Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Herndon, VA

Pre-K

Your child’s school readiness is the most important thing to us and that’s the focus of our Pre-K program. Building on Preschool learning, we focus on problem solving, responsive listening, language usage, and social skills. Our Focus on Literacy™ program features in-school and at-home activities designed to improve your child’s literacy and cognition in areas such as vocabulary development and alphabet knowledge. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Junior Kindergarten

Our Junior Kindergarten program is for children not quite old enough for kindergarten or who may need additional skill development. This is the path for young 5-year-olds. We explore the structure and format of a day in kindergarten, with developmentally appropriate kindergarten curriculum. This program helps develop the critical skills your child needs for elementary school, such as: following multi-step instructions, organizing work, controlling impulses, sustaining attention, and finding multiple ways to solve problems. Note: Children must complete Pre-K prior to enrollment. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Pre-K

Our Pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten and beyond by fostering classroom readiness skills, nurturing social-emotional growth through our character education program, and strengthening literacy and math skills. With our Links to Learning curriculum, your child will begin to express ideas through writing, solve math equations, develop an understanding and appreciation for diversity, and work together to create a strong classroom community. For children who miss the kindergarten cut-off, we offer additional academic rigor.

Pre-K 2

Our Pre-K 2 program is designed for children who have completed Pre-K, or whose birth dates are after the kindergarten cut-off. This program further builds on skills developed in Pre-K, but with additional levels of academic rigor and enrichment opportunities to create higher levels of cognitive reasoning and understanding.

Pre-K

The Gardner School’s Pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten through structured learning, hands-on activities, and leadership opportunities. Using the World of Wonders (WOW) curriculum, teachers build early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills while fostering independence. Learning Without Tears supports writing and readiness through multi-sensory techniques, while interactive centers encourage creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. Technology, including educational games on computers and iPads, enhances engagement. Students build responsibility with KITE (Keeping It All Together Every Day) binders, introducing early homework concepts and strengthening home-school communication. They also take on leadership roles in enrichment classes like music, drama, language, and sports. Families stay connected through real-time updates, KITE binders, and conferences. Graduates can continue skill-building in Kindergarten Boot Camp, supporting a confident transition to kindergarten.

Preschool

The Gardner School’s preschool program fosters curiosity, independence, and cognitive growth through hands-on learning and cooperative play. Using the World of Wonders (WOW) curriculum, teachers introduce language, literacy, math, and science while supporting social-emotional development. Learning centers encourage exploration in reading, construction, dramatic play, fine motor skills, and sensory activities, while routines, classroom roles, and enrichment build confidence. Learning Without Tears strengthens early writing and readiness through multi-sensory techniques. Children participate in enrichment classes like dance, music, language, and sports, and take on leadership roles that promote responsibility. Preschoolers wear uniforms and enjoy meals in the Kids’ Cafe, supporting independence. Families stay connected through real-time updates, photos, and progress reports. Through engaging academics and individualized support, we prepare children for kindergarten and a lifelong love of learning.

Pre-Kindergarten

As children prepare for Kindergarten, our Pre-K classroom offers exciting opportunities for them to develop the skills they will need while making friends and exploring the world around them. Our Pre-Kindergarten program helps your child learn more about themselves, others and the world around them. Teachers engage in play with students, helping them to develop their social skills and learn more about effective communication. Our Wonder of Learning™ curriculum emphasizes a child-led, teacher-guided approach, encouraging interactive, purposeful learning experiences that allows students to grow their math and literacy skills, preparing them for Kindergarten and beyond.

Preschool Classroom

In our Preschool classroom, children start their journeys into a cooperative learning environment where they can discover interests and learn in a more structured setting. At The Goddard School®, we recognize that classrooms are made up of many unique children and teachers work to create engaging, innovative, play-based lessons with the interests and needs of every child in mind. Through the power of asking a question, your child will learn how to seek answers and advocate for themselves in the classroom. The Wonder of Learning™ curriculum takes your child's natural curiosity and encourages them to ask even more questions because asking questions fuels learning. When children want to know something, they learn faster and learning becomes an understanding that lasts a lifetime.

Spanish Immersion

Our Spanish Immersion program offers children the gift of bilingualism in a nurturing Montessori environment. Led by native Spanish-speaking guides, children are immersed in the language through daily routines, conversations, and hands-on learning—developing fluency with natural intonation and accent. Alongside Spanish language acquisition, children engage in a full academic curriculum including math, reading, writing, and practical life activities. This early exposure not only strengthens cognitive development but also opens the door to a lifetime of cultural, social, and professional possibilities. Full-Time tuition listed. Part-time and flexible scheduling options are also available. Contact this location for more details.

Children's House Preschool

Our Children’s House preschool and pre-K program lays a strong foundation for academic and social success by honoring each child’s natural drive to learn. In this mixed-age Montessori environment, children explore subjects like math, language, science, and geography through hands-on materials and individualized lessons. The daily routine also includes real-world activities—such as preparing snacks or watering plants - that build independence, confidence, and a sense of purpose. As they grow at their own pace, children develop critical thinking, leadership, empathy, and the skills they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Full-Time tuition listed. Part-time and flexible scheduling options are also available. Contact this location for more details.

Preschool

Our preschool programs blend fun, learning, and nurturing to support the development of our children in all ways! Through our partnership with local and national early childhood experts, we strive for our preschoolers to be more than ready for Kindergarten by the age of five. To achieve this goal, our preschool program follows the creative curriculum model and addresses all seven domains of learning.

Prekindergarten Program

Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Prekindergarten Program

Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Prekindergarten Program

Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Prekindergarten Program

Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our Montessori program offers a carefully prepared environment where children develop independence and a love for learning. Through hands-on activities like letter and number games, practical life skills, and creative art projects, children explore key academic and social concepts at their own pace. Multi-age learning and self-directed activities inside and outside the classroom foster leadership, problem-solving, and gross motor development, allowing children to take initiative and build confidence.

Preschool

Our Montessori program provides a thoughtfully prepared environment where children explore early academics, practical life skills, and creative activities at their own pace. With multi-age learning areas, younger children benefit from learning alongside older peers, while engaging with Montessori materials that foster problem-solving, fine motor, and early literacy skills. The program also offers opportunities for leadership and mentorship, nurturing cognitive, social, and emotional development in every child.

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