Pinecrest School offers one of the best preschools in Northern Virginia. In an atmosphere of warmth and affection, preschoolers at Pinecrest School learn to function in structured group settings within a framework of nurturing social and emotional support. Our preschool program prepares children for kindergarten by emphasizing fine and gross motor skills and speech and language development, all in accordance with each child’s learning pace. Classrooms are big and bright and are filled with books, games, toys, puzzles and art supplies for children to explore, create with and learn. All preschool classrooms have bathrooms and sinks.
The typical preschool day combines free play with teacher-directed activities designed to introduce preschoolers to pre-literacy, pre-numeracy, science and social studies concepts. Children regularly practice mindfulness activities to encourage calm and focus. Preschoolers have recess daily; an indoor multipurpose room and modern, high-quality outdoor play facilities provide fun and safe recreational activities.
Preschoolers also have enrichment classes during the school week. Enrichment classes are taught by dedicated enrichment teachers and are included with tuition. Each week, preschoolers enjoy two sessions of physical education, one session of art, one session of yoga, and one session of music. Each session is twenty minutes long.
Field trips and special in-house presentations can play an important part of the preschool curriculum. Preschoolers sometimes visit local nature centers, science centers, and more for age-appropriate and curriculum-based experiences. Pinecrest sometimes invites campus visits from local fire departments, dentists, puppeteers, story-tellers, and others for preschool classes as well.
Pinecrest maintains full accreditation. Pinecrest School is proud to be part of Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
PRESCHOOL FAQs
Does Pinecrest offer 2- or 3-day-a-week preschool classes?
All preschool classes are 5 days a week, Monday-Friday. Pinecrest believes that consistency is key for preschoolers to not only enjoy school, but also feel comfortable, build confidence, and nurture independence if they have an uninterrupted weekly school routine.
Do children starting preschool need to be toilet-trained?
Yes, incoming preschoolers must be toilet-trained. Pinecrest understands that the occasional accident might happen, and that’s not a problem. We ask parents to supply a full change of clothes to be kept in the classroom during the school year in case of emergencies. However, Pinecrest doesn’t have the staff to change diapers or pull-ups.
Does Pinecrest offer year-round care for preschoolers?
Pinecrest is a school, not a daycare center, so we don’t offer year-round classes. However, for additional fees, we offer our camp in the summer months, Pinecrest Pavilion.
Does Pinecrest offer camp to preschoolers?
Pinecrest School runs Pinecrest Pavilion, a summer camp with morning-only classes for preschoolers who will be four by September 30 of the upcoming school year, are toilet-trained, and have attended preschool before.
Does Pinecrest give preschoolers a snack?
Pinecrest does not provide preschoolers with snack or lunch. Preschool students must bring a mid-morning snack and, if staying in after-care, a lunch and an afternoon snack all from home. This allows parents to have autonomy over what their children are eating on a daily basis.
What are Pinecrest’s policies regarding allergies or medical conditions?
Pinecrest staff members are very willing to work with parents/guardians to learn more about their child’s allergies and/or medical conditions and to address any concerns. Parents/guardians of incoming students must complete a Medical/Emergency Care Form listing their child’s allergies and other chronic conditions. It is in a child’s best interest to provide as much information as possible; for example, please specify if an allergy or medication condition will affect school performance and what activities or food(s) must be avoided during school hours as well as if the allergy is ingestion, inhalation and/or touch. Parents/guardians should describe all possible reactions their child may exhibit if exposed to an allergen and delineate the specific procedural instructions the school must follow if the child is exposed to an allergen. Parents/guardians are responsible for keeping Pinecrest informed as quickly as possible of any changes in their child’s health or restrictions. Please note, however, that Pinecrest is not a nut-free environment.
What is Pinecrest’s inclement weather policy?
Pinecrest follows the late opening and closing decisions of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). If FCPS starts one or two hours late, Pinecrest will start one hour late, with before-care opening at 9:00 a.m., drop-off beginning at 9:30 a.m. and school starting at 9:50 a.m. If FCPS closes due to weather, Pinecrest will also close.
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