Merritt Academy, Fairfax
Based on 8 reviews
About
Merritt Academy is one of three sister schools in Northern Virginia that are operated by the J127 Education Foundation. First Steps Academy and Appletree School share Merritt Academy's dedication to early-childhood education in an intimate learning environment.
Merritt Academy provides care and education for infants through 8th-grade students. Our seven-acre campus neighbors Sunrise Assisted Living of Fairfax and The Virginian help provide meaningful intergenerational opportunities for our children. Rigorous academics are enhanced by our values-driven Character Education program. Students from ages 2-5 visit Merritt's unique preschool STEAM lab while kindergarten students participate in the weekly Genius Hour.
Full-day service is provided for all early childhood students through preschool. Kindergarteners and older students may register for extended service which includes developmentally appropriate activities such as recess/recreation time or supervised study hall with Merritt faculty.
Merritt Academy also offers a fun-filled summer camp program for kindergartners through rising 10th graders. We have an outdoor in-ground pool to provide on-site swimming experiences, and we feature a variety of exciting field trips to supplement the camp activities.
Our caring and dedicated faculty consider each child to be a unique individual with special skills and talents which are recognized and nurtured. Parents are encouraged to work in partnership with teachers and administrators to provide an environment full of rich experiences, lasting relationships, and high educational goals.
To learn more, please call us or send us an email. Please be sure to mention that you found us on CareLuLu.
Disclaimer: the licensing status was checked when this listing was created. We do our best to keep information up-to-date, but cannot guarantee that it is. You should verify the license/permit/registration status before enrolling in any child care program.
Parent Reviews
Tamar G.
Verified Parent
Posted 1 year ago
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We absolutely have loved Merritt Academy the last two years for preschool/daycare. The teachers are so warm and caring, the activities are absolutely incredible and tied into really interesting and creative lesson plans. My 5 year old learned so much the last two years there.
Response from the provider:
Thank you Tamar! We are so glad you have enjoyed the journey here with us.
1 out of 1 thinks this review is helpful
Chris L.
Verified Parent
Posted 1 year ago
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I cannot say enough good things about this school. We had 2 daughters attend here from infancy to the ages of 4.5 and 2.5 until we moved. The teachers were all incredible caring, attentive and thoughtful to our children. Our one daughter has special needs, and Merritt went above and beyond to accommodate her. We will miss this school very much and recommend it to anyone looking.
Response from the provider:
Thank you Chris. We are grateful to have served your family during your time with us.
2 out of 2 think this review is helpful
Emily S.
Verified Parent
Posted 3 years ago
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Our 2-year-old daughter has attended Merritt Academy since she was 6 months old, and we would not dream of sending her anywhere else. Our experience has been magical. Merritt is not only her school; it is her second home. We truly feel that her teachers love and care for her as if she were their own child.
Looking back on the past two years, we realize that we as parents have learned as much from our daughter's teachers as she has. With their wisdom and patience, they helped and continue to help us through all the transitions of babyhood and toddlerhood.
The environment at Merritt is as enriching as it is loving. Even for babies and toddlers, teachers treat the experience like school -- in the best sense of the word, with endless activities and experiences that are fun, creative, engaging and educational. Every day when we take our daughter to Merritt, we know that she is in a place where she will be cultivated and loved.
On a practical note, the hours and holiday/inclement weather closures at Merritt are better than any day care or school we have heard of. Merritt prides itself on serving working families, and it does. We have a somewhat unusual weekday schedule, and Merritt has consistently accommodated us so that we can maximize time with our daughter. We send her to Merritt first and foremost for the loving and enriching environment, but the practical aspects have also helped us more than we can say.
2 out of 3 think this review is helpful
Stephen R.
Verified Parent
Posted 5 years ago
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I have seen a vast improvement in my son's overall happiness and confidence since he started attending preschool at Merritt. He was formerly attending a school that was regarded for its program and prestige, however, this was not the best fit for him. Choosing the right independent school is all about right fit, and Merritt has been the best fit for my son. The staff and educators at Merritt make him feel welcomed and appreciated. He enjoys going to school, and is excited to tell me about his day. I am amazed to see how well he is growing in character and knowledge. This is a testament to the quality and caring of his teachers, as well as the staff he encounters on a day-to-day basis. I highly recommend Merritt Academy to any prospective family.
Response from the provider:
Thank you Stephen! We are delighted to hear how positive your son's experience has been at Merritt Academy. So glad he can enjoy the journey with us!
1 out of 1 thinks this review is helpful
Nichole P.
Verified Parent
Posted 7 years ago
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Our daughter started attending Merritt Academy in August, and we are constantly saying how we wish we'd found it sooner! The staff is great, our teacher is amazing, and every parent we've met is just as happy.
2 out of 2 think this review is helpful
Jennifer A.
Verified through Facebook
Posted 7 years ago
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We have been with Merritt Academy for the past 7 years, and we absolutely love it. The teachers are spectacular, warm and caring. They are also incredibly professional and provide an advanced curriculum which keeps the children engaged. The children are expected to be well mannered and accountable for their actions which provides for a focused learning environment. The extracurricular activities are broad in range and meet everyone's hobbies and interests. We would not think of going anywhere else and anticipate many more years with Merritt.
2 out of 2 think this review is helpful
Emily W.
Verified Parent
Posted 8 years ago
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Merritt Academy has been a wonderful place for our son to spend his early and formative years, the advanced cirruculm has him well on the path to a successful transition to school/K. We have found the teachers responsive and engaged all while making each child feel as though they are the most special child in class.
3 out of 3 think this review is helpful
Melanie D.
Verified Parent
Posted 9 years ago
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We are going on our fourth year at Merritt Academy and have nothing but positive things to say about the school. We looked all over the Fairfax and Vienna areas for daycare facilities when we were expecting our first child, but none came close to offering the programs and amenities that Merritt has. Our two children are technically in 'daycare' but it's so much more than that. Merritt is an actual school, with a gym, a library, several playgrounds, a pool and more which makes it so exciting for our 1 and 3 year old. The little ones' eyes light up with delight when they get to see get to see the 'big kids' going to their classes and and doing their activities right next to them.
There are 400+ children enrolled at Merritt and everyday the smiling staff and teachers will greet us by name. The atmosphere is cheerful and there truly is a focus on character development. There is strong parental involvement and all kinds of family-centered activities throughout the year. There is no doubt our children are getting a strong emotional and intellectual foundation at Merritt Academy and we feel so fortunate to be part of its community. For anyone considering the school, you need to go and check it out. You'll be pleased with what you see.
11 out of 12 think this review is helpful
Contact This Program For Free
Center
Hours
7:00am - 6:15pm
Ages
6 weeks - 14 years
Kindergarten
Yes
Before School Care
Yes
After School Care
Yes
Accreditations
VCPE, VISA
Meals Provided
Yes
Transportation
Yes
Facilities
• Fenced Facilities
• Playground
• Indoor Gym
• Multipurpose Room
• Computers
• iPads/Tablets
• Video Cameras
• Smartboard
• Pool
• Library
• Vegetable Garden
• Pavilion
• Field
• Picnic Porch
• Cafeteria
• STEM Lab
