Thinking about preschool but not sure where to begin? There are tons of online resources available (including our Comprehensive Preschool Guide!), which are a great start.
But, you’ll never really know for sure if a school is the best fit for your family until you see it for yourself. So, we’ve complied a list of some open houses at our favorite local preschools, plus suggested questions to ask during these tours to determine your family’s best-fit school.
Oneness-Family School serves families who value student-centered learning and personal growth alongside a rigorous curriculum. At Oneness-Family School, academic, social, and emotional skills are championed to prepare every student for life, not just for school.
The learning program combines a traditional Montessori curriculum emphasizing mindfulness, social-emotional development, and leadership skills. Students are taught to be compassionate and courageous world citizens with an enduring love of learning.
Open Houses
Thursday, October 10, 10:00 am
Thursday, November 21, 10:00 am
The Primary Day School in Bethesda, Maryland, educates boys and girls during the four most important learning years of their lives—Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade.
Children are full of energy, curiosity, and potential during this magical time of life. A Primary Day education taps all three to the fullest.
Open House
AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School offers free, high-quality education exclusively to three- and four-year old children.
AppleTree implements a nationally acclaimed curriculum designed exclusively for three- and four-year-olds. The schools are devoted to providing extensive resources and research opportunities that make its teachers leaders in early learning.
With small class sizes and the Every Child Ready curriculum, children get the attention they deserve in a fun and engaging learning environment.
Open Houses
Pinecrest School is an award-winning progressive private school in Fairfax County, Virginia, serving ages 3-12 in preschool and kindergarten through sixth grade. It is conveniently located in Northern Virginia inside the Beltway in Annandale.
Its progressive educational curricula and bright, modern facilities combine with a warm and nurturing social and emotional environment to start students on the path to a lifelong love of learning. Pinecrest School is fully accredited and has been recognized with many local honors over the years.
Open Houses
October 3, 2024 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
November 16, 2024 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
January 26, 2025 – 1:00 – 3:00 pm
February 22, 2025 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Acorn Hill Waldorf Kindergarten & Nursery strives to encourage and protect the senses of wonder and gratitude that nourishes children’s imaginations. It is a warmth-filled school to work, play and create.
Acorn Hill believes that play is the serious work of childhood, and that learning by doing provides the foundation for critical thinking, problem solving, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, Waldorf Education is based on a developmental approach that addresses the needs of the growing child. Waldorf teachers strive to transform education into an art that educates the whole child—the heart and the hands, as well as the head.
Open Houses
November 19, 2024
December 3, 2024
December 10, 2024
January 7, 2025
January 14, 2025
January 28, 2025
Questions to Ask at a Preschool Open House
If there’s one thing to know about preschool in the DC area, it’s that there’s no shortage of amazing options. In fact, there are so many that the decision-making process can quickly become overwhelming – Montessori or play-based? Half-day or full? Take your chances with the DC lottery or enroll in a private?
Thankfully, most preschools in our area offer open houses or private tours so you can get a feel for life at the school. These can be an amazing opportunity to peek behind the curtain, see classroom life, and get your questions answered.
Here are a few things I recommend you look for during your open house tours, based on my experience working as a teacher and in admissions, and as a mom who’s been through it a few times 🙂
#1 Scheduling and convenience
I am not going to mince words here – for many families, the perfect school is the one that’s easy to get to and works with your schedule. No other info needed, thanks.
In that vein, make sure to figure out:
- What are the hours? Are there half-day options? Full day? After care?
- What’s the commute going to be like?
- And most importantly – what is going to work best for you and your child?
Of course, there are always some parents who will go on and on about their preschool that’s wonderful (of course!) but not the right fit for your family. Don’t let them get to you! You know your family’s needs, and what is and isn’t going to work logistically or otherwise.
#2 Dig into the school’s educational philosophy
There are many types of early childhood education, but some of the most common in our area are play-based, Montessori, Reggio, and nature-based. Some parents feel passionately that their children are in one specific type of school, and others are open to several and select the school based on other factors.
When I was searching with my children, it was helpful to know:
- What is the school’s educational philosophy?
- And how strictly does the school adhere to it?
For example, my oldest daughter attended a Montessori school. While the tenets of Montessori are the same across the board, there is a pretty wide range of what’s happening at these schools. AMI-certified schools adhere most strictly to the Montessori philosophy, while others are “Montessori-inspired.” One isn’t better than the other – an AMI school might be the perfect fit for one family, and too rigid for another – but it is helpful to ask details about the philosophy to understand what your child will experience.
#3 Consider the teacher experience
As a former preschool teacher, I know that early childhood education is hard work that is not for everyone. Happy, fulfilled teachers are excellent resources for children, while unhappy, frustrated teachers can provide a sub-par experience.
When I look at schools, I do my best to gauge how satisfied the teachers are with their work with these questions:
- How long have most of the teachers been there? Low turnover is a good indicator of teacher happiness.
- What opportunities does the school provide for teachers to continue to grow in the field? A teacher with the opportunity to continue to grow her career is often a satisfied one.
#4 It takes a village…
Early childhood education is so important for setting the foundation of the rest of your child’s schooling. Beyond that, it can become your family’s “village” – a group of people you can turn to for help, support, a listening ear, and friendship.
I have found that volunteering is a great way to meet other parents to build a village. So at open houses, I like to ask about volunteer opportunities:
- Do parents participate during the day (during working hours), or are there evening opportunities?
- Is there a parents’ association looking for volunteers?
- Are there community events for parents and children?
When it comes to mom-friends, more is more. And finding a preschool where you can meet more friends can be an amazing experience for the whole family.
Thank you for this great list! I’d also like to add River Park Nursery School for parents looking for gentle start options in Capitol Hill. River Park is a fantastic option for 3-5 year olds. You can choose from 3 days a week to 5 days a week for your kiddo. The teachers are so special and enthusiastic and the kids love them .
They have two open houses coming up in January:
Upcoming OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, January 7 from 10-12 pm
Saturday, January 28 from 10-12 pm
For additional questions please email [email protected]
https://www.riverparknurseryschool.org/
Christian Family Montessori School, which is on the grounds of scenic Rock Creek Cemetery, has upcoming open houses and tours. The school now services grades PK3 through 8th. It also hosts a “parent and infant” playtime program.
Open houses will be held on November 16 and December 7 (1-3pm).
Tours also to be held on 11/13 and 11/20.
Please reach out with any questions!
As described on CFMS’s website:
Christian Family Montessori School (CFMS) is an inclusive, affirming school and community committed to providing a high quality and thoughtful Montessori education grounded in the principles of inclusivity, equity, and social justice. CFMS is committed to creating a diverse educational community that welcomes families with different racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds and affirms and welcomes children and families with diverse sexual orientation, gender identities and expression.
cfmschool.org