my kindergarten childhood. Implementing these activities has given me pleasure and confidence that I am doing the right thing for our next generation in America.
I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.”

“I went there after school for 4 years, until Covid hit. I loved it soo much~ we got to do arts and crafts and hang out with friends outside on the b-ball court and playground (sometimes), and I made my best friend to this day there. The counselors/instructors were very nice also. The performances we did were fun because we’d do songs we all liked, except maybe one. Overall review, I would say it’s worth the money.”