The Merit School of Gunston
Open today 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Description provided by the business.The Merit School of Gunston provides caring, quality daycare in Lorton VA at Gunston. Established in 1980, The Merit School of Virginia has built a reputation for excellence in educational childcare. The Fairfax County community trusts The Merit School of Gunston to offer children a safe, nurturing environment in which they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We have served hundreds of families in the Lorton area through the years, and we’d love to welcome your family into ours!
Openings Now
The Merit School of Gunston is now enrolling for one or more spaces.
Location Info
7752 Gunston Plaza
Lorton, VA 22079
| Monday | 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Accreditations
-
Cognia
Military Assistance
- Offers Military Subsidies/Benefits
Financial Aid
- Free Meals
- Sibling Discount
- Subsidies & Vouchers
Languages Spoken
- English
Location Details
- Offers camp programs.
- Offers out-of-school time care.
- Offers summer care programs.
- Outdoor play space is available.
- Program includes field trips.
- Meals are provided.
- Transportation services are available.
Programs Offered
Baby Steps
Toddler Explorers
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
Our Toddler Explorers program caters to children aged 16-24 months, providing a nurturing and safe environment. Individualized lesson plans, designed by early care professionals, support social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The program emphasizes daily communication with families, ensuring parents are informed about their child's activities and progress. Classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to create a home-like atmosphere, with age-appropriate materials and outdoor play spaces to encourage exploration and learning.
Preschool Explorers
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
The Preschool Explorers program provides a nurturing and creative environment for two and three-year-olds. Children engage in age-appropriate activities such as filling containers at the water table, stacking blocks, and working on puzzles in large, bright classrooms designed to stimulate exploration and learning. The program emphasizes individualized lesson plans, daily teacher-family communication, and the development of social, creative, and self-help skills. Teachers create structured yet flexible schedules that support each child's developmental needs.
Preschool Readiness Enrichment Program (PREP)
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
The Preschool Readiness Enrichment Program (PREP) is designed for three- and four-year-olds to develop essential language, math, and social skills. Using curricula like More Story Stretchers and Count On Math, children engage in group activities that build confidence and foundational knowledge. The program includes STEM learning and social-emotional development to prepare children for future educational experiences. Classrooms are structured to encourage exploration and creativity, with regular parent-teacher communication to track progress.
Junior Kindergarten
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
The Junior Kindergarten program is for four- and five-year-olds who miss the September cutoff for public or private school Kindergarten and who have completed a preschool program. It prepares them for kindergarten by focusing on literacy, math, science, and social studies. Children engage with stories, letters, sounds, and words to enhance literacy, while math concepts are taught through hands-on activities. The program also develops handwriting skills with creative materials and includes technology instruction. Social skills are fostered through interactive play and activities.
Youth Zone (School Age)
Schedules
Before Care, After Care
Calendar
School Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
The Youth Zone provides before and after school care, offering a safe and supportive environment for children during the hours before and after their school day. The program ensures children can spend time with friends in a fun, friendly, and relaxing setting. Activities are designed to keep children engaged and entertained, promoting social interaction and relaxation. This service is ideal for working parents who need reliable care for their children outside of school hours.
Summer Camp
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Summer Only
Languages Taught
English
Description
Summer Camp at The Merit School makes it easy for parents to keep their routines by providing an exciting, safe, activity-driven place for their kids when school is out. Our summer camp program begins at the conclusion of the school year and continues through June, July, and August. Outdoor activities are a mainstay of the program, including swimming!
Winter Break Camp
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
School Breaks
Languages Taught
English
Description
School’s out for Winter Break, but the learning and fun don’t have to stop! School Break Camps at The Merit School make it easy for parents to keep their routines by providing an exciting, safe, activity-driven place for their kids when school isn’t happening!
Spring Break Camp
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
School Breaks
Languages Taught
English
Description
School’s out for Spring Break, but the learning and fun don’t have to stop! School Break Camps at The Merit School make it easy for parents to keep their routines by providing an exciting, safe, activity-driven place for their kids when school isn’t happening!
Licensing
The Merit School of Gunston is a licensed child care center.
Type
Licensed Child Care Center
Identifier
586470
Capacity
120
Parent Reviews
Thank you all so much for all you have done for our daughter, I know without a doubt she would not be the amazing little girl without knowing you all! We have always felt The Merit School was her second home and she was always safe and comfortable.
Thank you for being such kind, caring and wonderful teachers. It meant the absolute world to us knowing he was in such good hands. He will miss you all dearly. We truly appreciate you!
Merit School Heroes, Thank you for everything you do for our children every day - you make everything possible.
Merit School of Gunston is an amazing school. I am the parent of an infant who goes there and I am proud to say that I made the right choice when it came to her care. I love her teachers and all the staff are very nice and attentive to her needs.
I usually don't write reviews being though I am a busy mother but I wanted to take the time to acknowledge how pleased I am with this school. Ms. Christine and Ms. Hannah are the directors and they both welcomed my family with open arms during Covid! My kids love their teachers. They come home every day and talk highly of their teachers. If you are looking for a daycare that's going to take care of your kids and ensure your kids safety, THIS IS THE PLACE! Thank you for all your continue support!
As a grandparent of a preschooler attending Merit School of Gunston, I’d like to express how satisfied I am with the services and the programs. The Director always greets us with friendly smiles. The open door policy is always in effect. The classroom ratios are great and the academic programs are great. Introducing a second language is always beneficial.
10/10 recommend Merit! I can’t say enough about how amazing our experience has been. My daughter has been in the infant room and all of the teachers are exceptional. From the administrative side working with Ms. Hannah, to the infant teachers and all support staff- they are all amazing. Ms. Gladys went above and beyond to care for our daughter like family. Every staff member at Merit truly cares about each and every child. We feel like our daughter’s teachers are like family and it is absolutely amazing to have such peace of mind, knowing our daughter is loved and care for in a nurturing environment. Thank you to all the teachers and staff for providing the most amazing care.
