Top Preschools in Fairfax, United States

Teddy bear was an amazing daycare for our infant son. We enjoyed the daily updates and sweet care that our boy received everyday. He started at 8 weeks and we were thrilled with his care until he was about 2 years old (27mos). We decided to switch daycare providers after we had multiple calls a week about his ‘behavior’ which started almost to the day that his little sister was born. Teddy bear staff was aware of this huge transition that he was experiencing at home and demonstrated some understanding to the overall struggle. However, he was placed on a ‘behavior plan’ that seemed unrealistic for a 2 year old in the midst of a major adjustment. We made the decision to move him to a new daycare so that we could be sure that he would be met with empathy, understanding, and patience. We were worried that he would be labeled as a ‘problem child” and treated as such (every little noncompliant behavior causing major attention). It should be noted that we had zero calls home or any behavioral incidents at his new daycare which may or may not have been due to other factors. That’s all to say that Teddy Bear provided the services to our family that we needed, when we needed them. I wish we could have had more time to iron out some of the ‘behavioral issues’ before it became so formal, but I still look back and remember how safe and secure I felt with my baby at Teddy Bear when I first brought him as a baby.

We had a great experience. Was it perfect? No! But it was great. The staff cares and did the best they could navigating the trials of Covid/early post Covid.

When we had issues, we spoke clearly and politely and more often than not any issue we had was resolved.

I particularly appreciate Mr David. It is so great to have a caring male figure educating and looking after kids. I know my son looked up to him and to be honest, I do too in many ways.

Our son recently “graduated” from TBDC and, while everyone has their own experiences, I wanted to make sure that we made visible the great experience we have had at this daycare. We had been with the center since fall of 2020, just after the initial peak of COVID. I was trying to balance the need to get our kiddo into a daycare with the need to protect him; TBDC did great on this front, doing their best to keep in step with the latest health department guidance. We always felt James was well cared for and he always enjoyed his time at daycare/pre-school and talked about the time with his friends and doing fun activities with enthusiasm at the end of the day.

Is the center perfect? No, but it was great, our son was treated like family (to be clear, we are not actually family), and we learned to address any issues directly and with adult discussion; any issues were always resolved to our satisfaction. We had a great relationship with Mr. David and Ms. Jennifer; as with any daycare, it’s important to get to know the teachers and management and it went a long way to avoid or mitigate miscommunication. Mr. David and Ms. Jennifer always treated us with respect and love (to include joking about WWE wrestlers! Ask Mr. David about it), and our son always raved about the food Mr. David prepared for his class! Additionally, Mr. David’s previous law enforcement experience made us feel confident that the school had thought through the appropriate safety contingencies that are an unfortunate part of our lives these days.

As I said at the beginning, I thought it important to highlight that we have had a wonderful experience with this Teddy Bear Daycare and would recommend it to others! Go check them out and meet the team yourself!

While I understand that this review won't undo the damage already done today, I believe it's crucial to share my experience at Teddy Bear Day Care for the sake of other parents who are considering enrolling their children: We enrolled our child when he was about 9 months in 2020. He moved on to an early learning program at Basis Independent just last year. We requested to have him at the day care for 10 weeks of summer. He is 3.5 years old. He was placed in a classroom with children younger than him while his peers transitioned on to the next class. When we questioned this a few times we were given the excuse that "he's not ready, that he he will transition later, and that he is with his peers, you just drop and pick him up later and don't see them". He was finally moved just last week with only one more week remaining. The past few days were hard for us as everyday he was sent home with a torrent of complaints. That he is not listening, he has issues. The "teachers" had issues with him, they cannot be burdened with him and he is leaving anyway. The new owner Jennifer prides herself in communicating with 3 year olds with no formal training, pulled him out and made him cry, the staff heard him cry and say, "I want to be with my friends". I just so happen to call and check up on my lunch break and ask how he is doing and after listening to about 8 minutes of complaining, and in my attempt to advocate for my child's well being, I expressed my concern and I said: That sounds like torture for him, I am going to pick him up in 10 min.
I used the word "torture". This escalated as to "how dare I use that word" as if I used profanity. Jennifer's response was defensive, devoid of compassion and understanding. It was equally shocking and demonstrated a disturbing lack of professionalism. Sounds like emotional torture to me if you keep singling out a 3 year old because the teachers are upset with one more child in the classroom. What was even more disturbing was my 7 month old infant that I had to beg and plead for them to take at 6 weeks (she was the youngest they ever had) was also abruptly DISENROLLED. At first I was asked if I want a refund or a credit toward her payment and I opted for a refund then I was about to get in my car I was called back and told by Jennifer to take her "because you use the word torture" and she pouted by the front door. My infant was handed to me along with her baby bag, crib sheet, diapers etc. I am standing there with two children, it's mid-day, about to return to work.
As a parent, as a mother and as a community doctor and military family, I entrusted the daycare to provide a safe and nurturing environment for my children. Instead, what we as a family experienced was a shocking display of unprofessionalism and severe lack in training and customer service. The final straw being the abrupt disenrollment of my infant, leaving me without any prior warning or consideration or the courtesy of a discussion. I had hoped for a positive experience but this has been very traumatizing. We were kicked out in less than 10 minutes. I would not wish for any parent to go through this . I understand this is a business and they have autonomy to make their choices. However, given that their services involve our children, there should be an adherence to a certain standard. That standard has fallen over the past 3 years under new owners. The vindictive actions, the retaliation if questions or concerns are brought up, and such disregard for the well-being of children and their parents is beyond comprehension. The potential negative impact on their mental health makes it a risk that may not be worth taking.

Cedar Lane Montessori is one of the best pre-schools in this area. My older son went to a different school, and my younger one is at Cedar Lane. He was very shy when he was younger (he was 2 when COVID hit), and has transformed into a very confident, outgoing, and intelligent kiddo. Huge thanks to Cedar Lane and the staff here. Mrs. Dayna (his teacher) is excellent, and really all the staff members at this school have been nothing but amazing. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a well rounded experience for your child - academics and beyond!

I can't say enough about Cedar Lane. The difference since my kids started is unbelievable. From math and reading, to manners and thoughtfulness, this is much more than a school. The teachers are outstanding and clearly love what they do. Plus with decades of history since their founding, they're one of the few true montessori programs in the area. You owe it to yourself to at least check it out.

The growth I see in my 2 children at Cedar Lane is undeniable. They say it takes a village…this is the village you want to be part of raising your kids.

Absolutely loving, knowledgeable, and patient staff and teachers. I feel so lucky to have found this place.

This is our first experience with a private school, and to say the least we are very pleased. Our daughter has learned so much in the few months that she has been at Way Of Faith Academy. The teachers are loving kind and patient. I have seen a big improvement in her attitude and obedience. We are certain we have made the best investment in our daughters learning and her future.

PNS is a wonderful school where children can learn through play with experienced teachers and supportive, involved parents. It's a great environment for younger kids to get used to a school rhythm (especially those who never went to daycare!), as they have a structure set up to get the children comfortable through playdates and half-days before the school year starts. As it's a co-op, parents are involved in running the school in a variety of roles, meaning that all parents are engaged and invested in the children's experience. The dedication of the parents and teachers is wonderful.

Such a great preschool! We love being able to spend time in the class co-oping to see how much fun the kids have learning through play. The teachers are great at sending a weekly email but are always open to a phone call or text. The school runs on parent participation so it creates a nice community centered around the kiddos!

MSO has been a wonderful environment for our children. Teachers at MSO engage in each student's life, understanding their unique characteristics and helping them continually grow into intelligent, curious, respectful, and creative kids.

After looking for 6 months and half dozen of preschool, we finally ended up at Providence Nursery School. Our daughter started there last fall in 2 years old class. She loves her precious morning time there and wants to go every day. The teachers are great there. They make sure children are safe and learning new things every day through their play.

PNS is a wonderful school! We love the school's focus on play as the way for children to learn about the world. The teachers are all fabulous and create magical and intentional learning environments for the students. We feel so thankful every day to have found Providence Nursery School.

My son will start in a few days, but we already feel at home at the school. The teacher is great, we love her! We've had several play dates organised by the school/class. It was a great way to get to know the other parents and children. We are looking forward to the rest of the school year and the opportunity for our son to learn by play!

The academy's teachers provide a very caring, loving, and supportive environment with excellent academic foundation for the children to blossom and grow.

The teachers are caring and nurturing. They have a solid educational program. Your kids will be learning in a safe and well rounded environment. Small class size where the teachers know the students and parents. There is a great playground for kids to enjoy their recess.
This school is amazing! Great Christian environment. Military discount provided. Great school for transitioning homeschoolers into a classroom as well.

We love PNS! All three of our children went there. The teachers are wonderful, caring, and very knowledgeable about early childhood education. They do a great job keeping families updated, including sending weekly emails, holding parent brunches, and parent-teacher conferences. Being a co-op school, there is a lot of opportunity for parent participation and input, and a great sense of community.

My kids go to MSO and we love it. The teachers and staff have worked very closely with our family to make it the best possible experience for our children. They are responsive to our needs and always very professional but also friendly and kind. I have only wonderful things to say about my kids' primary teacher, specifically, she has been amazing to work with for the past 3 years! Would recommend this school to anyone looking for the true Montessori experience and a supportive community of families.

This was an amazing school, nourishing environment. I can say from personal experience this is one of the best school's I've ever been to. Definitely recommend for all ages, up to 6th grade. From the plays, to the fairs, to snack time, to the way of teaching, ABSOLUTELY THE BEST private school you can want. I loved it here. 5 stars!

Wonderful establishment that goes beyond expectations. Teddy Bear daycare has so much to offer. Children have the space to have fun and learn in a happy environment. The staff is beyond accommodating and they are there to make sure all needs of the children are met. I'm personally impressed with everything they have to offer from lesson plans to healthy food menus and an attentive staff.

I am a father and parent to 4 children. I recently toured the center and could not believe the level of care the center provides. There was a menu posted with care to the diet of the children. The environment was warm and the teachers are incredibly passionate and caring of the children in their care. I asked and was told that the teachers have lesson plans with the staff actually educating the children there. I have had my kids in previous daycare, and they would play, nap and eat. That was it. I recommend this center and business to parents out their that want a better environment for their children. My children deserve the best and feel that Teddy Bear Daycare and Preschool is the perfect place for other parents looking for the same.

First of all I would like to list a few of my qualifications for this review. I am a retired US Army First Sergeant from a specific combat job title that does not need to be listed. And 22 years as a New York Police Officer, trained in MANY areas.... one of which is active shooter and School Resource Officer. But I am a parent and my kids have been to daycare in New York! I was fortunate to visit Teddy Bear daycare in Fairfax,VA. My fiancée and I even got recruited to go shop with the Director of the daycare. I am so amazed at the food and products that they just supply themselves that parents don’t have to!! I saw lesson plans posted in the rooms, we were given a complete tour! The schedules that are posted , safety bulletins, first aid procedures, and the amazing play areas! The director and staff are amazing!!! We had the pleasure of meeting the woman that started it all and I could not be more impressed with her loving and caring attitude! I have read a couple of bad reviews but I can tell you this day care is far and above the best!!! A team of us from New York have agreed to come and give safety and security assessments and seminars to this daycare for your children’s protection! We would NEVER agree to this if we did not find this facility to be in the best interest of the children and staff!!! I wish they were in New York!!!

I am a Nurse, and Mother to 5 children. I recently toured the center in Fairfax. I was blown away by the center, as it was not what I expected in a daycare. I have dealt with previous daycares with numerous diaper rashes, diapers put on backwards with another child's clothing on. This is not what I expected as I saw the instructions on the walls of how to change a diaper, meal plans with healthy choices, and lesson plans from the teachers. Activity areas were clean and spacious. The teachers were caring and patient with the children. I saw smiles on their faces and was extremely impressed with the center/school as a whole. It is refreshing as a parent, to know that the children are cared for in the manner that I would provide to mine. I met the Owner and was also impressed with the her warm and caring manner. I highly recommend this to parents looking for an educational center/school as this exceeded my expectations. They care about the children and it is their highest priority to maintain the safety of the children as well. Thank you Teddy Bear Daycare and Preschool for showing me what a good daycare/school should look like.

My daughter was enrolled here for 2 years under their primary program and we had a great experience. Loved the teachers and staff, we would highly recommend it.

its awesome to have a small but amazing school 10/10

Don't do it man.

My nephew goes to this school, he very likes teachers and other kids.

The staff is so lovely and caring!

NAEYC certified preschool where learning is child's play. Our family goes here and we couldn't be happier. Beautiful facility. Teachers with warm dispositions. Diverse student population. Everything I've come to expect from a preschool in Fairfax county.

We have three kids attend MSO, and they are fantastic. The teacher are great and this is a TRUE montessouri! Highly recommended. - T & D

As a parent-run cooperative pre-school, Providence Nursery School provides a stress-free learn-through play atmosphere for pre-schoolers aged 20 months to 5. The teachers and aides are all dedicated to bringing out the best in each child. The sense of community is very strong at the school.
My daughter was enrolled in the Child's Day Out (CDO) program on Mondays and Fridays. She learnt so much during her first year at PNS both academically AND socially. Since potty training is not a requirement at the school, it takes pressure off the parents to get the child "pre-school ready." The great thing about the CDO program was that co-oping was not a requirement, but parent involvement was still welcome. I felt we became part of the school pretty quickly. My daughter will definitely stay at PNS for the next two years until she goes to kindergarten. We are very happy there and look forward to great field trips and enrichment programs that are offered on a regular basis.

Providence Nursery School (or PNS) is a cooperative preschool in Fairfax. This means that parents volunteer in the classroom and also run the school through an executive board. The teachers and assistant teachers (all amazing) are the only paid employees of the school. This creates a very tight-knit community of parents who are all invested in making sure their kids get a great education. After enrolling my daughter in the 2's class last year, I will have two kids going to PNS next year. One in the 3's class and one in the CDO (Child's Day Out) program. The CDO program is pretty much a 2's class without the required volunteering in the classroom (similar to a Mother's Day Out program). But the proof is in the pudding: My daughter absolutely LOVES going to school. It's been great seeing her grow and interact with her peers. I am so glad we found PNS!