My son is 2 years old and we're about to move to Vienna, VA. Can anyone recommend a good preschool? i was looking at FB Meekins Coop school. what do you think of this school? Also, about how much can i expect to pay for preschool education for a 2 year old?
Hi! My daughter has been going to Andrew Chapel Preschool (on Trap Road between Route 7 and the Toll Road) since she was almost 2. It's only half-days, though - not sure if you are looking for full days. It's about $350 a month (I think) for the three-day classes. The older kids can go four or five days. We love it - great teachers and kids, lots of music, crafts, exercise, etc.
i have a bunch of friends who have had or have their children at meekins. both the parents and kids love it. it is a friendly community - lots of activities related to school and not. and the kids do not have to be potty-trained. it is reasonable as it is a cooperative school - parents work there helping out teachers, etc.
there are lots of preschools in vienna. there are not too many without church affiliation, excluding meekins and parkwood.
i had my child at epiphany preschool (part of a methodist church - we are not methodist). we loved it - great director and teachers been there for 20+ years - fantastic playground and all classes on one level lots of light - bright and cheery. it starts at age 2.5 (two days a week) if potty trained.
i initially had mine at another preschool Wesley (for 2 yrs old - 2 days a week) and he did not have a good experience though i had friends who loved it. he would cry after we made the turn toward the school. so we shopped around exploring other preschools find one that works for you and your family. something to consider in vienna is traffic - 123 (maple ave) is a major road to get to tysons since I66 is HOV only in the morning. i'd recommend finding a preschool close to home.
We live in Vienna and take our 2 and 3 year old children to Community Montessori School in nearby Reston. (It's only 11-12 minutes from our house) Our next-door neighbor's children also go there.
It's a very good school with well-trained, caring teachers. Very clean - the kids have had a lot fewer colds and illnesses than at their old school. They follow Montessori teaching practices, but aren't fanatical about it so they are able to be a little flexible according to each child's needs.
They also have very flexible schedules available - just mornings, all day, a few days per week, etc. Our kids used to go every day until 6:30, but since I quit my job to start my own company they only go until 3:30. Some kids only go a couple of days per week; some only go until noon. Few other local schools offer these options.
The rates are posted on the school's website at www.communitymontessorischool.com. The pricing depends on your schedule. Most of the good schools/day cares in the area are about $15-18K/year.
I highly recommend Holy Comforter Episcopal Preschool. Adorable school and if you are not Episcopalean, it doesn't matter (we aren't). Most of the emphasis is on play. Tuition is around $250 or less per month I believe, for three half days. Hope that helps!
